Should I get a male or female 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 male and female hamsters?

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.

Which type 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.

What type of hamster is best for beginners?

How do I pick the right hamster?

Hamsters should be bright and curious in attitude and never lethargic. This can be a bit hard to judge in a nocturnal animal like a hamster, but with attention—and perhaps some very gentle prodding—a hamster should wake up and seem to be inquisitive about what is happening. Observe how the hamster reacts to people.

Female or Male Hamsters?

Do girl hamsters get their period?

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.

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 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.

Do female hamsters go in heat?

When a female hamster is in season to breed, her estrous cycle spans four days. Every fourth day between sunset and sunrise she will be in heat and receptive to mating. She will be more receptive later in the night.

Do male hamsters go into heat?

Male hamsters mature more slowly; they generally become reproductively capable between 10 and 14 weeks old. Male hamsters do not have heat cycles.

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.

How often should I let my hamster out?

Most hamster owners release their pets from their cages on a daily basis, and many experts recommend that they be permitted this freedom at least once a week. Much like humans, hamsters allowed to move about freely outside their steel-enforced homes tend to be happier and healthier overall.

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.

Can I let my hamster roam free?

There is also a higher possibility of them getting stuck in gaps such as in between cupboards, or underneath furniture. However, as long as your hamster is easy to handle, or your room is hamster-proofed, it is okay to let your hamsters free roam regardless of species.

How do you play with your hamster?

Place toys inside of his cage.

Your hamster will want to do more than just run on his exercise wheel. He will also enjoy running through tunnels and having toys that he can nibble on. The chew toys will help keep your hamster's teeth filed down.

Do hamsters like being in the 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.

Why do hamsters pee blood?

Just like with humans, your hamster's kidneys are responsible for flushing toxins from its body, and sometimes, just like human kidneys, they malfunction, resulting in a dangerous build-up of toxins in the body. This condition is usually diagnosed with blood and urine samples.

Is it OK if my hamster eats toilet paper?

Yes, toilet paper is safe for hamsters. Even if your hammy ends up ingesting the TP, it is safe. Modern toilet paper is meant to dissolve in water after a short while. This also means that it will break apart when it reaches your hammy's stomach, so he will have no trouble passing it out.

Do hamsters need to cut their nails?

Not all hamsters require trimming of their nails. In fact, many will do this on their own by scratching at things in their environment. However, elderly and sickly hamsters are prone to having nail overgrowth issues. This can also happen to perfectly healthy, young hamsters.

Can you cuddle hamsters?

Much. Cuddling. Hamsters are cute, tiny and notoriously afraid of humans. But you can actually train your little hammie to enjoy your snuggles which, face it, is kind of your goal in life.

Is a hamster an easy pet?

Hamsters Are Not 'Starter Pets'

Although hamsters are small, they still entail a big commitment. They require daily care, exercise, and attention, just like other animal companions.

Can you take a hamster for a walk?

With a sturdy harness and extreme diligence, you can take your own hamster for a walk too. However, it is important to note that walking your hamster can put your hamster at risk of serious injury or death. Keep in mind that there are safer alternatives for hamster exercise and entertainment.

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.