Heyo! Im new!

[Pokii]

Hello!

I'm a teenager looking to adopt a hamster for my birthday soon c:

I've wanted a pet for a while, and the pandemic has sorta made me think more seriously about looking into one (the loneliness and all). Since my home isn't really acceptable for a dog or a cat, I've been looking into small animals, and I thought a hamster would probably be the best for me and my family.

I managed to get a yes from my parents by showing them the research I did and a diagram of a possible DIY the enclosure I drew, so right now I'm really digging deep into researching everything I can, stuff like, diet, enrichment, etc, cause I want to give it as good as a life a I can!!

I found this website while I was doing my research, so I thought I'd join and introduce myself!! Nice to meet you!

[Petite]

Hello, Pokii, and welcome to the forum! It's good to know you're researching everything before you get the hamster. What kind are you looking for?

One of the most important things to begin with is getting an enclosure that's big enough. That almost certainly won't be one from your local pet store, but if you need any info on best cages and the size needed (which is more than you might think) there is plenty on this forum (look under the "Let's see your cages...." thread). There is also info on DIY cages. You can make many items for enrichment yourself (look for Erin's hamster videos on youtube). Don't forget to think about where to site the cage: if you are a light sleeper, you probably don't want your hammie running on his wheel all night in your room!

One thing to steer clear of is that lovely fluffy bedding you can buy in pet shops. I know it looks very cosy, but it's not good for a hammie's insides.

If you have any questions at all....ask away.

[Ria P]

Hello Pokii and welcome to HC!

You landed in the right place by joining this friendly forum. It's a fountain of information with a lot of helpful people who will do their best to give you all the answers you're looking for.

[LunaTheHamster1]

Hello and welcome

[Pokii]

Originally Posted by Petite

Hello, Pokii, and welcome to the forum! It's good to know you're researching everything before you get the hamster. What kind are you looking for?

One of the most important things to begin with is getting an enclosure that's big enough. That almost certainly won't be one from your local pet store, but if you need any info on best cages and the size needed (which is more than you might think) there is plenty on this forum (look under the "Let's see your cages...." thread). There is also info on DIY cages. You can make many items for enrichment yourself (look for Erin's hamster videos on youtube). Don't forget to think about where to site the cage: if you are a light sleeper, you probably don't want your hammie running on his wheel all night in your room!

One thing to steer clear of is that lovely fluffy bedding you can buy in pet shops. I know it looks very cosy, but it's not good for a hammie's insides.

If you have any questions at all....ask away.

Thank you for all the info! As for the kind im looking for, I wanted to get a syrian, but because they aren't really common in my area, Im now deciding between a Winter White or Roborovski Dwarf hamster, since they seem to be the most readily available where I live. All my research has been for a Syrian, so im not sure on how they act or what they need.

[Pokii]

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

Hello and welcome

Thank you! ^-^

[Pokii]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Hello Pokii and welcome to HC!

You landed in the right place by joining this friendly forum. It's a fountain of information with a lot of helpful people who will do their best to give you all the answers you're looking for.

Thank you!! That's good because I definitely have a lot of questions.

[Engel]

welcome to hc!

and questions or problems that you may have now or in the future, feel free to ask!

have you though about going to rescues?

Where in the world are you? UK? US? this may help people find better products for you as something are found in the UK but not the US and vice versa!

I cant wait to see your hamster, remember to post a picture of them when you get him/her.