Hello Everyone

[Nuclear_Glitter]

Hello everyone,

I've joined because my younger sisters, who are four, turning five, are getting a hamster for their birthday and I am trying to touch up on everything I can before we get one.

I had one hamster about twelve years ago, and she was a teddy bear hamster (I assume she was a girl, I never actually checked).

The two hamster species we were considering are the dwarf hamster, and the djungarian hamster (Russian winter white). I was wondering which species seems to be better as far as handling and everything goes? I would really like them to be able to get the Djungarian hamster, but I want to select what's best for them.

(Please be aware that the young girls will not ever be left unsupervised with the hamster, or have the opportunities to cause any problems for or with him/her. All of the main responsibility will be handled by myself or our mother.)

[SportsmanKong]

Hello and welcome to the boards!

It's always wonderful to see someone get a hamster. My only advice is to keep an eye on them and supervise your sisters with the hamsters. As far as handling goes, every type of hamster is a little different, but all of them will get used to you as long as you take your time with them, spend time around them, and make sure they get used to your scent. When it comes to younger children, it's best that if they are under the age of 12 (some say that they simply observe from a distance and learn the basics and try not to handle them much. It's easy for a child to get distracted or scared at first. My son is 4 and my daughter is 8, but both of them still get overexcited around my hamsters, so I don't let them mess with them other than looking at them through the cage.

I am aware of your last statement, it's just best to make sure to put this information out there anyways. If you want the Djungarian go for it! I don't see why there would be a problem at all with having one of those. Also, since kids to tend to catch colds more often from being at school and around other children, to make sure that if either of them gets sick to keep them away from the hamsters at all costs as the hamster(s) can catch the cold and it's much more detrimental to them than us humans.

Good luck on your selection, and honestly go with what your gut tells you! It'll be a great learning experience for both of your sisters on how to keep the cages clean, how feeding works, etc; my kids help in cleaning and changing the water out and sometimes they'll give my hamsters a treat!

Again, welcome to the forums!

[samzyzg]

I would maybe suggest getting another Syrian Hamster (its also called a Teddy Bear hamster and a few other names), I only suggest that as I do find them that bit slower than the dwarf hamsters and slightly easier to tame, however it is down to the individual hamster overall they are just general observations. Also because of the size they would be easier to hold and interact with

I had several Russian Dwarf hamsters when I was younger (starting from around 10 years old). I do have a curiosity, where are you planning on purchasing the hamsters from?

Either way I can't wait to hear more about the hammy you choose for them :3 and welcome