Breeds

shawniyatwain · 03-04-2015, 06:42 AM

Really not sure if this is the right place to post so I'm really sorry if it's not, I currently own a pair of hybrid dwarves and a syrian, none of them are cuddly and despite almost a year of taming they don't particularly like handling. I really want a pet that is cuddly and will happily sit on my lap but am very limited on what I can have as I am living in a rented apartment. I have heard that Chinese hamsters are cuddly, is this true? and to what extent? any experiences?
Also are there any other particularly cuddly rodents? I was thinking guinea pigs or an African pygmy hedgehog but my landlord doesn't seem that keen, but possibly in the distant future.

sorry for being so long any input/ideas would be much appreciated

cypher · 03-04-2015, 06:58 AM

Some Chinese can be cuddly hams but definitely not all! Mine is tame & loves to climb on me & run around inside my shirt which is really cute but she's really not up for more than quick cuddles most of the time, way too hyper & very fast so she can be difficult to handle if not in the mood!
I really think, apart from robos which can be tame but very rarely a cuddle ham, it comes down to the individual ham as much as the species.
I've never had a syrian but seen both cuddly ones & more hands off ones here, all my russian hybrids have been happy to be handled but some have been more cuddly than others & I do find they prefer to be active with me generally rather than curl up & sleep on your lap like some syrians are more likely to be.
I've no experience of hedgehogs or guinea pigs as pets but from what I've read I don't think hedgehogs are really a cuddles type pet either.

souffle · 03-04-2015, 07:08 AM

Few rodents actively seek cuddles and just sit on you for any length of time. They are too busy being active and curious really.
Cats, if you get a real lap cat sound like what you would want so maybe that would be one for the future?

Shannonmcn · 03-04-2015, 07:14 AM

HoppingHammy did a survey recently over on Hamster Hideout that sort of covers this

Male Syrians are probably your best bet for a cuddly hamster but it's always a gamble, they do have their own personalities and it depends a lot on how they were handled as babies too, so a good breeder will up your chances again but it's not a guarantee.

I've never kept any other rodents but from what I've read rats and hams are definitely more snuggly than a guinea pig in general. Piggies also need A LOT of soace so they probably won't be a feasible option for an apartment. No idea about hedgehogs.

Edit: agree with soufflé, kinda sounds like you want a cat

cypher · 03-04-2015, 07:22 AM

All my males have been more laid back than my girls so I'd agree that's a good point Shannon.
Cats are so unpredictable though! Unless you go for an adult, maybe a rescue or adoption that really wants a cosy loving home, you never know quite what kind of a character you're going to get!

HopefulHamster · 03-04-2015, 07:29 AM

My hedgehog will sit in my lap comfortably if she's in her fleece cuddle pouch. When she's not in it, she refuses to sit still and would much rather run around. Every hedgehog is different, though.
Hedgehogs have specific needs though, such as having a light schedule and a heat source/thermostat, otherwise they may attempt hibernation which is dangerous for them. I don't know if you already knew that. :P

shawniyatwain · 03-04-2015, 11:31 AM

Thank you for your help everyone, I have done a lot 9 research into hedgehogs and they sound like great pets even with their specific needs, I think I'm just really struggling to fi d my perfect animal, I love my hammies so much but I wish they would have a stronger bond with me.
Anyone have any experience with rabbits?

RubyDG · 03-04-2015, 12:09 PM

Have you looked into rats at all? I have no personal experience but from what I've read they're supposed to be affectionate.

Shawnee · 03-04-2015, 09:22 PM

If you haven't looked into rats, I HIGHLY suggest them. They are wonderful pets! They love to be with their humans, and are very clean animals (Just like hamsters) But if you do get a rat, it is imperative that you get two because they NEED to be with another rat to be happy.

HopefulHamster · 03-05-2015, 05:46 AM

I also have a rabbit. She's lovely and I personally feel like rabbits and guinea pigs are my 'perfect' animals. Some rabbits do cuddle, others don't. My girl doesn't cuddle up to me, but she does like being petted. Out of all my animals (guinea pigs, hedgehog, hamsters, rabbit) I feel like she's the one who has the strongest bond with me, because the bond is more mutual, I guess? However rabbits need a lot of room, like guinea pigs, so if you don't think you can provide a large cage or free roam the bunny, you shouldnt get one. They also need to be spayed/neutered, and vaccinated if you're not in the US (I don't think Canada rabbits need to be vaccinated either).