Hamsters: A Great First Pet for Children and First-Time Owners

Hamsters make great pets for young children, as they teach them responsibility, such as giving your hamster clean water every day and feeding it daily. Cleaning the cage is also a responsibility that children can learn. However, when it comes to getting a pet hamster, it can be hard to know what breed to buy.

Best Hamster Species for Beginners

There are many breeds, including the Syrian hamster, Dwarf Campbell hamster, Winter White hamster, and Roborovski hamster.

Hamsters come in many different sizes:

• The Dwarf Campbell hamster is 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length as an adult.
• The Winter White hamster is 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in length and can weigh 1 to 2 ounces.
• The Roborovski hamster is 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) in length and weighs 15 to 40 grams.
• The Syrian hamster, also known as the Golden Hamster, is 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 cm) long. (most popular for kids)

Most hamster breeds live for about three years, but if you are lucky, some can live for up to five years.

Are Hamsters Good Pets for Children?

Hamsters can make excellent pets for responsible children. They are small, quiet, and do not require as much space as dogs or cats. However, children should always handle them gently and wash their hands after touching them.

Syrian Hamsters: The Best Choice for Beginners

If you are getting your first hamster, a Syrian hamster is often the best choice. Syrian hamsters are larger than dwarf hamster breeds, making them easier to handle. They are generally calm, friendly, and less likely to dart away quickly. Because of their larger size, they are often recommended for children who are learning how to care for a pet hamster.

Hamster Supplies Checklist

Here’s everything you need to buy for your hamster:

1. Cage
2. Bedding
3. Exercise wheel
4. Hideouts
5. Water bottle
6. Food dish

Even though hamsters are small rodents, they need a lot of room to run around, and you have to make sure you get the right size wheel. Without the proper wheel, it can hurt your hamster’s back.

Foods to Avoid

Foods to avoid when you have a pet hamster include:

• Chocolate
• Raw beans
• Caffeine
• Onions
• Garlic
• Citrus fruits
• Anything high in sugar or salt

Healthy Treats for Hamsters

What are healthy treats you can feed your hamster?

You can feed your hamster:

• Unsalted seeds
• Small pieces of fruit, such as apples
• Carrots
• Broccoli

Fresh Vegetables for Hamsters

You can feed your hamster fresh vegetables such as:

• Carrots
• Romaine lettuce
• Sweet peppers

How Often Should You Clean a Hamster Cage?

Hamsters need a clean cage to stay healthy.

• Remove soiled bedding daily.
• Clean food dishes and water bottles regularly.
• Do a full cage cleaning every one to two weeks.

Why Do Hamsters Sometimes Bite?

Hamsters can bite if they feel scared or threatened. Additionally, because they have poor eyesight, if they smell a treat or scented hand cream or body wash, they might think it is food and bite.

This does not mean your hamster is biting aggressively.

If you just bought a pet hamster and it is biting you, it is likely because it is scared and does not know who you are. You will need to earn its trust first.

Hamsters can also bite if you pick them up the wrong way, as it can hurt them or frighten them.

How to Gain Your Hamster’s Trust

To get your hamster to trust you, you can put treats in its cage by carefully placing them inside. You can also put treats on your hand and let the hamster walk up to you.

Once it becomes comfortable, carefully pet it and allow it to explore its home cage.

Why Chew Toys Are Important

When owning a hamster, you need to make sure you provide chew toys. Hamsters’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives.

Without chew toys, their teeth can become too large and may cause malocclusion. Malocclusion occurs when the teeth are not lined up properly. This can make it difficult for a hamster to eat, drink, or swallow food.

Signs Your Hamster Is Sick

A hamster may be sick if it:

• Stops eating or drinking
• Has watery eyes or a runny nose
• Sleeps more than usual
• Has wet fur around its tail
• Loses weight

If you notice any of these signs, take your hamster to a veterinarian.

Fun Facts About Hamsters

• Hamsters store food in special cheek pouches.
• They can run several kilometres on a wheel in one night.
• Hamsters have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell.
• Hamsters are most active during the evening and nighttime hours.

Hamsters Are Most Active at Night

Hamsters are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night.

While you are sleeping, your fluffy little friend is running on its wheel, eating food, exploring its cage, and playing.

Conclusion

Hamsters can be fun and rewarding pets for children and adults alike. They teach responsibility, do not require a lot of space, and can provide hours of entertainment. By providing the right cage, healthy food, chew toys, and plenty of care, your hamster can live a happy and healthy life. Before bringing home a hamster, take the time to learn about its needs so you can give your new furry friend the best possible home.