There are many different types of hamsters all with slightly different qualities. Lifespan: 2-4 years. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Hamsters are nocturnal and have better hearing than eyesight. There are many types of hamsters, but only a few types are kept as pets. So as a nation, Americans are split right down the middle between guinea pigs fans and hamster lovers! Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) Syrian hamsters, also known as Goldens or Teddy Bear hamsters, are the most popular hamsters kept as pets. Because of their small size, hamsters are often purchased as pets for children who want to play with them during the day. Choose a cage that has good ventilation, is easy to clean, has space for a hamster to run and explore, and won't allow your hamster to escape.. Keep in mind that hamsters like and need to chew on items so wood, cardboard, plastic, and other items that are able to be chewed may not last very long inside the enclosure. It is one of those small pets, cute and with low maintenance costs associated. Unlike the mouse, a hamster is virtually tailless. This will gain its trust over time and allow you to pet and hold your hamster while avoid being bitten. Read our, Determine Whether or Not a Hamster Is the Right Pet For You, Syrian Hamster (Golden Hamster): Species Profile, Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters: Species Profile, Campbell's Dwarf Russian Hamster: Species Profile. Hamsters may pick and choose what they want to eat from seed mixtures and therefore will not receive a balanced diet. They normally live to be 2-4 years old. And, black bear hamsters look like miniature black bears, making them a favorite among young children. Often referred to as teddy bear, short hair or … Sponsored. I didn’t know if Teddy would make a good pet, but I wanted a cute hammy running around the house in his exercise ball.. Then, once I got him I figured out just how good of a pet he can be, and hamsters in general. Since they sleep during the day and humans are awake during the day, this means that biting is more likely.Hamsters have very poor eyesight. They also need chew toys to keep their teeth neat and trim. If raised and handled properly they’ll be your friends for life. Just as some people are considered “dog-people” and some are “cat-people”, there are certain people that make ideal hamster owners. Walkies. If you're a light sleeper who is disturbed by the smallest of sounds, a squeaking wheel at 2 a.m. might not be a good fit. Since they sleep during the day and humans are awake during the day, this means that biting is more likely.Hamsters have very poor eyesight. A female who gives birth may kill and eat their babies if disturbed, and allowing hamsters to breed is not recommended. Most people assume that a store-bought bag of hamster seed is what is best for a hamster but they actually need a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables to keep them healthy and happy. Small and Inexpensive: Hamsters belong to the inexpensive pets category and are often called ‘pocket pets’ for their small size. Mar 30, 2017 - Explore ilovepets's board "Hamsters As Pets", followed by 406 people on Pinterest. Syrian/Teddy Bear Hamsters These are the most commonly found and bought hamsters. So if you’re looking for a furry friend to keep you company for a couple of years, a hamster will be a good match for you. We all know that hamsters are cute and cuddly, and their looks are surely appealing. Roborovski (Robo) Dwarf Hamsters are quick and fast. The most popular variety of hamster kept as pets and used in laboratories, are the golden (Syrian) hamsters. They come in cinnamon, cream and white. If you work a graveyard shift and are looking for furry companionship during the day, hamsters are bound to frustrate your expectations. It’s a solitary animal that fiercely defends its territory. They will bite when startled or scared, though. Therefore, hamsters need to be handled only with adult supervision by children under 8 years old. Hamster life expectancy. Several cages may look cool but aren't very functional and are extremely difficult to clean. Hamsters, which belong to the rodent family, are one of the most popular pets found around the world. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. Both eyes should be open and ideally the hamster will be eating or running around the cage. Small and Inexpensive: Hamsters belong to the inexpensive pets category and are often called ‘pocket pets’ for their small size. Anyone can want hamsters as pets but before buying one read the following suggestions and the necessary things you should know about hamsters as animals and then you should learn about hamsters as your pets. Care requirements are similar between the two, but hamsters and mice have several differences that make them unique. The least popular as pets of the dwarf hamsters, the Chinese hamster is actually a different genus from the other dwarves. Choose an active hamster and one that doesn't look like it has a wet rear end or watery eyes. Hamsters first gained popularity as pets in the 1930s, with virtually all modern Syrian hamsters (the most common pet species) tracing their lineage back to a single litter of