is a hamster a good pet for me

by Dr. Monserrate Thompson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

A hamster is not a good pet for you if -

You plan on this being a pet "for the children". Hamsters are too delicate to be handled by young children, and they can also bite to protect themselves.
Cleaning after a pet disgusts you and you won't be able to remove pee and poo from the cage (required on a daily basis).
You simply don't have the time or resources to care for a hamster.

Hamsters, for many people, make excellent pets. They don't require a lot of attention, get enough exercise running on their wheel, and are cute, cuddly, and pleasant to hold. They can make an excellent starter pet for some children.

Full Answer

Is a hamster the right pet for You?

While the decision to bring home any new pet requires careful consideration, hamsters can make great pets for almost any responsible family based on their modest space and care requirements . To help decide if this is the right pet for you, consider these seven reasons to bring home a hamster. 1. Hamsters Don't Require Extensive Training

What are the benefits of owning a hamster?

Pros of having pet hamsters

Taking care: Hamsters are really easy to take care of as compared to other pets. ...
Cleanliness: Another pro to having a pet hamster is how clean they are. ...
Adorable pet: Hamsters have really cute cheek pouches which make them ideal to play with for kids. ...
Silent pet: You would never hear anyone complain about hamsters making noise. ...

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How do you care for a pet hamster?

What do hamsters eat?

Pelleted food: refresh daily 3/4 full or 75%
Vegetables: dark leafy greens every other day or 15%
Fruits: apples, bananas, melons once a week or 5%
Treats: raisins and alfalfa hay twice a week or 5%
Water: provide clean water daily!

How much is a hamster at PetSmart?

How much a hamster is will depend on where you get it from and what breed of hamster you are getting. At this time, PetSmart sells a variety of hamsters that range in price from $18 to $23 with breeds like the Roborovski Dwarf hamster, Winter White hamsters, Long-Haired hamsters and more.

Are hamsters good beginner pets?

Hamsters Are Not 'Starter Pets' Although hamsters are small, they still entail a big commitment. They require daily care, exercise, and attention, just like other animal companions.

Are hamsters high maintenance?

If you are thinking about getting a pet hamster for you or a child, it is important that you know how to choose one, what supplies you need, and how to feed and care for your new pet. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy.

What are the cons of owning a hamster?

In order to provide a balanced view of hamsters as pets, it makes sense now to consider these downsides. The first of these is that hamsters have quite bad eyesight. They tend to sense things far more by sound, smell and taste. What this means is that hamsters are far more prone to biting than most other pet rodents.

Are hamsters loving pets?

Hamsters are often first-time pets for young children and pet-deprived folks of every age, Because hamstes are nocturnal and shy, you may wonder if your hamster likes attention. You might be surprised to learn that hamsters not only like affection but thrive on human interaction.

Do hamster bites hurt?

It's rare for a hamster to actually be aggressive, though, and they typically only bite when they get scared. Those tiny teeth may not do as much damage as those of other animals, but a bite will hurt and should be discouraged. Fortunately, you can gradually train your hamster to accept being handled and stop biting.

What should I know before getting a hamster?

10 Things You to Know About Keeping a Hamster as a PetKeeping Your Hamster Happy and Healthy. ... 1—Not Too Young. ... 2—Always Feed Hamsters from a Dish. ... 3—Change Hamster Food Daily. ... 4—Feed Hamsters Fresh Food Every Other Day. ... 5 —Change Hamster Bedding Monthly, Clean the Cage Weekly. ... 6—Hamsters Do Not Need Help with Grooming.More items...

Can hamsters make you sick?

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a viral infection of the brain or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It mostly affects young adults, though it is uncommon. It is caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus.

Is hamster urine harmful to humans?

Humans can develop LCMV infection from exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting material of infected rodents. Virus transmission can also occur when these materials are directly introduced into broken skin or into the nose, eyes, or mouth or by a bite from an infected animal.

How do you potty train a hamster?

Remove all of the soiled bedding from the cage and place it into your designated potty corner. The cage must be completely “pee-free” except the potty, so be extra thorough in checking for traces of hamster urine. If your hamster refuses to acknowledge your chosen potty corner, move it to another corner and try again.

Do hamsters like being held?

They do not like to be held. They are more prone to bite if they are startled or woken from a deep sleep, or if your hands smell like another animal or food. Handle your hamster gently.

