what is the best hamster for beginners

What is the best starter hamster?

Best for Dwarf Hamsters: Savic Mickey 2XL Hamster Cage View On Amazon Dimensions: 31.5 x 20 x 20 inches | Weight: 17.7 pounds | Wiring Spacing: 0.25-inch | What’s Included: Sputnik rat house, water bottle, exercise wheel, feeding bowl, wire platform, metro tunnels

Which type of hamsters make the best pets?

Which Type of Hamsters Make the Best Pets?

• Syrian/Teddy Bear Hamsters. These are the most commonly found and bought hamsters. ...
• Russian Dwarf Hamsters. Russian hamsters are much smaller than a teddy bear hamster and a little more pricey as well. ...
• Roborovski “Robo” Hamster. Robo hamsters are definitely attractive. ...
• Ask Questions. Remember, only you will know what kind of hamster is good for you. ...

Which hamster breeds are the friendliest?

Which hamster breeds are the friendliest

• Syrian Hamsters. Syrian Hamsters are also known as Golden or Teddy bear hamsters due to their most commonly recurring color and chubby bodies.
• Chinese Hamsters. Chinese hamsters are also called stripped hamsters. They are found in two major variants. ...
• Dwarf Hamsters. Dwarf hamsters are tiny and cute, fitting perfectly in the palm of your hand. ...

Do hamsters make good pets?

If you’ve never owned a pet before, then hamsters are a good animal, to begin with. They ease you into petkeeping slowly and gently as they don’t require much upkeep, other than a clean cage, play-time, and feeding/fresh water. Additionally, hamsters are also very independent.

Which type of hamster is the friendliest?

The Syrian hamster is the most popular hamster breed, at least partially because it is the friendliest and the largest, but also because it was introduced in the 1940s when lab hamsters were first introduced into captivity and into family homes.

Are hamsters good for beginners?

The Syrian hamster is also known as the golden hamster, and it is one of the most popular hamsters that people keep as pets. They make very good pets for beginners since they are easy to tame, fun to play with, and very low-maintenance. Syrian hamsters originate from dry areas of northern Syria and southern Turkey.

What kind of hamster is the calmest?

Although many Syrian hammies are indeed very tame, friendly and relaxed, the NetVet Veterinary Resources of Washington University website indicates that Russian dwarf hamsters may actually be calmer and more docile than the larger Syrian species.

What are the friendliest hamsters for kids?

Syrian hamsters are the best hamster breed for kids and make the perfect first pet. Happy, friendly and larger in size, they are easier to handle and train. Docile in nature, they tend not to nip so can be held by small or less experienced children.

Should I get a Syrian or dwarf hamster?

Choose a Syrian hamster if you have small children. They have sweet personalities, are easy to handle, and rarely bite. Dwarf hamsters, meanwhile, are more easily startled and are more prone to nip. If you have small children, getting a Syrian hamster is probably the better choice.

Are male or female hamsters better pets?

Males are generally friendlier and less aggressive than females. If you're wanting to handle your hamster often, then males are a better choice. They're a better option for children also, who are more likely to trigger a female hamster's aggression or territorial behaviors.

Do girl hamsters get their period?

Like all female mammals, your female hamster has a regular reproductive cycle that allows her to get pregnant and have litters of babies. Women have a menstrual cycle marked by monthly vaginal bleeding, but hamsters have the estrus cycle up to seven times each month.

Does a hamster bite 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.

Do hamsters like to be cuddled?

Much. Cuddling. Hamsters are cute, tiny and notoriously afraid of humans. But you can actually train your little hammie to enjoy your snuggles which, face it, is kind of your goal in life.

Is a hamster a good pet for an 11 year old?

Hamsters make great pets for school-aged children because though they are low maintenance, they are super fun to play with and watch and are quite interactive with people and their environment. Hamsters are a load of fun. If your child is ready for the commitment and the care as well as the love, go for it!

Should I get a dwarf hamster?

Dwarf hamsters make good household pets as they are small, cute and easy to care for. Most commonly you will find Djungarian or Roborowski hamsters available. They are more social than Syrian (golden) hamsters and can often be kept in same sex pairs if introduced at a young age.

What is a better pet a guinea pig or hamster?

Typically, hamsters are far more temperamental than guinea pigs. And because they are smaller and more fragile to handle, they are more likely to nip or bite. If you have very young children in the house, a guinea pig is probably a better option.

What is the best hamster for kids?

Syrian hamsters are the best hamster breed for kids and make the perfect first pet. Happy, friendly and larger in size, they are easier to handle and train. Docile in nature, they tend not to nip so can be held by small or less experienced children. Hamsters really do make the best first pet. They are relatively low maintenance for small children ...

How big do hamsters get?

Roborovski hamsters rarely grow to more than 2 inches in size, which means they need to be handled with care and are not recommended for tiny, clumsy hands. Chinese Hamster – The Chinese hamster, or Striped hamster as it is also known, has a distinct dark line running down its back.

How long does a Syrian hamster live?