hamsters taken to Palestine for scientific research in 1930. The domestication of small mammals is a relatively recent development, arising only after large-scale industrialization. Be careful waking them up— they have a tendency to startle easily. It can be tempting to acquire a hamster on impulse. The Chinese hamster (or to give it its Latin name, Cricetulus Griseus) is … Small animals like hamsters are often mistreated and forced into deplorable conditions when they're bred for pet stores to sell — look for a local rescue first when you're considering adopting a hamster, and skip the pet stores. There are five pet hamster species, including the Syrian or Golden Hamster. Most of the pet lovers would have thought at least for once about getting a hamster as pet. Hamsters need a low-stress living area, are most active at dawn and dusk, and can take quite a bit of time to bond with their human. They normally live to be 2-4 years old. I know of so many cat lovers who cannot own a cat because of their allergies. Hamster toys; Hamsters and Other Pets. The hamster is the most popular of the smaller rodents kept as a pet in many countries today. It’s got a friendly nature and is very unlikely to nip, but need lots of activities and stimulation. But if you offer a pelleted diet instead of a seed mixture and supplement it with a variety of other safe foods, you will be providing your hamster with everything it needs to thrive.. One of them is salmonella; this disease may last for a more extended period, but it can cause severe shots of intestinal pain in the adults. They have become established as popular small pets. The Syrian hamster likes to talk and prefers a lot of exercise, as well. Unless you can secure an animal-proof cage for your hamster and always watch out for it, we would not recommend having a hamster and other pets. These are naturally solitary and will fight if you try to keep them in pairs or groups – breeders have to be careful to introduce mating pairs only when the female is in season. Hamsters as Pets. However, it can produce more severe problems if a pregnant woman passes it to their unborn child. They are small rodents that typically live about two years and are usually best if housed alone. Hamster life expectancy. Generally, hamsters are ideal house pets because they are gentle and are easy to take care of. Young children are also at greater risk for zoonotic diseases (diseases that are can be passed from animals to humans) because of their undeveloped immune systems and because of their tendency for close contact with pets without proper hand-washing. There are many different types of hamsters all with slightly different qualities. Hamsters are not aggressive pets but if they are scared or startled they may bite. Cages with colorful tubes are a good example of this but fish tanks aren't good options for hamsters either since they lack proper ventilation. Hamsters are a very common pet to own. Hamsters, you see, are primarily nocturnal. However, just when it's time for your child to go to sleep, it's time for a hamster to wake up. Their scent glands on their backs secrete an easily identifiable smell. Dwarf hamsters are also popular pets. The climate is similar to hamsters' natural desert habitat, and agricultural and environmental officials have expressed concern that released or escaped hamsters could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals. 9 Pet Hamster Care Tips for Beginners 9 Pet Hamster Care Tips for Beginners Four paws, two bright eyes, and a set of twitchy whiskers. Hamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. Most of the cost will be upfront in purchasing the hamster's environment and its food. Like most breeds, they’ll live 2-3 years. Shortly thereafter, in 1938, hamsters were introduced to the United States. Hamsters do also tend to bite more than guinea pigs. Enjoy! Special balls can also be purchased to allow a hamster to run around safely outside its cage and cute houses and other climbable options exist to provide your hamster with ample exercise. In such a case, you can literally get a pet for free! They can be very active with great individual personalities. Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Not every hamster in the pet store is in optimal health. Let’s find answers to some hamster related questions in the coming sections. 10 things you should know about keeping hamsters as pet. Care requirements are similar between the two, but hamsters and mice have several differences that make them unique. —Daily Exercise. As… 28/03/2015 | Is Your Hamster Compulsive? They can be difficult to handle as they’re excellent escape artists. There are a variety of hamster toys that are designed to be chewed so your hamster's teeth can be properly cared for and an exercise wheel will allow a hamster to run as much as they want. And guinea pigs have been rapidly gaining on hamsters since the last survey in 2007. They are very easy to look after and everything you need can be bought at any pet shop. Hamsters range from two to six inches long depending on the breed and live for one and one-half to two years, possibly longer depending on breed. But is hamster care that easy as it seems? Hamsters are fairly independent and can entertain themselves for extended periods of time, provided their housing is properly enriched with toys, bedding, and opportunities for burrowing and climbing. Caring for a Guinea Pig See more ideas about Hamsters as pets, Pets, Hamster. © 2021 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy Policy & Terms. They are cute, clean and easy to take care of, which make them a favorite pet for people of all ages. Hamsters are great little creatures to have as pets. Hamsters are popular pets for children and adults alike. