Pet Hamsters: How To Choose The One For You

By Mimsy Blues

One of the most common questions I'm asked about pet hamsters is: "What species of hamster should I get?" The answer is it depends on your preferences. A hamster typically lives 2-3 years. So you want to make sure you get the "perfect" hamster to love and take care of!

There are five pet hamster species. You shouldn't have a problem finding these species at a pet store. There is the Syrian Hamster and four dwarf hamsters (Chinese, Campbell, Winter White, and Roborovski). Below are factors that will help you decide:

Appearance

• Size - Syrians are the biggest, about 4-5 inches. Chinese Dwarf is about 4-5 inches too but only because the 1 inch tail is included. Campbell and Winter Whites are 3-4 inches. Roborovski is the smallest type of hamster of all 24 hamster species.
• Tails - All four hamsters have a stubby tail barely visible under the fur besides the Chinese Dwarf which has a tail about an inch long.
• Coats - The Syrian hamster has the most variation in coats. Campbell and Winter Whites have some special coats. Winter White in particular will turn all white in the winter when the temperature is low enough. Roborovski and Chinese Hamsters are usually breed in their natural (agouti) coat.
• Shape - All four hamsters have a cute, barrel shape. Chinese hamster may be a bit thinner.

Sociability

• Before tamed - Syrians and Campbells are generally accepting of human touch but will still require training. Winter whites, Roborovski, and Chinese Hamsters may be more aggressive and even bite with strangers.
• After tamed - some say the dwarf hamsters and Chinese dwarf in particular may still be aggressive. But this all depends on how they are tamed and many unaccountable conditions.
• Habitat Mates - Generally speaking, Syrian and Chinese hamsters need to be housed alone. One hamster, one cage. Winter whites and Campbells should generally be kept separately. Roborovski can be kept with other Robos if they were together before weaned. You can try to keep more than one hamster in a cage/habitat. Make sure the cage is large enough because hamsters are territorial. Once the start to fight, you should get a separate cage, since they may fight to the death.
• Female or Male - Generally, there isn't much difference. Pregnant females, however will be very aggressive and sensitive.

Play Time

• Schedule - All five hamsters are nocturnal. Wake up time will be in the evening.
• Energy - Roborovski's are always energetic. They may be fast and every jumpy. the other dwarf hamsters are much slower. And the Syrian hamster is slow enough to easily handle.
• Handling - Some hamsters like to be handled, some not. This really does depend on their personality and if they are tamed. Part of the fun of having hamsters is also watching them play by themselves in their cages.

Other Considerations

• Cost - You want to get a bigger cage for the Syrian hamster. You may also use more bedding for that reason. But generally, the cost is about the same.
• Room - Leave more room for a Syrian hamster.
• Smell and Cleaning - All hamster cages should be cleaned once a week. Their bodies are naturally odorless but their urine can smell.
• Health - All 4 hamsters are prone to long term diseases such as cancer and diabetes, with the exception of the Roborovski which has better longevity.

Please note that each hamster has its own personality. After you've decided you like a certain species, when you visit the pet store, ask the store keeper to let you watch him or her handle the hamster. This may give you a better idea to whether your hamster may be too aggressive, lazy, energetic, etc. for your preferences.

It's always a good idea to do some research when getting a new pet. Hopefully, this article will help you narrow down which hamster fits you best!

Visit HamsterFanciers.com for plenty more information about pet hamsters. See pictures of the different breeds. Learn how to care for hamsters and tricks you can teach them. You can even email the author specific questions, too.