some general questions

Enh98 · 03-25-2016, 04:46 PM

Hi all,

I have the opportunity to adopt a syrian hamster pup from a breeder. I've only ever had male hamsters, as I was told they tend to be more calm and easier to tame for a beginner. I am considering a female hamster this time, just to experience something different but I am concerned about the potential for a smelly hamster when she goes into heat every few days. How bad is this smell? Are females just as friendly as males? I'm hoping since whatever hamster I get will have been handled from a young age, he or she will be friendly and well on their way to being tame when they come home! Thanks for your help!

Rsclio197 · 03-25-2016, 04:59 PM

The smell isnt bad at all, I can't compare to a male as I've never had one but I'm bringing up my second girl Syrian now.

Yes they're friendly too but I believe each ham male or female will all have their very own unique personality and character.

Yes I believe females are more of challenge. My 2 were and are absolutely mental and crackers. I wouldn't change that for the world. I wouldn't want a mellow relaxed ham personally.

I'd definitely go for it. You'll enjoy a female she'll keep you on your toes

**zak** · 03-25-2016, 09:14 PM

Females are a real handful based on my experience. They're constantly on the go, very outgoing and are always looking for opportunities to cause trouble. I personally wouldn't go back to males now since they are not a big of a challenge as females are. In other words, get a girl

You'll love it! Oh and the smell is hardly noticeable.

shawniyatwain · 03-25-2016, 10:17 PM

Females are generally very active and not so willing to cuddle, they just want to be on the go. They can at times be little diva's too (which is cute really) They are lovely to own.

I don't find the heat smell too bad in some, bella did have a rather strong smell at times but it isn't horrible, just keep the room well ventilated.

I can't really compare as I haven't owned males although I would like to as I would love a cuddly hammy!

Kissa · 03-26-2016, 04:48 AM

Female smell on heat varies from female to female. My first Syrian, I barely even knew when she was on heat because she didn't smell particularly and didn't stand when stroked like they usually do when on heat. My current girly still doesn't smell that much, although she isn't fully mature yet which might have something to do with it -- her smell does stick to your clothes though. I've seen some females at shows though that really stink, you can tell they're on heat just by walking past them on the show bench!

Apart from the heat thing I don't find they're that different to males

WinnieTheHam · 03-26-2016, 05:10 AM

Myrcella is a speedy lady and very difficult to handle when she's fully awake. Belle is more laid back than her mother, although she's probably got that trait from her father who would just sit on your hand forever! All of my hams are quite active and love to run. But out of all the hams I've had in my life, the only lap ham I had was a male.

Smell does vary, my first ever female smelt pretty strong in heat and you could definitely tell. Mycella does smell but it's not so strong and Belle doesn't smell at all, but she's young still so it could be to do with that.

It also depends what their parents were like, if they were both laid back chances are the offspring will be too.

flowerfairy · 03-26-2016, 05:33 AM

I have found females more lively and independent than the males that I have had. I tend to go for males but would consider a female if I fell in love. (Am currently in love with one in our local pet shop but am at my limit plus dont want to have males and females in the same room as it may frustrate the males)!

candice clews · 03-26-2016, 06:05 AM

Hi! I think males are way more laid back than females, they are much calmer in my opinion. Ive just rescued two today and they are boys and i can stroke them great! Females are a lot more difficult to tame, my snowy took 6 months to be able to pick her up, shes not 100% now but is much better than she was! My cookie is a girl too and was also a big handful and has been difficult to tame, it all depends on the hamster but i prefer males! My girls dont smell that bad in heat but they do smell fishy and there cages seem to smell much quicker than what my male did. They can be friendly it all depends on the hamster to be honest but if your up for a challenge then go for it!!

Rsclio197 · 03-26-2016, 09:22 AM

Females have more character and if your up for a challenge then females are the one

.

Enh98 · 03-26-2016, 10:44 AM

So it sounds like the overall theme is females *might* get smelly but tend to be spunkier and more curious. Maybe if I explained where my hammy will be living I can get more advice to help me make a decision. I am an elementary school counselor and during the school year my hammy will live in my office at school. I have a huge cage (Marchioro Kevin) and have learned lots from on here in terms of providing good care for the hamster. It comes home with me on holidays, I do not send it home with students. How smelly is smelly when it comes to a hamster in heat? Like, you have to get close to the cage to smell it or the scent knocks you in the face when you walk in the room? My students might like a cheeky little spunky female to play with but it would be unprofessional to have a smelly office!