I can not decide!!*

[Hammy_]

Ok so I have so before I ask this question I have done all the research and understand about the species I am about to mention. So saying this I have decided to get a new hamster and was having trouble picking a species so I finally came down to a winter white or a sirian. Which species do you prefer? I guess I will get whichever species has the most votes. Thankyou😊

[Shannonmcn]

Sorry if this bursts a bubble but unless you've found a good specialist breeder you won't be able to get a winter white. Pet shop dwarf hamsters are almost guaranteed to be winter white/ Russian Campbells hybrids which require more attention to diet than a pure bred ham. So that might affect your decision

[slatted]

It is not impossible to get a pure Winter White though, especially if you are near any of the Shows or breeders. I have both species and really love all of them.

[Hammy_]

Thankyou shannonmcn when saying winter white I was referring to Russian dwarf hybrid because I know how hard it is to find one generally ��

[DrKMcK]

Hello Hammy_, If this is your first hammy, it's really up to what you expect from the little fluff. For a newbie I always suggest a Syrian since they are a good size for holding and tend to be a bit slower than the dwarfs. If you have any experience with hammies and don't mind the faster little guys, then it's flip a coin time. Actually, when you are ready and go to see the hams, it may well wind up that a hammy chooses you. That happens more than folks realize. Please let us know the result.

[Hammy_]

Yes I have had both species before maybe I will just let the hamster pick me

[cypher]

The only problem there would be needing to have a home set up before you get your ham, they do need rather different sized things & different set ups although cage size would be the same.
I've always been chosen by my hams rather than the other way around I'm sure but the choice was only between the different dwarf hams it's a bit different if you may consider a dwarf or a syrian.

[Pebbles82]

You could get a Ferplast Maxi Duna Multy, which would suit both species, and have a shoe box house for now until you find out what size house you will need - and a 27cm wodent wheel which both syrian and dwarf can use. (Or even a 20cm wodent wheel and upgrade later if it's a baby syrian). So that way you could let the hamster choose you - but it might be a more expensive decision with upgrades on cage contents!

How about one of each? Decision made. Two stacking cages. All set up. Or just decide to get a syrian and possibly a winter white later. What did you do by the way?!!!

[Wanna Hamster]

I would go for a Syrian, as I think they tend to be more friendly and cuddly. BUT, you could easily get a Syrian that doesn't like cuddles and a dwarf that adores being handled and cuddled!

[Goldie Flower]

I think letting the ham choose you sounds great Personally I'd choose depending on what you want from your ham if you do decide to choose before hand though. I know every ham is different but generally I've found my syrians to be very fussy and love as much attention as possible while the russians are happier to stay in their cage and play on their own, they also tend to nip way more than the syrians. Saying that though my new little russian girl is one of the fussiest animals I've ever met so it could go either way.