Thinking About Getting Another Hamster

[caitlinr222]

Hey guys! It's been about 8 months since my old hamster Toast passed away I have my 1-yo hamster Aspen and am considering getting another one

I have always had Syrians but could be interested in getting a dwarf. I have always liked calm hamsters, but I would be willing to try something different. I know a lot of it is concerned to individual hamsters but dwarfs often seem to be pretty skittish at the pet store whenever I pass by them. All I'm really asking is some advice from the more experienced hamster owners out there!

[Cinnamon Bear]

I would read through the various threads on the different species on the forum. There is a lot of information here. Would need to do some research and maybe go to the pet stores and handle some of them (expept robos). All 5 of my hamsters are dwarves.

[caitlinr222]

You say except robos, and this may be a stupid question, but are why can't you handle robos in stores?

[Fluffagrams]

It's not to say that it's not possible to handle robos at all but they can be a little bit more difficult to handle, due to their speed and small size.

As there are several different types of hamster that are classified under the name 'dwarf hamster' there will be little traits that you're more likely to see in certain species. Russian hamsters for example tend to be a bit slower than the Roborovski and the Chinese and can be easier to handle but some people find that the Campbell's can be a bit nippy.

Most Russian hamsters sold in pet shops are likely to be Hybrids (a cross between a Campbells and a Winter White somewhere in their lineage) and as a consequence may be more prone to certain health conditions. My sister has a Hybrid who is two and a half now and she's ever such a pretty little thing.

I currently have four Chinese in my care (one isn't mine - he's on a breeding holiday) and they're my favourite species. They're a little harder to get hold of but they're intelligent little things and can be excellent climbers. They are however prone to being a bit shy so some people have had to spend longer taming them but once you get there, they can be ever so friendly and loving.

[cypher]

Someone else posted on exactly the same topic yesterday so you might want to have a look at that thread too.
Looking at getting another hamster