Hamsters-Dwarf or large? Male or Female?

Question

I am getting a hamster at the end of the week, but im not sure what kind i should get. After doing my "homework" on the topic I found that larger (non-dwarf) hamsters are a lot better in genral... is this true? I dont care which is cuter (tho that does play a part) i want to know which will act better solitary, and act better with me. Dwarf hamsters are known to be scared of movements, and i want to beable to be with my pet... WikiHow.com has helped ALOT but in still confused. COuld any one help?

Maggie

Answer 1

my sister owns a dwarf hamster, and i must admit they're adorable! and it's true they don't like sudden movement because it scares them like crazy...........

although they are tiny and kind of hard to play with, they're friendlier than other hamsters.........

we've had her for 2 years and she hasn't bitten us once, while the other hamsters in the past can bite.....a lot.......

both hamsters are socially active..........but if you're looking for the more playful type i'd say a large hamster........

Answer 2

Here's what I've observed:  I've had 6 regular Syrian hamsters in the last 30 years: 1 female and 5 males.  In my experience the males are more mellow and easier to tame.  My female was bitey and skittish.

Not included in the numbers above were 2 teddy bear long hair hamsters I got for my kids (2 separate cages and I was the primary caretaker).  The long-hairs were a bad experience.  Maybe because they were too small or from a weak litter, but they both died within a week.

I currently (for the last 18 months) have my first dwarf.  I was worried because they're supposed to be fussier than regular hamsters, but this little guy - yes, a male - is so friendly and inquisitive.  He comes right to the door and climbs out on my hand.  He knows when I get up and when I get home from work.  I teach kindergarten and he has spent much time in my classroom (I have a 2nd habitat for him there).  I have trained the kids not to scare him on purpose, but you know how 5 year-olds are.  There are loud noises and quick movements all the time and Starbug seems unconcerned.  He's a great hamster and I'll get a dwarf again one day.

One bit of advice:  when you're at the pet store, take a while to watch the hamsters interact, whichever kind you choose.  Ask an employee to roust them out if they're sleeping and see  who acts skittish or fearful and who acts curious and interested.  Ask to handle it too if you're pretty sure which one you want.  And if none of them suit you, don't rush into picking one.  You can try another place or next week - new litters coming in frequently.