Choosing a Hamster

If you’re considering adding a hamster to your family, you might be surprised to learn that you have a variety of options to choose from rather than just the run of the mill hamster. There are actually to main types of hamsters that are primarily kept as pets and you will need to decide which type of hamster best suits your desires when you go shopping for a hamster.

First, there is what is known as the Syrian hamster. This hamster also goes by the names of teddy bear and golden hamster. Syrian hamsters are typically somewhat larger than other types of hamsters and they are actually the most common type of pet hamsters. It is important to note that if you keep more than one hamster in a cage they will fight. So, if you have more than one Syrian hamster you will need to provide separate housing units for them.

Another type of hamster is known as the dwarf hamster. As you might imagine, this hamster is smaller in size than the Syrian hamster. They are quite social and typically get along better with other hamsters, as long as they are brought up together, or at least from a young age.

The Chinese hamster is not quite a dwarf, but it is still smaller than the Syrian hamster. This type of hamster can be somewhat unpredictable. Some Chinese hamsters get along with other Chinese hamsters and some do not. It’s a toss up. Generally, they don’t tend to get along; however. The main rule of thumb to keep in mind is that regardless of how nice your hamster appears to be, it should never be kept in the same cage with a hamster of another species.

After you’ve decided on the species of hamster you prefer, you’ll need to turn your focus toward selecting a hamster that is healthy. This can be done by paying close attention to the condition and health of the hamster. Look for a hamster that is active, curious and alert rather than too quiet. Obviously, since hamsters are most active at night, this can be difficult to do when shopping during the day; so it’s really best to shop in the evening if at all possible. Also, look for a hamster with a smooth coat and be sure that his eyes are clear. The nose should not be crusty or wet. Listen to the hamster’s breathing and make sure it is not noisy. Any hamster that appears to have any breathing problems or problems with bowel movements probably has an infectious disease and any hamsters kept in close proximity could be affected as well.

 
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