Considering getting a Hamster, any advice

Raksha

gettingready wrote: »

With cats at home I would personally avoid anything smaller than a guinea pig - have you thought about that? They are bigger than hamsters and I had guinea pigs running lose near cats with no issues. Pls guinea pigs do nto bite - hamsters do if they are not tamed properly from babies.

Less to worry about perhaps?


http://www.rodentswithattitude.co.uk/breeds.html

xx

Guinea pigs dont bite? Really? I still have the scar from the school gp that bit me! Come to think of it, i also have a hamster scar too...

Another vote for ratties from me....

meritaten

Well if rats are definitely not allowed - then hamsters or Guinea Pigs are a good second choice. or maybe a Degue? have you considered those? they have a serious disadvantage in that they aren't as cheap as hamster, they do need a huge cage and you shouldn't get just one - but they aren't nocturnal, are easily tamed and fun, oh and live a bit longer!
My DD started off with four (or maybe it was five) quite a few years back, but now only has one of them left. Fatty is quite elderly now for a Degue, but as lively as ever. and thinks she is a guard dog! She 'Barks' when there is someone at the door or the phone rings or somebody comes in. she will sit and have a 'conversation' with you, and loves any attention. she also loves redecorating and rearranging her home. They are quite attractive little creatures. Bigger than hamsters they move as quickly as chipmunks. might be worth a look?

Link to a good informative site

http://www.degutopia.co.uk/degupets.htm

aileth

Love hamsters! I've had them all through our life. Currently have a lovely little Chinese one, who seems to have an infinite lifespan. Vet shocked by how little he's aged and he's getting on for four now!!!!!!!!!

nick-nick

A silent wheel is a must. We had one that came with the cage from Pets at Home and everynight we thought somebody was doing roadworks outside and couldn't figure out what it was. Turns out it was the hamster wheel.

We picked up a silent one off eBay for about £8 and it has done the job!

faded_flowers

Aww, we had Syrians and Gerbils from a similar age and loved them to bits! Rats are cool, but they need a HUGE cage. And they definitely smell more than hamsters, something else to consider when it's going into a bedroom! Hamsters can be litter-trained very easily

nick-nick

Some of the hamster cages are amazing, tubes going everywhere like a big play area!

lisajane8482

Oh Degu are so cute Meritaten, I've thrown the options of guinea pigs and degu at her and she is still heart set on a hamster. I've told her we will leave it until after Christmas and that if she still really wants a hamster then we will rehome one but only if she can show me how responsible she will be with looking after it. I have gave her a list of responsibilities which include feeding the fish and help with the cats along with her normal chores.


To be honest she's talked that much about having a hamster I kind of want one now too, if the little fella is awake late on it's not really a big issue as I don't go to bed until late so he will have a lot of human contact.

TallingtonGirl

I had a hamster in my room for years growing up, they do make a noise on the wheel but nothing that stopped me sleeping. I loved him and i'm sure your daughter will to. The novelty of having a pet in your room negates any annoyance at a bit of noise.

I don't know where you work, buy my Mom used to bring me home bags of shredded paper from her office that I used to use in the cage. Cheap and cheeful!

happysaz133

I've had hamsters all my life, over 30 of them now. At 27, I still have a Syrian, and in my experience, they make great pets for children. I have also owned rats, mice and gerbils, and personally, I haven't enjoyed any as much as the hammies, which is why I have had so many!

It's easy to get a big cage and a silent wheel, and they are usually very friendly little creatures if you spend time with them. Just avoid cages like Rotastak, they actually offer a tiny amount of living space and several hamsters have been known to suffocate in the tubes, as they are basly designed.

If you have the space, guinea pigs also make great pets but they are noisy. I have 6 and they do like to chatter amongst themselves at the wee small hours!

Good luck with whatever you choose! If you need a little persuasion, Minstrel says HI
Minstrel by Niseag, on Flickr

lisajane8482

happysaz133 wrote: »

Good luck with whatever you choose! If you need a little persuasion, Minstrel says HI
Minstrel by Niseag, on Flickr

Oh how cute, we are getting a hamster, I've spoke to a local petshop who orders in her "animals" from breeders if she can order one.


I've found a new mamble cage on eBay for £42.99 which should arrive shortly and will order everything else when I place my zooplus order at the end of the month, we've found a suitable table for the cage to stand on and have rearranged the room ready.


Next will be naming the little fella when he arrives, the possible names are Pumpkin, Dave or Toffee depending on his colour. I really cannot wait for his arrival, secretly I'm more excited than DD.


I've joined hamster central and cannot wait to show off some photo's of the little guy