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping it happy and healthy. Relatively speaking, hamsters are inexpensive pets to keep. Syrian hamsters should live alone (they’re the solitary types). How to know if a hamster is the right pet for you? Unfortunately, hamsters don't come with care instructions. The Syrian hamster is the most common hamster pet, and it’s known by several different names – for example Golden hamster, Fancy hamster, and Teddy Bear hamster. They are not social with other hamsters however, and should be kept alone after 10 weeks of age. Young hamsters will be easier to train and hand tame than older hamsters who may have had bad experiences or have never had human interaction. Learn 25 fun facts about these small pets. Hamsters are the best known and one of the most popular of all the small rodents kept as pets. Hamsters have been known to carry a virus called Lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Hamsters need to be active and have enrichment so they don't get bored and overweight. Give a pet a good home on Gumtree. Many unsuspecting new hamster owners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet store. Hamsters are considered prey animals that are a food source for predators. 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. In the wild hamsters do no reach such an old age. Not at all! There are many types of hamsters, but only a few types are kept as pets. If a cage seems to have a few sick hamsters, it is probably best to avoid buying any hamster from that group since ​hamster diseases are very contagious. Reply STOP to opt out. Try not to wake it up and instead entice it to climb onto your hand on its own using a tasty treat. Hamsters are a load of fun. Message and data rates may apply. Hamsters can be tamed to be very sweet little pets but for anyone who has ever been bitten by one, they know hamster bites definitely aren't fun. Privacy Policy and Pet hamsters are generally housed singly, as mature females and males tend to be aggressive toward one another. But to keep them happy and healthy, they need the right food, housing and enrichment. :D They are small rodents that typically live about two years and are usually best if housed alone. Hamsters make for very charming and lovable pets and give an unparalleled experience to their masters along with lots of lessons in life. The initial purchase of equipment and supplies is likely to include: Are you prepared to spend several hundred dollars a year on your new friend, not including veterinary costs, if your hamster develops a chronic condition like diabetes or requires emergency treatment? Hamsters are popular pets for children and adults alike. A wide selection of cages is available, from the simple plastic tray and wire top to the totally enclosed plastic type complete with tubes. The hamster is the most popular of the smaller rodents kept as a pet in many countries today. Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds and different breeds are known for distinctive traits. Hamsters are adorable and agile creatures. The first of these is that hamsters have quite bad eyesight. Although rare, hamsters have been known to carry Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a virus that can seriously sicken young children. Hamsters and mice are both rodents, and both can make excellent small pets. You may also have to take into consideration that smaller hamster breeds have different cage needs than the larger Syrian varieties since cage wire spacing can determine whether or not a hamster is able to escape. The most popular variety of hamster kept as pets and used in laboratories, are the golden (Syrian) hamsters. Still, to be happy and well-adjusted, your hamster should receive daily handling and interaction. Hamsters and mice are both rodents, and both can make excellent small pets. If you’ve recently welcomed a hamster into your family, here are nine quick care tips to memorize. Because of their small size, hamsters are often purchased as pets for children who want to play with them during the day. Terms of Service apply. They can make an excellent starter pet for some children. As is the case with many small animals, placement is essential to … After all, these little guys are the picture of cuteness: small, round, furry, and inquisitive. Below is a list of the advantages and downsides of having a hamster for a pet. They can be difficult to handle as they’re excellent escape artists. Most of the pet lovers would have thought at least for once about getting a hamster as pet. When You Buy a Hamster, You’re Supporting Cruel Animal Mills A recent PETA investigation of a Pennsylvania animal dealer revealed that thousands of hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, chinchillas, ferrets, and other small animals are confined to severely crowded plastic bins and stacked in shelving units, among many other abuses. The Chinese Hamster. Syrian hamsters can make excellent pets. To find out why both camps love their pets … A great starter pet, right? New Cl A ssifie d £30 ONO For Sale Hamster rehome. They are very cute to look at and are commonly known as pocket pets. 6. