What hamster species should get?

MissPremium · 03-11-2017, 12:16 PM

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum and new to hamster ownership although I have done so much research and I think I know quite a lot about hamsters but I would love it learn more! Next year my mum said if you can look after you gerbils well we will let you get a hamster

!! But I am not sure what species I should get I understand Syrians are more friendly and are great for beginners but the thing is syrains are very big and need larger toys and wheel and I think it may cost more!! I looked for a 12 inch wheel at it was about £30!!! I do love any dwarf species though as I do think they are super cute don't get me wrong syrains are too but I love the fact they are so small

! But they are apparently very difficult to tame especially robos and don't like to be handled. What hamster would be best for I for me?? Thank you

snow pony · 03-12-2017, 04:05 PM

I personally started off with Syrians. They may need bigger toys but they are the slowest species and the easiest to handle. However, I recently got a little winter white hybrid, and he was tame when I got him as he was adopted, so that could be a route to look at. He is faster than my Syrian though, but easier for me to handle as I have small hands. I don't have any experience with other species so I can't really help with those.

AmityvilleHams · 03-12-2017, 04:17 PM

I don't believe in beginner animals,though I know a lot of people enjoy spreading the idea

What matters is that the animal is appropriate for you,not that they're what others consider a "beginner" pet.Syrians definitely aren't for everyone,and if you don't feel that you can provide for their needs don't get one!

Hybrids/Russians are a midsized species,but unlike Syrians they're much easier to house and provide toys and enrichment for(due to their small size).You're still looking at a good sized cage with this species though,preferably around 80 cm x 50 cm up to 100 cm x 50 cm,so if that size isn't for you perhaps consider robos or Chinese which can usually be happy in smaller spaces(within reason).

When it comes to Chinese and robos,they're the easiest to house(between 60 cm x 30 cm and 70 cm x 40 cm being the cage size most agree upon).

Hamsters aren't cuddly animals,but some will tolerate handling very well.Russians in general aren't incredibly difficult to tame,and the stereotype of that is inaccurate.

You still need to be able to spend money on a high quality wheel(9 inch Silent Runner preferably for dwarf species),but there are plenty things you can go cheap on safely to make room in a budget for the things that really shouldn't be bought cheaply!For example,Fitch substrate in bulk is extremely cost effective and is much better than Carefresh(both in cost and quality)and far safer than wood shavings.DIY toys and thrift shopping can also be good to save money on toys and such,but dwarf sized toys tend to be cheaper anyways.

chesca_27 · 03-12-2017, 04:18 PM

If you don't think a Syrian would suit you, then I would recommend starting with a Russian dwarf (Winter White, Campbells, Hybrid) as they are generally very tame and easier to buy toys for. They aren't too small so that they are impossible to catch or buy a cage for, but big enough to hold and to buy lots of toys for.

The best Russian to start out with would be a pure bred Winter White because they aren't prone to diabetes, meaning you can be slightly more lenient with treats. I love all Russians though, and they are my favourite (which is why I have a WW).

Syrians are excellent for beginners, but I do agree they are a little trickier to buy for.

It is a myth that dwarf hamsters aren't tame as the majority are. I think this only truly applies to Roborovskis, as they are the hardest to tame and very few become fully tame. They are very fun to watch though

. Like I said, Russians are very easy to tame. I don't classify Chinese hamsters as dwarf hamsters (due to its different genus) but they can be tamed as well. They are very cute as well

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FelicityAnn · 03-12-2017, 05:22 PM

Hi, I'm preparing a cage for a Syrian at the moment, and I'm going to send for this one:
Trixie Wooden Exercise Wheel | Free P&P on orders Â£29+ at zooplus!

The 28cm is 9.99GBP at the moment, but of course you have to add on deivery costs of 2.99GBP if you're in the UK. I live in Spain, and it's IMPOSSIBLE to get larger wheels in the shops here.

ladyntramp002 · 03-12-2017, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chesca_27

If you don't think a Syrian would suit you, then I would recommend starting with a Russian dwarf (Winter White, Campbells, Hybrid) as they are generally very tame and easier to buy toys for. They aren't too small so that they are impossible to catch or buy a cage for, but big enough to hold and to buy lots of toys for.

The best Russian to start out with would be a pure bred Winter White because they aren't prone to diabetes, meaning you can be slightly more lenient with treats. I love all Russians though, and they are my favourite (which is why I have a WW).

Syrians are excellent for beginners, but I do agree they are a little trickier to buy for.

It is a myth that dwarf hamsters aren't tame as the majority are. I think this only truly applies to Roborovskis, as they are the hardest to tame and very few become fully tame. They are very fun to watch though

. Like I said, Russians are very easy to tame. I don't classify Chinese hamsters as dwarf hamsters (due to its different genus) but they can be tamed as well. They are very cute as well

.

I never knew that Winter White dwarf hamsters were not prone to diabetes. I just thought that because they were a dwarf species of hamsters that they were prone to diabetes.

Well, you learn new things about hammies every day. Even if you have had them for a while.

Thank you so much for enlightening me on this special bit on Winter Whites. They have to be one of my favorites of the dwarf species.

Drago · 03-12-2017, 06:46 PM

I agree with all the above posters. Practicality/price wise, a Syrian may be better for someone who is in a better financial situation, whilst a small dwarf would do better in a smaller cage (though this doesn't mean anything under 450). I personally love Syrians best as temperament wise, I feel they're overall friendlier and more affectionate, but once again it's really down to each hamster as an individual. Sometimes (though as a general rule) dwarfs can take longer to tame, but it also must be understood that you can get a skittish Syrian. I think the best thing you could do is go to a local pet shop and play with the different species so that you can assess the temperaments of them in general, then make a decision that suits you best. Like said earlier, having a smaller hamster doesn't necessarily mean a smaller wheel. A high quality wheel (which I highly recommend biting the bullet and purchasing it) will be pretty pricey up front! Only you will truly be able to know which species is best for you

chesca_27 · 03-13-2017, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyntramp002

I never knew that Winter White dwarf hamsters were not prone to diabetes. I just thought that because they were a dwarf species of hamsters that they were prone to diabetes.

Well, you learn new things about hammies every day. Even if you have had them for a while.

Thank you so much for enlightening me on this special bit on Winter Whites. They have to be one of my favorites of the dwarf species.

Yeah so only pure bred, pedigree Winter Whites (from good breeders) won't be prone to diabetes. Pure bred Campbells are still prone to diabetes, which is why anything without a pedigree must be considered a Russian hybrid and given a low sugar diet.

I still regularly learn new things despite researching for years and having Larry-Jasper for ages.

You're welcome

! That's the point of the forum, to learn more and to help others

.