Is a hamster for me?Hamsters are nocturnal animals so it is not advisable to keep the cage in anyone's bedroom as they can make a lot of noise scurring about during the night. With training, they can learn to be active in the evening when people are around, but this may take a while.
Hamsters need to be cleaned out regularly and handled carefully. They can give a nasty bite if they feel unsafe but, with taming, can become very friendly and make excellent pets. They do not live for very long compared to other animals so you must be prepared for bereavement.
There are various options for buying a new hamster. Pet shops are by far the most common place to go, but there are also specialist breeders, and also rescue centres which may take unwanted pets.
When choosing your hamster, do not be rushed in to making a decision. Look for a lively, inquisitive animal which looks healthy with bright clear eyes, smooth fur, a clear nose and dry tail. If you are buying a Syrian hamster, the sex does not really matter as they must be kept separately, but if buying a dwarf hamster, ensure that all the hamsters who will be housed together are of the same sex. Many pet shops will not guarantee the sex of their animals, so it may be worth having them checked over by a vet to avoid the risk of unwanted youngsters.
Syrian hamsters are very territorial and should be housed individually. They are the commonest and largest species of pet hamster and come in a variety of colours and coat types. They make excellent pets if well handled. Long-haired varieties need regular grooming.
Russian hamsters are two slightly different species which are the most common type of dwarf hamster. Their temperament can vary but with confident handling they can be very friendly. They also come in a variety of colours. They are social animals and should be housed with others of the same species.
Chinese hamsters are long and thin with a relatively long tail. They can be very nervous when young but are very gentle once tame.
Roborovskii's hamsters are the newest addition to the pet market. They rarely bite but are extremely wriggly when being held and very fast. They are not recommended to anyone wanting a cuddly pet! They are social animals and should be housed with others of the same species.
Young hamsters are very nervous and may bite if scared. To avoid this, use slow movements and quiet voices. Offer your hamster a titbit to help him feel more comfortable.
When taking your hamster home, ensure that his transport carrier is secure. They are very adept at chewing through cardboard boxes so taking your cage with you may be a better option. Once home, leave your hamster in his cage to explore and resist the temptation to try and handle him. Leave him in a quiet room and he will settle down fairly quickly.
For the first few days, get the hamster used to your family by offering him titbits through the bars or on the palm of your hand with your hand inside the cage. When your hamster seems comfortable with your hand, you can try to pick him up. Avoid sudden movements. You can either scoop the hamster up in the palm of your hands or pick him up from above with your hand firmly supporting him. Put him down on a firm surface as soon as possible to prevent wriggling. The hamster will be happy sitting on its owner for a while but be careful that it does not escape. Plastic balls are available to give your hamster some safe exercise on the floor. Children and other pets should be supervised whilst the hamster is running around to avoid injury.