If you’ve decided to get a hamster, it’s recommended to first learn about these animals: figure out what types and breeds of rodents exist, what to feed a hamster at home, and how to choose and set up a cage for your new pet. A hamster for a child is, after all, a significant event, so we’ll try to give you some tips on choosing a small furry friend.

Types of Pet Hamsters

There are many different types of hamsters, but not all of them can live in a home environment. So let’s look at the main breeds that are bred specifically for home keeping.

Dwarf Hamster (Djungarian Hamster)

The most common type of rodent loved by pet owners is the dwarf hamster. Individuals of this species most often have a gray coat with a darker stripe on their back, and they grow up to 10 cm – so they belong to dwarf breeds. They are most amenable to taming. These hamsters are only bought in pairs for breeding purposes. However, individuals of the same sex often fight.

Often, hamsters of other breeds are sold under the guise of this breed. How to choose a dwarf hamster and not make a mistake? You should pay attention to the following signs:

• The stripe on the back is clearly defined, forming diamond-like lines on the head.
• Healthy dwarf hamsters never have red eyes.
• There are noticeable “arches” above the hind legs at the transition from the back to the belly.
• When viewed from above, the shape of a dwarf hamster is ovoid – narrow to the muzzle, wide to the rump.

Syrian Hamster

Syrian hamsters are the largest of the domesticated hamsters, with individuals reaching the size of a guinea pig. The color is most often solid and light (but there are also black individuals), and the fur can be of various lengths. They are the most resistant to diseases. Rodents of this species can be taught their name. Syrians are better for children because of their size and ease of care. But at the same time, with improper handling, they can bite the owner. Syrians also live alone.

Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster

Campbell’s dwarf hamster is similar to the dwarf hamster but has a more aggressive nature. The color is more yellow and the stripe on the back is paler.

Roborovski Hamster

Roborovski hamsters are the most sociable, but also the smallest (growing only to 4-6 cm). This breed can live in pairs, but only with individuals from the same litter.

But it’s not just the breed of hamster that’s important for choosing; each individual hamster has its own unique character and habits – all of which can influence which animal is right for you and your child.

General Tips

Pay attention to the animal’s age. A baby younger than four weeks requires special care. If you’re not ready to feed it milk or a mixture from a pipette, maintain its body temperature, and perform other maternal duties, then this is not your option. A hamster older than three months is more difficult to tame and already has established habits. A female from two months old can already give birth – if she is just pregnant, you will not notice this when buying. Try to find an animal aged 1-2 months.

Rodents are nocturnal animals. Many of them sleep during the day. Therefore, it’s best to visit the pet store in the evening when hamsters become active. If the animal is lethargic even at this time, it may be sick.

Caring for Your Hamster

Hamsters are relatively independent creatures, but they still require some care. Here are the basic care tips:

• Cage: The cage should be spacious, with enough room for running and playing. It should be equipped with a water bottle, food bowl, a cozy house, a running wheel, and various toys.
• Hygiene: The cage needs to be cleaned regularly, and the bedding should be replaced. Hamsters are clean animals, but they still need help maintaining their hygiene.
• Diet: The main part of a hamster’s diet consists of grain mixes, but you can also give them fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It’s important to remember that some foods can be harmful to hamsters, so consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods.
• Health: Regularly check your pet’s health. Pay attention to their fur, eyes, and nose. If you notice any signs of illness, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Choosing a Cage for Your Hamster

The cage is your pet’s home, so choosing the right one is important. When selecting a cage, consider the following factors:

• Size: The cage should be large enough for your hamster to move around freely.
• Material: Stainless steel or sturdy plastic cages are the best options.
• Bar Spacing: The spacing between the bars should be small enough to prevent your hamster from escaping.
• Accessories: The cage should be equipped with all the necessary accessories, such as a water bottle, food bowl, house, wheel, and toys.

Hamsters for Children: Important Considerations

If you’re considering getting a hamster for your child, it’s important to explain that hamsters are living creatures that require care and attention. Your child should learn to be responsible for their pet.

• Shared Responsibility: Initially, you should care for the hamster together with your child, gradually transferring more responsibility to them.
• Handling: Teach your child to handle the hamster gently to avoid scaring or injuring it.
• Hygiene: Teach your child to wash their hands after handling the hamster and its cage.

A hamster can be a wonderful pet that brings joy to your family. However, before getting a hamster, it’s important to be well-prepared and understand the responsibilities of pet ownership.