Is it better to have a boy or girl hamster?

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.

What is the difference between a girl and boy hamster?

You'll want to look at space between their genitalia (vaginal and penile openings) and their anus. In females, the space between the vaginal opening and anus can sometimes be so close together that it looks like a single organ. In males, the space will be farther apart than in females and the testicles may be visible.

Do female hamsters have periods?

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.

What type of hamster is the best pet?

The Syrian hamster is the best species for handling. It is easy to tame, the slowest of the popular pet hamsters, and the least likely to bite. Though docile with humans, they are territorial with other hamsters and should always be housed alone.

Which breed 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.

Female or Male Hamsters?

What is the best hamster to get for a child?

Syrian hamsters typically make the best hamster pet for children. Syrian hamsters are solidarity animal, so you don't have to get more than one.

Are balls safe for hamsters?

Hamster balls could cause injuries and even death.

As the hamster has difficulties using its senses very well in an exercise ball, it is unable to manoeuvre or stop whenever it needs to, often colliding into walls or crashing into furniture around the house.

Do hamsters need baths?

Hamsters are fastidious groomers and do a good job keeping themselves clean, baths, as we tend to think of them, are not necessary. However, it is possible to spot-clean them, if they truly need it. It is especially important to check their bottom as sometimes bedding can stick after going to the bathroom.

Do hamsters like dark?

Darkness makes them feel energetic and ready to conquer their "days." Because of that, hamsters need to have the lights off at night. Their bodies require full darkness to understand that it's indeed time to be up and at things -- just like in the wild.

How long should a hamster be out of its cage?

Limit free roam time.

The recommended time will be about 15-30 minutes for the first few times. Your hamster may get disoriented in a bigger environment and prolonged free-roam may stress it out. Dwarves, when given a large space to free-roam, may find a comfortable spot to unpouch and sleep after exercising.

Should I get a Syrian or dwarf hamster?

Syrian hamsters are the friendlier of the two hamster breeds. 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.

Do hamsters like to be cuddled?

There's less blunt ways to put it but hamsters aren't really a cuddly affectionate animal like cats and dogs. You can tame them yes but they are very rarely the sort of cuddly OP wants in a pet.

Are hamsters a good first pet?

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!

What is the smartest hamster?

The Chinese hamster makes a great starter pet for those looking to get into hamsters. They are usually tamed much faster than other hamster breeds and are considered among the most intelligent hamsters. And when raised together from a younger age, Chinese hamsters have few problems living in same-sex communities.

How do you pick up a hamster?

The best way to pick up a hamster is cupped in the palm of your hand with the other hand over its back. It is best to begin picking your hamster up just above your lap or some other soft surface in case it falls or jumps.

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.

What does it mean if a hamster licks you?

While sometimes hamsters lick you to show affection, they may have a salt deficiency if they are licking you excessively.

How do you spoil a hamster?

How long should you wait to hold a hamster?

If you just brought your hamster home, chances are he will need a little time to get used to you before he will enjoy being handled and held. Wait at least 12 to 24 hours before trying to hold him. Crouch near your hamster's cage and speak to him in a soft, friendly voice.

Can I put 2 hamsters in the same cage?

They can live together – either two of the same sex as a pair and sometimes in same sex groups. Same sex pairs can fall out so it is important to keep an eye out for signs of bullying and have the possibility of separating them if needs be.

Are teddy bear hamsters bigger than Syrian hamsters?

Teddy bear hamster is really just another name for the Syrian or Golden hamster. They're also known as fancy bear hamsters! These larger hamsters make cute and cuddly pets, and are the most popular hamster breed around.

Are Syrian hamsters nippy?

The territoriality of the Syrian Hamster has led to them having a reputation for being nippy. While they can be nippy they are so no more than other types of hamsters.

Should I hold my hamster everyday?

Interact with your hamster(s) every day, and handle them as often as you can, but respect their sleeping pattern. Hamsters should not be handled when they are resting or sleeping, unless absolutely necessary as they can find this stressful.

Should I play with my hamster everyday?

Daily Activity. Once your hamster feels comfortable with being held, be sure to hold him and play with him once a day. He's a nocturnal animal, so he'll probably want to play with you at night -- approach him in the evening after he's awakened.