Robo or winter white?

[Beckyl]

Hi all,

I am just looking to solicit some opinions about the two breeds.

I have had three utterly gorgeous WW girls. They have just been the most perfect pets: lovely companions and utterly wonderful with my niece and nephew. None of my girls have ever shown any aggression.

I am autistic and VERY sensitive to odour. I have never had a problem with any of my WW girls.

So for my next hamster I’m thinking ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ and getting another WW female.

However, initially I absolutely fell in love with robos but didn’t get one as I was a first time hamster owner. However, now I have a bit more experience I’m wondering if I should try a robo next.

My main concern is about smell- are there any differences I should be aware of between WW and robo odour and for a robo is there any difference between make and female?

… or do you just think stick to a WW as I have had good success with them in the past?

[LunaTheHamster1]

I can only comment on male robos as I have only had the one (for over 2 years now) and he does not smell, unlike female syrians!!!

[sushi_78]

I think the least odourous of hamsters are female Russian dwarfs (including WWs). Male Syrians don't smell in themselves there can be a slight pee smell sometimes but that can at least be kept on top of.

Female Syrians only smell when in heat, but that can be very strong and unpleasant.

Male Russian dwarfs and male Robos smell slightly musty to me, and some female Robos too.

I think I am sensitive to smell as I can smell a male Robo across the room! It's not a bad smell though, quite the opposite.

[Petite]

I currently have a hybrid dwarf, although have had winter whites in the past. I would say any odour from them is similar, but I use Kaytee Clean and Cosy bedding which helps to minimize it. Until shortly before Christmas, I also had my first robo (female) and there hardly ever seemed to be any odour from her at all, and certainly less than a hybrid dwarf. (Sadly, she got very sick and died.)

I would recommend going for a robo is that's what you want, although you will need to be prepared for the fact that you may never be able to stroke her or pick her up as they are rather more timid than other hamsters - and usually also too fast to pick up - our Holly moved like lightning! We eventually reached the stage where she would take a sunflower seed from my fingers, but I was never able to stroke her, although that wouldn't stop me from having another.

I have similar problems to you re neurodivergence, and didn't have a problem re odour.

[lovehamsters01]

in my experience, as long as my 2 female robo cages are fresh and clean, I don't smell anything from them at all. I'm also very oblivious to smells sometimes, and smells really don't bother me, but I really don't smell a thing.
the only thing I would consider is that a robo is really a hamster you can look at and never touch.
even people who work very hard to tame their robos can usually only get up to the point where their hamsters will eat from their hand.
another thing to keep in mind is that robos (at least in my experience) are very quick to bite if you do try and hold them. and petting is definitely out of the question!
if you don't mind getting hamsters that you can only look at and never touch, I would say go for it! they are extremely gorgeous and entertaining to watch, and to be on the safe side, maybe make sure to get a female.
hope this helps!

[_nod]

I’ve never noticed much of a smell from my Robo’s other than when I first brought them home, I think maybe they scent more when it’s a new environment?

I will say they have a tendency to pee on their wheels, which can smell a little, but easily resolved bu giving it a quick wipe down in the morning.