A well-loved and cared for Syrian hamster can grow between 5-7 inches and has a lifespan of around 3 years – however, the world oldest Syrian hamster managed to survive to the grand old age of 4.5years!

When were hamsters introduced to America?

Syrian Hamster – Syrian hamsters were introduced to America in 1936 and have since become a family favorite pet. And its little wonder, as these cute balls of fluff come in a variety of different colors, are super sweet and are generally good-natured.

Where did the dwarf hamster come from?

Dwarf Campbell Russian Hamster – There are two popular breeds of dwarf hamsters. The Russian Dwarf originates from Russia (no surprises there!) and was first captured in the wild by a man called W.C Campbell.

How big do squid in a tank get?

They do, however, share a number of similar traits. Both come from northern Asia and have comparable coloration and habits. Only growing to 3 inches they are best suited to being kept in a tank as they are well adept at squeezing through cage bars.

Do hamsters smell?

Male hamsters tend to be stockier, which makes them easier to hold and boys also tend to be smellier, but not necessarily in a stinky way. For males their scent glands are more prominent, and they tend to create more pheromones than females, releasing a musky scent into the air around their cage.

What is the Best Hamster to Get?

Just as we discussed in this post, there are five breeds of hamster that are kept as pets:

What is the Best Hamster for Kids?

Ok, time for the million-dollar question. If you’re thinking of getting a hamster for your kid, which is the best option?

Before Buying

So, you have decided on a breed, and now you’re eager to buy your first hamster? Great!

Syrian Hamster

The most popular pet hamster in the United States is the Syrian hamster. This breed is also known as the Teddy Bear hamster or Golden hamster. Syrian hamsters are identified by their golden colored coat with white/cream colored belly. Other color variations include cinnamon, piebald (patches of two colors), and cream.

Chinese Hamster

The Chinese Hamster is similar to the Syrian hamster but is recognized by a dark stripe that runs down its back, with black and grey coloring and white belly. As a mid-size hamster, Chinese hamsters can reach 4-5 inches in length and weigh 40-45 grams. A Chinese hamster’s lifespan is typically 2.5-3 years.

Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster

The Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster comes from the Siberian region of Russia and is a smaller hamster. It is also known as the Djungarian hamster or striped dwarf hamster.

Roborovski Dwarf Hamster

Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters, also known as Robo dwarf hamsters, are one of the smallest breeds. They typically reach 1.5-2 inches in length and weigh 20-25 grams. Like other dwarf hamsters, a Robo dwarf hamster’s lifespan is 3 years, but this breed will commonly live for up to 4 years with good care.

How long do Syrian dwarfs live?

On the other hand, some dwarfs, Winter White Dwarf and Russian Campbells, can live longer, but their average lifespan is about a year and a half. That is, one year.

What are the supplies for a Syrian hamster?

They can have certain supplies , like a water bottle (it doesn't matter), housing (it depends on the size, which costs less), and chew toys (cost less.)

Why are dwarf hamsters easier to equip?

Dwarfs are significantly easier to equip because most hamster items are appropriately sized for them. It is much easier and cheaper to get dwarf cage accessories. Grooming - This is a very minor quirk that comes up in terms of species. Syrian hamsters tend to trim their own claws by chewing on them.

Can a hamster be kept in a smaller room?

In a larger room, odor is unlikely to be an issue regardless of species. This consideration intersects a bit with the sex of the animal.

Is there a good size for a Syrian hamster?

Finally, sometimes there is no good Syrian size available, and a super-oversized model (for rats, guinea pigs) may be necessary. These items may be too tall or too bulky for all but the largest cages. Dwarfs are significantly easier to equip because most hamster items are appropriately sized for them.

Can hamsters bite?

Any species can and will bite. Rather, this section is discussing the physical mechanics of bites. The simple biological fact is that the larger the hamster, the more severe the bite is going to be. Bigger animals have larger teeth and stronger jaws.

Can a dwarf hamster bite?

Bites - To be clear, this is not talking about the frequency of bites or how likely a hamster is to bite. Any species can and will bite.

How big do dwarf hamsters get?

Dwarf Russian Hamsters are quite small and most never grow more than four inches long. The following tips will be help you care for your child’s dwarf hamster effectively. Dwarf Russian hamsters are more skittish than other hamster breeds. This hamster breed is known to bite when startled or frightened.

What is the newest hamster?

Roborovski hamsters are the newest hamsters and one of the fastest to be domesticated. They are not widely kept as pets due to their unwillingness to be handled. The smallest of the popular hamster breeds, they grow to only 2 inches in length.

How long do Syrian hamsters live?

The life span of the Syrian hamster is 3-4 years. Female Syrian hamster are usually more active than the male during the day time. Most Syrian hamsters have golden furs, occasionally, you will find some with brown, white, grey and even black furs. Syrian hamsters are the best pet hamsters’ option for children generally.

What is the best hamster for kids?

The Syrian hamster, also referred to as the teddy bear or golden hamster are so far the most popular pet hamsters of all and the best option for your children. Syrian hamsters can grow as long as 7 inches, making them the largest of the pet breeds. Owing to their size, children can easily handle them than smaller hamsters.

