Should a 7 year old have a hamster?

A child younger than six may not be able to handle a hamster properly, as they require a gentle touch and a supportive hold. 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.
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What is a good age for a kid to get a hamster?

They are the most docile. Hamsters are good for kids aged 10-13 as a first time pet that they can learn to be responsible for. They only live a few years though. Just think about that when deciding to get one for your child.
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What is the best pet for a 7 year old?

Best Pets for Kids Ages 4-7
  • Rats. ...
  • Canaries and Finches. ...
  • Guinea Pigs. ...
  • Rabbits. ...
  • Cats and Dogs. ...
  • Bearded Dragons. ...
  • Corn Snakes. Both vets praised corn snakes as being easy to handle and a good option for a family prepared to care for a pet snake. ...
  • Greek Tortoises. Dr.
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Why hamsters are not good pets for kids?

Hamsters are sensitive to mishandling and will bite if they aren't treated appropriately, so children need to be shown the correct way to interact. Children also need guidance on feeding, cleaning out the cage, and making sure that the hamster gets enough exercise and play.
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Which hamster is best 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.
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Ryan ToysReview first pet Buying Hamster from PetSmart



What is a good first pet for a child?

Hamsters. Hamsters are the most common first pet for children. Living to around 2 years, they're another small mammal that are a great way to introduce caring for animals into your children's lives.
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Is a hamster a good first pet?

Hamsters, for many people, make excellent pets. They don't require a lot of attention, get enough exercise running on their wheel, and are cute, cuddly, and pleasant to hold. They can make an excellent starter pet for some children.
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Should I let my daughter get a hamster?

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!
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Why hamsters are the worst?

Hamsters sleep for most of the day, and only get active really late into the night, when you and your kids are likely to already be asleep. Forcing them to wake up for play time earlier in the day not only distresses the hamster, it's also pretty cruel and could affect their health in the long run.
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Can kids play hamsters?

Therefore, hamsters need to be handled only with adult supervision by children under 8 years old. Hamsters require a gentle touch and may be easily startled by sudden movement and loud noises. The motor skills of children under 8 are usually not refined enough to make a hamster feel comfortable being handled.
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What is a good pet for a 8 year old kid?

Smaller mammals, including hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils, are relatively easy to raise. Also, most will thrive in a relatively small living space, and care is fairly straightforward. Except for hamsters, which are solitary, it's best to obtain young same-sex pairs. Regular, gentle handling promotes friendliness.
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What is the easiest and cheapest pet?

  • Guinea Pigs. If you're looking for something cuddly that's easier on the wallet than a puppy, you may want to consider a guinea pig. ...
  • Hermit Crabs. ...
  • Sea Monkeys. ...
  • Dwarf Frogs. ...
  • Goldfish. ...
  • Leopard Geckos. ...
  • Ants. ...
  • Canaries.
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How much is a hamster?

Initially, you will also need to purchase a cage ($40) and toys, such as a hamster wheel ($25). Large cages with tubes and tunnels often cost more and are harder to clean, so make your own obstacle course instead with old toilet-paper rolls. As for the actual hamster, he will usually only cost $15 to $20.
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Is it cruel to have a hamster?

Hamsters Need Large, Secure Homes

If an enclosure is too small, the animal can develop “cage rage,” a condition caused by stress that can lead to various behavioral issues, including biting, excessive urinating, and incessant cage-bar biting that can cause serious harm to teeth.
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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.
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What is the easiest pet to take care of?

Here are our top 7 best low maintenance pets.
  1. Birds.
  2. Snakes. ...
  3. Sea Monkeys. ...
  4. Guinea pigs. ...
  5. Goldfish. Ahh, the goldfish. ...
  6. Cats. If you claim that you are not a “cat person”, have you ever tried owning a cat? ...
  7. Hamsters. Taking care of a hamster is easy once they have the proper cage. ...
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Which hamster is better male or female?

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.
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Do hamsters poop a lot?

Hamsters poop a lot because they eat a lot and are so small. Just remember to clean the cage regularly and pay attention to your pet's pooping habits to make sure that everything looks like it should.
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Are hamsters stinky?

Hamsters don't stink but, if you aren't diligent, their cages sure will. A hamster's cage needs a full cleaning at least once a week. Dump all of the bedding and scrub the enclosure thoroughly with a mild detergent and warm water, then re-line it with brand new bedding.
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Can hamsters catch Covid?

Research on animals and COVID-19

Recent experimental research shows that many mammals, including cats, dogs, bank voles, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, mink, pigs, rabbits, racoon dogs, tree shrews, red foxes, and white-tailed deer can be infected with the virus.
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Should I buy my kids a hamster?

Hamsters are fun animals and can make good first pets for children, provided you understand what they need to be healthy and happy.
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How much does a hamster cost per month?

You can expect to drop $120 right away, with monthly costs averaging $30 to $40 thereafter. Depending on vet care and other expenses, you can shell out over $600 per year. So, don't be fooled into thinking that hamsters are always inexpensive. Like any other pet, they can be pricey with care, but it's worth the reward.
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Do hamsters like to be held?

They do not like to be held. They are more prone to bite if they are startled or woken from a deep sleep, or if your hands smell like another animal or food. Handle your hamster gently.
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What is better for a child a hamster or guinea pig?

Guinea Pigs Vs Hamsters — the Verdict? Overall experts suggest that guinea pigs make the best pets for children due to their affectionate and active nature. They also live longer which means the there is more time for your child to bond with their pet.
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What pets are good for anxiety?

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health.
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