Are Hamsters Good Pets

Have your children been asking for a pet? Have you ever wondered if a hamster is a good first pet? We have pulled together some information to help you make that determination because hamsters are one of the most popular pets for children. 

The advantages of welcoming a hamster to your home include: 

• A hamster is easy to care for pet, as compared to many other pets available. When you welcome a hamster to your home you will need to feed him, clean the cage, ensure they have proper toys and bedding and items to chew on (their teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime) and a nice home in which to live.

• Hamsters are clean. In many cases, your hamster will only use one corner of her cage as a litter area. The rest of the cage will remain clean because hamsters are clean pets. Clean the corner your hamster uses as a bathroom regularly – daily is best.

• Hamsters are inquisitive, cute and friendly. The cheek pouches on a hamster make him even more adorable, especially when you watch him fill his cheeks with the treats you provide. If you adopt a hamster who is young or who is accustomed to being petted and carried, he will be happy with your attention.

• Hamsters prefer to live alone. Two hamsters are sometimes prone to fighting. They are happy to be alone as long as you pay them regular attention.

• Hamsters are quiet. They don’t make much noise other than if they are running around on the wheel in their cage. They don’t bark, chirp or squeal (like guinea pigs do!)

• Hamsters don’t take up much room in your house. You will need to find a safe space for your hamster’s house and that’s all you need! Keep your hamster cage out of direct sunlight and in a warm space. You can also buy a hamster ball to put her in so she can roll around your house! Even if you live somewhere that doesn’t allow you to have a dog or cat, you may be able to keep a hamster.

Here are a few challenges with having a hamster as a pet (and they really aren’t that challenging!)

• They have poor eyesight. This means they rely on sound and smell to get along in life – this may also mean they may bite you if you pick them up without any warning. Because they can’t see you and get startled it only makes sense, right? A hamster bite is painful and you may want to keep young children from handling them.

• Hamsters are nocturnal. A hamster loves the nightlight and that means they may be up in the wheel or chewing their food and treats while you’re trying to sleep. Even though they are nocturnal, they are still awake in the daytime to interact with you. It is best to not wake them up as they may not welcome the attention.
• Hamsters are active little pets. They love to and need to, play a lot. Give them a wheel in their cage, buy a rolling hamster ball they can be put into and allowed to run around the home – in a safe area. A cage with tubes they can climb up and around in keep them safe.

Hamsters are cute and playful, but you need to be aware that handling them could result in a bite if you’re not careful. They are inexpensive pets who live about five to six years. If you’re a busy person who wants a companion with whom to share your life and don’t have time or space for a dog or cat, a hamster might be the ideal pet for you.