How many hamsters are there in the world?

There are about 20 hamster breeds in the world, all with different care needs and temperament. However, only about five out of these hamster breeds are commonly kept as pet s for children and out of these five, the Syrian breed is considered the best and most popular.

Why are hamsters good for kids?

They love to play, and they are fun to watch , making them one of the best activities for children to engage in. Hamster are generally inexpensive and relatively low maintenance. Having a hamster as a pet is a way to teach children responsibility. Hamsters don’t take up a lot of space like other pets.

How long can a Russian dwarf hamster be?

Both types of dwarf hamsters may reach a maximum length of 4 inches.

How long does it take for a hamster to trust you?

Like any new friendship, it takes time to get to know someone and feel comfortable with them. That said, wait a while to handle your hamster or pick them up. After a few days of giving them food and water, they’ll start to trust you!

How to get a hamster to know its new home?

Give them the headspace to get to know their new habitat for a few days – without the distractions of your home – by placing a light cloth over their space.

How to pick up a hamster?

Handle your pet with care. Unlike other small animals, hamsters and gerbils need to be picked up with both hands and cradled in cupped hands. The same goes for putting them down, but use extra caution so they don’t accidentally escape from or slip through your hands.

How to keep hamsters smelling good?

Change water daily. Empty their entire habitat weekly or twice a week . Place all new bedding weekly. Every week or every other week, take soap and water and wipe down the entire habitat once it’s empty of bedding, toys, and other pieces. That extra step will keep your hamster's space smelling good. 7.

How to make a hamster a happy pet?

Put their habitat in the right place. As is the case with many small animals, placement is essential to a happy pet. Put your hamster’s home near the sounds of your family, but not right in the thick of things.

What do hammies eat?

In addition to their normal, everyday food, try giving them small amounts of carrots, squash, broccoli, cucumbers, apples, pears, or berries. Ask your vet about the best foods to feed your new friend. Remember, treats should always be given in moderation.

How to bond with a hamster?

Take time to bond with your hamster. Patience, regular feeding, lots of out-of-habitat playtime, and soft talk will go a long way in helping you bond with your hamster. Make sure to always approach your pet slowly and talk to them in a conversational manner.

What is the difference between a Chinese hamster and a dwarf hamster?

The most notable visual difference is that the Chinese has a much longer tail than any other breed of hamster.

What is the most popular hamster breed?

The 5 Popular Hamster Breeds for Pet Owners. 1. Syrian Hamster. As the most common of all types of pet hamsters, Syrians are also the largest and longest-lived. Known as the “golden hamster” or “teddy bear hamster”, they are renowned for their friendly demeanors and the ease with which they can be trained.

What does a sailor love?

She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.

How did the Robo get its name?

The “Robo” gets its name from one Lieutenant Vsevolod Roborovski, who popularized the breed in 1894. This hamster’s diminutive stature makes it a popular option among people with limited space for pets in their homes.

What is the longest lived hamster?

As the most common of all types of pet hamsters, Syrians are also the largest and longest-lived. Known as the “golden hamster” or “teddy bear hamster”, they are renowned for their friendly demeanors and the ease with which they can be trained.

How big is a Campbell's Hamster?

3. Campbell’s Hamster. Featured Image Credit: Alexander theo redgrave, Wikimedia Commons. Size: 3.5-4.5 inches.

Where do Russian dwarf hamsters come from?

Their shorter life span is mostly a result of their tendency towards developing diabetes. They are native to Northern Russia, China, and Central Asia.

What is in a guinea pig cage?

The cage comes with a hamster wheel for exercise, a hamster hide-away for sleeping, a food dish and a water bottle. Reviewers love that the deep see-through base gives their furry friend plenty of space to burrow and nest. The 7 Best Guinea Pig Cages of 2021.

How far apart do hamster cages need to be?

Dwarf hamsters require gaps to be smaller than 0.25 inches, while Syrian hamsters can live in cages where the wire bars are up to 0.5 inches apart.

How big is a hamster cage?

Syrian hamsters, also known as golden, teddy bear, or fancy hamsters, make for a low maintenance pet that does best in a cage that is at least 24 inches by 12 inches and that is 12 inches tall. Aside from space, hamsters like to have a cozy corner filled with wood shavings, hay, or shredded paper where they can sleep.

Can you have two hamsters in one cage?

Also, keep in mind that if you decide to have two hamsters in one cage, you must increase the size of the cage to give each hamster enough room to roam. Many cages marketed as hamster cages are not big enough for one, let alone two, hamsters.

Do hamsters chew?

Hamsters naturally like to chew. While you could get a glass aquarium, many people find them hard to clean and, as they’re not well-ventilated, they can tend to get stinky. If you find that your tiny bundle of fur is exceptional at gnawing, you’ll want to invest in a chew-proof cage like this one.

Who is Anne Fritz?

Anne Fritz is a health and lifestyle writer for The Spruce. She was also the founding editor of Create For Me, a magazine for women in their 20s. Learn about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process. Anne Fritz. Updated 05/07/21.