Hamster or Gerbil??

roguebrogue

I believe the best hamsters for children are syrians, although they can be bitey at first until they're tamed.

I have a Roborosvkii Dwarf called Larry. She's (yes she...don't ask!) adorable. It nigh on impossible to hold her though. They're the smallest and fastest breed. But they are definately the ones to get if you want to watch them play about and such.

Pablosmummy

Well I have one hamster and two guinea pigs at the moment, if I was you, with a four year old, I'd go for guinea pigs.
I had hamsters when I was alot younger and they just slept all day. My current one doesnt actually wake up until about 10pm so maybe thats something you shoud consider?

Guinea pigs are wonderful (ok I'm a bit obsessed with them lol) they sleep periodically throughout the day, they are alot more friendly than a hamster (although this does depend on how much you handle them, and how much they get used to you). Our two are inside all year, in a C&C cage (google it and you'll see the wonder!!!) and we actually keep them on fleece and towels rather than wood shaving etc, which saves on cleaning as you just shake it off and stick it in the washing machine.


If you do decide to go for a hamster I'd probably recommend a syrian rather than dwarf as they are alot more friendly in my opinion (I once had two dwarf hamster who were evil). as for cages, Ive used rotastak all my life. I love them, however some people say they are too small which i agree, if you get the basic starter home that is way too small but if you add a bit on at a time then its fine...

ok I'm done!
oooh and whatever you get, you should consider adopting! contact local rescues eg rspca as they often have small animals up for adoption!!
ok now im done.

Savvy_Sue

I shall be getting broody for a guinea pig soon ... :rotfl:

Aha! When DS3 leaves home for Uni, I shall HAVE to have one to keep the grass under control! (Cutting it is DS3's job!)