How do I choose?

Question

How do I choose a hamster. Should I get one or two? Male or female? What should I look for?

Answer 1

I would recommend getting two females. Males who have reached sexual maturity are prone to domination fights within the same cage, even brothers.

The females may scrap once or twice, but after that they should be fine, playing with each other in the cage.

Despite popular belief, hamsters are pack animals. They love to be in groups of 2-5, just make sure you have enough room for them all!

Answer 2

one is better so is female and i would get a peach hamster

Answer 3

Dwarfs are cute and better kept in pairs when they are young. The big hamsters are Anti-social....

Answer 4

you should get two so the other one isnt lonely and dont get a male and a female together or the female wil bite the male a lot so get a male

Answer 5

http://www.hamsterific.com/ - The types of hamsters section on this site  will give you lots of imformation, so you can pick the best species for you.

Always remember - Syrians (the larger sized hamsters) MUST be kept SINGLY. No exceptions.

The various dwarf species - Campbells, Winter Whites, Robovorski's, Chinese - can be kept in pairs ONLY with another of the same species. Don't mix dwarf species.

You want to look for a friendly, healthy, relatively young hamster.

If you decide you want a dwarf variety because you want a pair, pay special attention to the cage. You always need a spare cage just in case they decide they can't remain friends. To maximize your chances of them remaining friendly with each other they need - lots of room, two wheels, bottles, houses, etc.

We keep Campbells colonies in bin cages without any problems.

Answer 6

EVER CONSIDER A RAT?  THEY ARE WAY BETTER THAN HAMSTERS.  THEY ARE VERY CLEAN,  THEY CAN DO TRICKS AND LIKE TO PLAY LIKE A CAT.  YOU CAN ALSO LITTER TRAIN THEM AND THEY RESPOND TO YOU.  I HAVE 2 FEMALES ( PIFF AND RENNY) AND THEY ARE JUST SO SWEET..  MALES ARE MORE THE CUDDLERS THOUGH, AND GET ALOT BIGGER. WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE I WOULD GET 2 (2MALES OR 2 FEMALES) NOT A MALE AND A FEMALE YOU'LL HAVE BABIES EVERY MONTH AND YOU DONT WANT THAT.  YOU WANT A PAIR BECAUSE THEY WILL GET BORED AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHOS GONNA GET UP AND PLAY(NOT YOU) SO THATS WHY YOU NEED A COMPANION FOR THE LITTLE CRITTER...GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

One.  Hamsters can be Territorial.  Male.  Female hamsters are really mean.

Answer 8

When choosing your hamster, make sure to look at a reputable source. Try to find pet stores that have clean cages with healthy hamsters that are seperated by s*x. When picking the actual hamster, try to look for a baby, one that is between 6-8 weeks of age, for it will be easier to tame. The most important consideration is wether or not the hamster is healthy. Make sure that it has clear eyes, a clear nose, a dry bottom, soft, bright fur, and that it is playful and active. You also have to consider which breed of hamster you want. There are golden/ syrian/ teddybear hamsters that are larger and usually more friendly and sleep more. They come in many different colors and coat varieties, but when they are older they have to be housed seperately. Dwarf hamsters are smaller and are usually gray with a black stripe or white. They are smaller and faster and usually harder to tame. If you choose a dwarf hamster, get atleast two of the SAME s*x because they like companionship. For the geneder issue, both sexes will make great pets. Females tend to be a little more active, while males are more laid back. Males can also have large testicals when they get older, which may be a turnoff for some. If all of the baby hamsters in the cage look healthy and they are of the correct breed and gender, ask the petstore owner if you can hold them. Choose the one that seems the least squrimy and settles down the quickest. If all of the hamsters seem fairly similar, choose the one with the best apperance, you will be living with it for the next 2-3 years.

I hope that helps, good luck

Answer 9

Only get 1, doesn't matter if it's male or female, clear eyes, good coat, seems active if it's sort of late, responds well to you if you can interact with them.

Answer 10

one. hamsters are territorial and like to live alone.  male and female are both good. some stores only have one gender so see what is there.  look for a hamster with smooth and soft fur and clear wide eyes (not half closed) and without red dots (mites so go to a new store) look for one that comes up to the cage wall when you come up so that way they are curious and curious means friendly so the curiouser the better. ask to hold it before you leave to make sure it is a good fit. it may bite lightly at first.  good luck and take good care!

EDIT- go at night (after 5 pm atleast) because hamsters arent up in the day so its hard to check their true tempremant.

Answer 11

get two female dwarf hammys they will enjoy each others company!