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, may be able to live together if introduced properly. The condition can worsen if a pregnant woman extracted this disease from the hamster and can transfer it to her young one. If you have mixed genders in one cage, you will likely have hamster babies soon. Hamsters are the best known and one of the most popular of all the small rodents kept as pets. This is for hamsters kept as pets. :) Today's video will help answer the question: Is a hamster the right pet for you? 14/11/2010 | Pet Hamsters – What to expect (part 2) 13/11/2010 | Pet Hamsters – What to expect; 09/11/2010 | The Hamster Wheel; Search for: Hamster Care. Hamsters will fight and inflict serious injuries to each other if housed in the same quarters, so each must have their own separate space. In 2012, American Veterinary Medical Association figures showed that 877,000 US households owned a pet hamster. Keeping hamsters as pets seems to be easy. When you think of a hamster, a teddy bear hamster is probably the kind you envision. They have become established as popular small pets. They’re just slightly larger, at 3.1 inches when fully grown. Hamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. Why Hamsters are Popular as Pets? In the wild, (yes, there are an abundance of the furry creatures living wild and free in Europe and Asia) they are eaten by snakes, birds of prey, wild canines (wild dog species), and cats. The most common and largest type of hamster is the Syrian hamster, also known as the golden hamster. Every hamster loves to run – it’s part of their genetic make up. Hamsters are the best. A hamster awakened suddenly from a nap during the day may bite. The Syrian hamster is the most popular pet hamster. Hamsters are a lot of fun in a small package. Keep in mind that you'll need to thoroughly clean your hamster's cage every week. 1. Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) Syrian hamsters, also known as Goldens or Teddy Bear hamsters, are the most popular hamsters kept as pets. Extra food and a quiet nesting area inside the cage need to be provided to a pregnant hamster. The most common rodents kept as household pets are hamsters (golden hamsters and dwarf hamsters), gerbils (Mongolian jirds and duprasi gerbils), common degus, fancy mice, fancy rats, common chinchillas, and guinea pigs (cavies).. It’s a solitary animal that fiercely defends its territory. There are numerous reasons behind the popularity of these animals as pets. If you want to get a furry hamster friend go … Purchasing a Hamster Find a place that sells hamsters. They will also bite if they are awakened during their sleeping time. Hamsters of all types make good first pets. They will sleep throughout the day and remain awake all night. Hamster breeding is not something the casual hamster owner should do. It is best left to hamster breeders who are breeding for specific qualities and temperaments but accidents do happen. Syrian hamsters are solitary, territorial animals who must have their own space in which to live. Types of hamsters. But if you're a night owl, a hamster could be the perfect companion when you're burning the midnight oil! Keeping hamsters as pets seems to be easy. The hamsters can be considered the annoying little sibling. Hamsters can carry salmonella, an intestinal bacteria that causes short but intense bouts of sickness in healthy adults. If you can't make a long commitment to a pet, this characteristic may be appealing. Unlike the mouse, a hamster is virtually tailless. 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. Generally, hamsters are ideal house pets because they are gentle and are easy to take care of. They will also bite if they are awakened during their sleeping time. 25/09/2011 | Hamster History; 14/11/2010 | Pet Hamsters – What to expect (part 2) 13/11/2010 | Pet Hamsters – What to expect; 09/11/2010 | The Hamster Wheel Inside the hamster cage you'll need to provide soft and absorbent bedding, a water bottle, an exercise wheel, chew toys, a house, and food dish. Their nose also warns them of impending danger. Generally speaking, hamsters are nocturnal creatures. When I first got my Teddy, I’d heard of and seen hamster pets before, but never had one myself. They are more active, especially at night, and will basically annoy the hell out of a laid back guinea, so much that the extra stress would cause health issues, or even death. Put their habitat in the right place. However, it can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to their unborn child and can produce severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds and different breeds are known for distinctive traits. The motor skills of children under 8 are usually not refined enough to make a hamster feel comfortable being handled.