Hamster or Gerbil??

lemonade_lifestyle

Hi, Not really sure if this is correct place for this question, but here goes( please feel free to move if required). We have succomb to our DS requests for a pet. Have chosen to go with the small fury variety (easy to look after and can be shipped to friends house if going away anywhere!!)
Anyway, which one would you recommend for a 4year boy. He is very gentle, so I have no worries about animals health, just want to make sure I don't choose a pet that will sink its teeth into you at any given opportunity....
If I go with the hamster, which type (breed???)[do I sound like a novice??] do you think??
THANKS IN ADVANCE

Edinburghlass_2

Hamsters are noisy little blighters, especially at night, gerbils are cute but very quick if you want something that your son can handle sometimes they can be just too quick!

Have you thought about a guinea pig

tubbee2

I agree with Edinburghlass, dd had mouse and hamster - noisy at night and prone to biting - then guinea pig - brilliant, good to handle, ran round bedroom happily, poo of reasonable size so could be seen and picked up (I know, I know). ds had gerbils, very quick and regularly escaped, even from glass fish tank (with mesh lid). I'd go with the guinea pig (they 'purr' when they are happy, a bit like a cat) and they will feed from your hand without taking your fingers off.

squidge60

rats are a lot more fun and intelligent have you thought about 1 of those.?less likely to bite and easier to catch.!

Mrs_Pepperpot_2

Having just done a lot of research into this for our DS first pet - rats are looking favourite for us. DH not keen but I'm coming round to the idea. I have had loads of hamsters and gerbs - not terribly loving and can pack a real bite - gerbils especially.

Guinea pigs would be my second choice - just cause I can't stand the squeaking!

Soubrette

All rodents can pack quite the bite if they are scared.

Hamsters are short sighted and can be grumpy. They are asleep for most of the day which doesn't fit into most young children's routines. The more they are handled, the less scared and less likely to bite they become. The Syrians must be kept alone as they are solitary creatures.

Gerbils are very lively and prone to sudden movements (jumping out of hands etc). They are sociable and so do better with the company of other gerbils.

Rats need cleaning out regularly or they can stink. They are smart and fun and very people orientated. They also need the company of other rats as well time out with people every day.

I rate rats (my daughter has 3) and have had hamsters and gerbils.

Sou

lemonade_lifestyle

Thanks for all the replies...

So maybe a guinea pig, but how do you keep them?? WE have a shed (well I use that term losely, more like a spare junk room) would it have to be kept out there?? Not sure on the rat idea, i know I don't no anything about them, but the idea creeps me out!!

Just want something that is easy to clean and offers some entertainment for DS......

Edinburghlass_2

We kept the gps indoors although they do need a bigger cage than a gerbil or hamster.

If you go with the shed idea I'd probably bring them inside over the winter.

alanalea

I can second rats, but they do need company so just one isn't an option really. I'm a bit biased- I have 5 rescue ratty ladies. They can smell if you don't clean them out regular, they do need a lot of interaction BUT they make the wonderful pets.They all have their own personalities, mine come when called and love cuddles. They are also intelligent- You can toilet train them to go in one particular area of the cage

Smashing

Syrian hamsters need to be kept alone, are nocturnal, noisy and can be grumpy when disturbed. Despite their popularity (more to the cute and small factor) they aren't really suitable pets for young children.

Russian/Chinese hamsters must be kept in pairs and can be vicious blighters.

Gerbils move fast but I've always found them better to handle temperament wise than hamsters.

Rats are very intelligent and will not be happy spending the vast majority of the dog in a tiny cage - they need lots of stimulation and generally do better in pairs.

Guinea pigs can be kept alone, but do better in company. They need a daily suppy of fresh veg/hay and a good sized hutch with run to be happy. Many a guinea pig is left in a ridiculously small 'pets at home starter hutch' at the bottom of the garden, never see the light of day and are left for mum to deal with. THey really do need to be brought in in winter and when outside need to be in a shady spot.

Jellicat

Hamsters can be quite grumpy little things, and gerbils are not really particularly handleable because of their size.

I would go with either rats or guinea pigs personally. Rats can seem a bit "ick" if your not used to them, but honestly spend five minutes with a tame rat and they will charm the pants off you, they are super cute and intelligent little fellas, with lots of funny little habits (will learn tricks, love to lick your fingers and beg for food, follow you around and sit on your shoulders. Great fun to watch and brilliant at climing). Guinea pigs are very cute, and although very timid at first they tame nicely with plenty of handling. The other good thing about pigs and rats compared to hamsters is that they seldom bite. The thing about them and piggies is that they need a big cage, lots of time outside it and a lot of attention.

If you are determined to go for a hamster, get one from a breeder that has been well handled from an early age. If you want a handleable pet I'd really advise one of these over gerbils...who are very interesting to watch, very cute and wont usually bite but usually too small and lightning fast to handle much.

Lastly, please remember that four years is very young for any sort of pet, and you will need to keep a close eye when he is handling and feed and cleaning the little beastie to make sure it is being cared for properly. Buy a book on pet care and please bear in mind that a lot of pet shop cages are far too small for the animal they are intended to house...do your research before you choose, there are far too many childrens pets sitting rotting in too-small cages because their little owners got bored of them!