Do hamsters get attached to their owners?

You can't expect your hamster to bond with everyone, though. According to Betsy Sikora Siino, hamsters bond with one to two people, which means that your hamster may tolerate guests and other family members, but he'll only bond and recognize you and possibly one other person.

Do hamsters like to cuddle?

This might seem like a ridiculous question to the adoring hammie enthusiast, who might answer with a sardonic, “Do fish like water?” Surely the hamster, the ultimate in cuddly and affectionate animals, lives to be stroked, cuddled and otherwise petted by you, their adoring owner.

Are hamsters cuddly?

Hamsters may be small, but these friendly “pocket pets” sure have big hearts. The cuddly, furry critters are one of the most popular small animal pets.

How do you take care of a hamster for beginners?

9 Pet Hamster Care Tips for BeginnersChoose a habitat. ... Put their habitat in the right place. ... Cover their habitat with a light cloth for the first few days. ... Wait a few days before trying to pick them up. ... Once they're acclimated, think outside the box for feeding time. ... Clean and wash your hamster's space regularly.More items...

How much care does a hamster need?

Cages should be cleaned weekly or as needed. Constant exposure to unsanitary conditions is unpleasant for hamsters and can result in infections of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Make sure to keep 1-2 corners of the cage available for urination/defecation, far away from sleeping and eating quarters.

How often should you clean hamsters cage?

Once a weekOnce a week is advisable, and certainly at least once every two weeks. But you may want to have a clean-out more frequently than that.

What is the most important thing about hamsters?

One important thing to consider about hamsters is that they are nocturnal. Many people picture an active little creature running around their hamster wheel and keeping them company throughout the day.

How to protect yourself from hamsters?

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to make sure you wash your hands after handling your hamster or when conducting routine tasks like feeding or cleaning the cage. This should definitely be stressed with children, too. And while you are sure to love your furry pocket pet, don't kiss your hamster.

What do you need to care for a hamster?

When calculating the costs, be sure to consider all of the supplies and items required to properly house and care for a happy hamster. These include, but are not limited to, a cage, bedding material, nesting area, exercise wheel, tunnels and toys, water bottle, food dish, food, and treats. If your hamster ever gets sick or has health problems, ...

Why do hamsters get lost?

A hamster on the run can get into trouble or be harmed by getting stuck under furniture, chewing wires, or getting injured by other pets.

How to avoid salmonella in hamsters?

According to the CDC's direction for avoiding the transfer of salmonella from rodents, you should avoid washing your hamster's food and water bowls, toys, or cage in an area used for food preparation. Instead, wash these items in a utility sink, laundry room, or outside. 3

Is a hamster a rodent?

Who isn’t taken by a hamster’s large, shiny eyes, fluffy appearance, and tiny toes? No wonder the hamster is a popular and well-loved small rodent pet. However, there are some misconceptions and often unknown facts about hamsters that you should consider before heading to the pet store to pick one out.

Do hamsters need a cage?

Though young hamsters are commonly seen in groups at pet stores, most mature hamsters are territorial and require their own cage. If you happen to have a female hamster who gives birth, it is extremely important to give her and her young a calm, separate space.

What do hamsters do?

From running in their wheels to exercising in a ball, each hamster has its own unique personality and watching them enjoy their favorite activities can provide endless entertainment.

Is it cheaper to adopt a hamster or a cat?

Though you must consider the cumulative cost of all the supplies needed to care for a happy hamster, the overall expense will be far less than adopting a cat or dog. Once the initial one-time costs are covered, such as the cage, hamsters are relatively cheap to upkeep.

Can hamsters be a night time friend?

A hamster could be the perfect night time friend. 5. Hamsters Require Minimal Space. Unlike dogs, cats, or even rabbits, hamsters really only need a few feet to live in. You can easily make room for a hamster cage on a desk or dresser, making them the perfect pet for those who live in small houses or apartments.

Can hamsters play with balls?

However, don’t be shy about taking your hamster out for regular playtime. With supervision, hamsters love to explore. Getting them a hamster ball is a perfect way to let them burn off some energy. Plus, they are so much fun to watch roll around.

Do hamsters have a personality?

From running in their wheels to exercising in a ball, each hamster has its own unique personality and watching them enjoy their favorite activities can provide endless entertainment. 4. Hamsters Are Great Pets For Night Owls. Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Though this could be seen as a negative, this is ...