What Are Good Reasons To Get A Hamster?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Don't Require Extensive Training. …
  • Typically, Hamsters are Inexpensive Pets to Own. …
  • Hamsters are Cute and Entertaining. …
  • Hamsters Are Great Pets For Night Owls. …
  • Hamsters Require Minimal Space. …
  • Hamsters Don't Require Constant Attention. …
  • Hamsters are Easy to Clean up After.

What is so special about hamsters?

They Are

Nocturnal Creatures

Since they are prey for so many animals, it's no wonder that most hamsters are nocturnal. … In the wild, hamsters dig burrows with deep tunnels and multiple entrances for protection and to sleep during bouts of torpor. Being solitary animals, they mostly spend time in their burrows alone.

Why getting a hamster is a good idea?

Hamsters, for many people,

make excellent pets

. They don't require a lot of attention, get enough exercise running on their wheel, and are cute, cuddly, and pleasant to hold. They can make an excellent starter pet for some children. Unfortunately, hamsters don't come with care instructions.

What is a good age to get a hamster?

Ideally your new should be

between four and eight weeks old

and bought from a responsible breeder or good pet shop, or rehomed from a charity such as Blue Cross. Hamsters in pet shops should have clean, good-sized accommodation and access to food and fresh water.

Is buying a hamster worth it?

Placing responsibility for the care of an animal on a child can easily result in unhappy and stressed children – and hamsters too! The adult should oversee daily feeding, regular health checks, and cage cleaning. If that's no problem, a hamster will make a

great addition to your family

.

Do hamsters have a favorite person?


Hamsters love their owners like most pets

, but they have subtle ways of showing it. They enjoy the companionship of their human parents and can develop strong bonds. Hamsters utilize their sense of smell to connect with people. They can learn to recognize your scent if you spend more time with them.

Do hamsters need baths?

Hamsters are fastidious groomers and do a good job keeping themselves clean, baths, as we tend

to think of them, are not necessary

. However, it is possible to spot-clean them, if they truly need it. It is especially important to check their bottom as sometimes bedding can stick after going to the bathroom.

Do hamsters recognize their name?


Hamsters are intelligent creatures who can even learn their name

. If you talk to your hamster and use their name frequently enough to get them used to hearing it, they might even learn to come when called. A hamster's teeth are constantly growing.

Can hamsters be cuddly?

Hamsters have a high metabolism and require a lot of exercise. Hamsters may be small, but these friendly “pocket pets” sure have big hearts. The cuddly, furry critters are one of the most popular small animal pets.

What are hamsters favorite food?

Hamsters enjoy

leafy greens such as dandelions and clover

, and fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots and cabbage. There is a useful list of hamster foods on our Hamster Food List page.

Do hamster bites hurt?

It's rare for a hamster to actually be aggressive, though, and they typically only bite when they get scared. Those tiny teeth may not do as much damage as those of other animals, but

a bite will hurt and should be discouraged

. Fortunately, you can gradually train your hamster to accept being handled and stop biting.

Are hamsters smelly?


Hamsters don't stink

but, if you aren't diligent, their cages sure will. A hamster's cage needs a full cleaning at least once a week. Dump all of the bedding and scrub the enclosure thoroughly with a mild detergent and warm water, then re-line it with brand new bedding.

Is hamster poop harmful to humans?

Hamsters can be wonderful pets, and overall,

hamsters are relatively low-risk when it

comes to diseases they can potentially transmit to humans. However, they can sometimes carry bacteria like Salmonella in their feces, and the virus that causes lymphocytic choriomeningitis, to name a couple.

Do hamsters miss their owners?

In the beginning,

your hamster won't know you from anyone else

. With proper socialization, however, not only will your hamster recognize you, he'll bond with you. In order to maintain this bond, you'll need to handle your hamster regularly.

What to do if a hamster bites you?

  1. Don't shake your hamster to get it to release its grip on you. …
  2. Don't shout at your hamster. …
  3. Clean the wound with warm water, and an anti-bacterial solution, make sure the wound is dry, then use a loose piece of bandage to dress it.

Can hamster carry diseases?

There are disease concerns with both wild (rats, mice) and pet (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) rodents and rabbits. They can carry many diseases including

hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.