Cute, furry, and full of charm, Hamsters can make captivating pets for both adults and children alike. They provide a good solution for those who have limited space, or are unsure of committing to a larger animal. Hamsters are best bought for children over the age of five, and the smaller breeds are best handled by older children
Several breeds of hamster are found in pet stores or bred privately. Syrian hamsters are the larger solitary breed, whilst Dwarf Hamsters, such as Russian or Roborovskys can fit into the palm of your hand and can live in pairs. Choose a Hamster that’s alert, and doesn’t panic or bite when handled; that comes from a clean healthy environment. The breeder or pet shop should also be able to sex the Hamster easily. Hamsters are relatively cheap to maintain, with most equipment and food readily available from pet shops. Standard hamster food can also be supplemented with certain fresh foods to give a varied diet.
In terms of cages, hamsters love to exercise on wheels and run through tubes, but it’s best to choose a cage without high floors or obstacles the hamster might fall from. They also love to run around outside the cage, so an exercise ball is ideal. When you take your Hamster home, leave it to settle in its cage for a few days, then you and your children can start handling, taming, and above all enjoying your pet.
