I want a new hamster. Where do I start?

lydiaaa · 12-27-2018, 07:59 AM

I've been wanting a hamster for quite a long time but i feel i need to still top up on my research and be fully prepared for a hamster. I do not know for definite if I will be getting this hamster yet but I would like to get a few more opinions on how to go about this.
What hamster should I get? In my area there are many good petshops that sell hams so I can pretty much access all the species whigh is very lucky. Which species would you suggest for a beginner?
I've researched this a lot on YouTube, my main source being the channel 'erinsanimals' where her advice seems very reliable. The cage I am most interested in is the diy ikea linnmon cage which does have a good amount of floorspace. For substrate I am not keen on wood shavings so I was looking at using a mixture of paper bedding, aspen and wood cat pellets. However, I need advice on which is best for each breed of hamster.
Diet is an area I'm not very sure about so general diet advice VERY welcome.
Wheels, toys and other essentials I am very happy with what I know but the other end thing I'm not sure of is flying saucers or upright wheels or maybe both?
Any advice would be well appreciated xx

cypher · 12-27-2018, 09:15 AM

If you can I would spend some time with some hamsters even if it's just in a pet shop to see which species appeals to you most & which you feel more comfortable with.
Syrians & Russians are both suitable as first time hamsters, Robos & Chinese can be a bit more challenging until you have some experience but Syrians & Russians are both usually easy to tame & handle although Russians are obviously smaller & quite a bit faster so can be a little harder to handle until you get used to them.
You would need a larger cage with a Syrian, most do well in something around 100x50cm while a Russian would be fine in a cage around 80x50cm.
Diet will depend on species, most Syrians seem to do quite well with Harry Hamster mix while a Russian or other dwarf species would need a dwarf specific mix, they are also prone to diabetes so you have to be very careful to avoid sugars in the diet while this isn't a problem with Syrians.
All hamsters do well with fresh veg daily once they have adjusted to it gradually, fruit should only be a rare treat for any ham but especially for those prone to diabetes.
In the UK the best & most economical substrates are Fitch & Kaytee clean & cosy. These are suitable for all species. They also enjoy a nice pile of plain white toilet paper shredded up for nesting.
The best wheels are upright wheels, flying saucers are ok as an extra in a playpen for example but not ideal as the main wheel, the running position is wrong & they take up too much room in the cage too.
Hope that helps a bit, if you have any other questions or things you're unsure about just ask.

buttercuplols · 12-27-2018, 10:42 AM

That is a really good summary of advice there from cypher. It took me hours of reading to find out all those details above but I'm very glad of it and now have a very happy new hammy so go with ALL of the above would be my advice!

lydiaaa · 12-27-2018, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buttercuplols

That is a really good summary of advice there from cypher. It took me hours of reading to find out all those details above but I'm very glad of it and now have a very happy new hammy so go with ALL of the above would be my advice!

That's great

, so glad that I have a few more opinions to go on. Feeling more confident now.

Sasha04 · 12-27-2018, 01:27 PM

Cypher gave a great summary! For a first time hamster owner, I would suggest a Syrian or Russian like cypher said. Syrians are larger and slower which makes them easier to handle. Remember, just like us, hamsters have their own personalities so you may find a Syrian that is super fast and Russian that is chill. Cypher gave great dieting advice. Harry Hamster is great for Syrians! For Russians I would go for https://www.zooplus.com/shop/rodents...er_food/621825. Take a look at other peoples threads aswell and you can learn some things too! If you have any specific questions or concerns feel free to ask!

Forgot to add. The IKEA Linnion cage is a great cage and if that is your best option, go with it!

mangoandmimi · 12-27-2018, 01:39 PM

Agree with cypher. Wouldn’t bother with the cat pellets for bedding, if you don’t like shavings then a paper bedding is fine (Fitch, clean and cozy). If you want to mix something else in then hemp is probably a bit better than aspen, aspen is tricky to get hold of here anyway and is often dusty.

Between Russians and Syrians the main difference is probably in enrichment really. Wheel size, bedding depth, and the size of toys. It’s a bit easier to buy dwarf toys than Syrian ones as they often need rat sized items, hamster ones are often too small. You also may find Syrians to be more demanding space & enrichment wise than a dwarf so that might be something worth considering. Really though I think all species are great in their own ways so it is down to personal preference.

HamsterLife77 · 12-27-2018, 03:44 PM

If you want to get a hamster the first step would be to choose whatspecies of hamster you would want.The main differences (physically) about the different species of hamsters is that Dwarfs are obviously smaller and quicker and Syrians are bigger and a bit slower. Don't get me wrong Syrians are quite quick but Dwarfs are extremely quick (you probably already know this stuff ).
Id suggest a Syrian for a beginner as they are more sociable and easier to tame comparing to a Robo. There is a few good foods about and one that I would recommend for a Syrian is Harry Hamster but for dwarfs will need a specific mix. Also the IKEA Linnion is a great cage!