Choosing Your First Hamster: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Pet

If you’re looking to get a hamster, you’ll want to know how to choose your first one. Getting a hamster for the first time is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility, even though they’re small animals. Before making this 2-3 year commitment, there are some important things to consider. I wish I had known these when I first got my Teddy, a Syrian male hamster.

How to Choose Your First Hamster

The best way to choose a hamster is to look for one that is both healthy and has a good temperament. While hamsters are naturally skittish, a good-tempered hamster should be relatively easy to tame and not overly afraid of you. Finding a healthy hamster is often easier than finding one with a calm temperament. Health issues are usually visible, like scabs, missing teeth, or bald spots, but temperament can be trickier to gauge, especially since a hamster's full personality might not emerge until it’s about three months old.

Let’s start with how to check for a healthy hamster.

Checking a Hamster’s Health

A healthy hamster is easy to spot if you know what to look for:

Eyes: A hamster’s eyes should be bright and clear, with no milky or hazy appearance. The eyes can be black, red, or pink, but the color should be vivid.

Teeth: Hamsters should have two pairs of front incisors, which are long and usually yellow or orange. White teeth are a sign of illness or deficiency. Check for missing, cracked, or misaligned teeth.

Ears: A hamster’s ears should be clean and free of bite marks or infections. They might be harder than the rest of the body, so inspect closely.

Body: There should be no lumps or bald spots (except around the scent glands or genital area). Bald spots could indicate skin disease or injuries.

Discharge: A healthy hamster should have no discharge from the eyes, nose, or ears. Any discharge can indicate infection, which could be contagious.

Weight: A healthy hamster is neither too skinny nor overweight. You should not be able to feel the spine or leg bones too clearly.

Smell: Hamsters are clean animals and should not have any strong or unpleasant odors.

Assessing a Hamster’s Personality

While health is important, a hamster's personality will significantly affect your experience as an owner. A hamster’s temperament isn’t fully formed until it’s older, so picking a baby hamster can be tricky. Here are some signs to look for:

Curiosity: A good sign is a hamster that is curious and willing to approach you, though not too confidently.

Shyness: Hamsters are naturally shy, but a hamster that constantly hides might be difficult to tame.

Calmness: While hamsters are naturally active, some breeds, like Syrians, are calmer than others.

Aggressiveness: Avoid hamsters that seem aggressive or try to intimidate you, as they may be harder to handle.

Choosing Between a Male or Female Hamster

Both male and female hamsters make great pets, but there are some differences:

Males: Generally calmer and easier to handle.

Females: Can be more irritable when in heat, which happens about once a week.

For Dwarf hamsters, both genders are typically more energetic and harder to handle.

Picking the Right Breed

There are two main types of hamsters:

Syrian Hamsters: The most common type, larger, easier to tame, and great for handling.

Dwarf Hamsters: Smaller, faster, and more challenging to handle, making them better as observational pets.

Bringing Your New Hamster Home

Once you’ve chosen your hamster, bring them home as quickly as possible to minimize stress. Make sure the cage, bedding, hideout, food, and toys are all set up before bringing your hamster home. Allow your new pet a few days to adjust to their new environment without disturbing them. Gradually introduce yourself by talking to them softly and letting them get used to your presence before attempting to handle them.

Is a Hamster the Right Pet for You?

Before getting a hamster, consider whether this pet is right for you. Hamsters are independent and can be harder to bond with than dogs or cats. They don’t show affection in the same way, and they’re not ideal pets for small children due to their fragility and need for gentle handling.

Conclusion

Choosing your first hamster is an exciting but important decision. By carefully considering the health and temperament of the hamster, as well as the breed and gender, you can find the perfect furry friend. Remember to prepare your home before bringing your new pet home, and take the time to let them adjust. With patience and care, your hamster can become a beloved part of your life.