Kids are asking for hamsters. Please help!

I don't know much about hamsters other than there are a few different kinds and my daughter is specifically asking for a Syrian, and it should be a male. This is based upon her own independent 8 year old research. My 5 year old son just walks around the house and randomly yells, "I want a hamster!"

You can see what I am up against.

Anyone have any advice or can point me in the right direction? Thank you.

Consider talking them into a pair of rats instead? Rats are a lot friendlier, actually bond with their people, and adapt their naturally nocturnal schedule to when their people are around instead. Hamsters are often bitey, generally prefer to be left alone, will stay nocturnal because they don't really care about you, generally should be housed singly, and are a lot less trainable and tameable than rats.

Your daughter is the formidable one here. An 8 year old who is willing to do research to get a pet is a force to be reckoned with. BUT! This shows a great deal of forethought and maturity on her part, which is a good indicator that she may actually be ready for the responsibility of this pet. It can also be used as a learning tool: learning to research information and critically evaluate sources is a very valuable skill. She's going to need it for life.

Ask her to present her research! It doesn't have to be formal or anything, but since she put a lot of work into getting this info, have her write a report on the pet species. Don't make her go in blind, tell her specifically what you are looking for. She should list her sources so you can evaluate them independently. She should be able to gather information about their home environment, proper husbandry and care, socialization, life span, common captive ailments etc. Have her also outline a care routine. Does she have other obligations she has to honor that she will need to account for in that schedule? Is she going to be the sole care taker? If not, who is going to share the responsibility, and why tasks is she going to delegate? Is money/cost an issue? Is she willing to work for what she wants in exchange for the animal and its supplies? And at then end, you should sit down and have a frank talk. Highlight concerns that you have and see if she has a plan to address them. She's trying to approach you as an adult, or at least, as a person she wants the adults in her life to respect, so reward that by taking her seriously and being fair.

Your goal is to get her to think, evaluate, consider and then present her case to you. She's already taken some good steps, now's the time to to encourage and foster that. It will carry her a long way later on!

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Originally Posted by Kcl

Consider talking them into a pair of rats instead? Rats are a lot friendlier, actually bond with their people, and adapt their naturally nocturnal schedule to when their people are around instead. Hamsters are often bitey, generally prefer to be left alone, will stay nocturnal because they don't really care about you, generally should be housed singly, and are a lot less trainable and tameable than rats.

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I think there are different hamsters like there are different snakes! Lol rats are definitely smarter, but I'm not sure I believe they make better pets in all circumstances. My sister and I bought a hamster for my niece for Christmas (my niece is actually 8 years old and was given the idea from school - her classroom had one). The little guy was skittish to start and nipped here and there, but now Miley can whisk him out of his cage whenever she wants and he will sit nicely, hasn't nipped in a long time, and has even won over my brother in law with his adorable-ness. I was over there yesterday and my niece plopped the little guy right in my lap and he was perfectly fine to sit there and chill. He particularly likes to be scratched behind the ears like a dog.

And this hamster is spoiled rotten - he's grown half again as much in the 4 months they've had him, and is twice as fluffy lol

I believe he is a teddy bear hamster. We just got him from a petstore, so nothing special. Very easy to take care of, and my sister is good about making Miley completely clean out his cage on a weekly basis - scrubbing in the sink and all as they can get stinky, like any rodent. She's learning responsibility, and the little guy has brought a lot of joy into their lives. I get a video of him doing something new about every week lol

One of my friends has a pair of syrian hamsters and just bred a litter lol! They're less bitey and frightened than other hamsters, and are generally supposed to be docile and good pets, if I know what I'm talking about. They're not social animals, and should actually be kept individually, so they're easier than rats in that respect (while if you get a rat, you must get at least 2 and house them together, or they lose their minds).

You know your kid best. I knew a 7 year old girl who insisted on a rat, her parents helped with research, but she kept her rat in her room and took care of the rat all by herself.

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

I think there are different hamsters like there are different snakes! Lol rats are definitely smarter, but I'm not sure I believe they make better pets in all circumstances. My sister and I bought a hamster for my niece for Christmas (my niece is actually 8 years old and was given the idea from school - her classroom had one). The little guy was skittish to start and nipped here and there, but now Miley can whisk him out of his cage whenever she wants and he will sit nicely, hasn't nipped in a long time, and has even won over my brother in law with his adorable-ness. I was over there yesterday and my niece plopped the little guy right in my lap and he was perfectly fine to sit there and chill. He particularly likes to be scratched behind the ears like a dog.

And this hamster is spoiled rotten - he's grown half again as much in the 4 months they've had him, and is twice as fluffy lol

I believe he is a teddy bear hamster. We just got him from a petstore, so nothing special. Very easy to take care of, and my sister is good about making Miley completely clean out his cage on a weekly basis - scrubbing in the sink and all as they can get stinky, like any rodent. She's learning responsibility, and the little guy has brought a lot of joy into their lives. I get a video of him doing something new about every week lol

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Teddy bear hamsters are the same as Syrians and are generally the most tameable from what I understand (although who knows what people will label as a "teddy bear hamster" so it's not really a guarantee that it's the same as a Syrian I suppose). It does depend on the particular animal - just species wide a young enough rat is almost always tameable, whereas most hamsters won't get anywhere near as tame. Although, this is only from what I understand - I don't keep either although I've worked with rats (untamed - got a few bites mostly from new moms, but 99% are fine even though their only human interaction is daily cleaning time) a decent amount. Rodents poop too much for my preference :/

But yeah, not a one size fits all answer, which is really why I said "consider" vs "do." Guinea pigs are also pretty friendly but bigger, live longer, and sound like a horrible hassle to keep to me. But yeah, consider "consider" as bolded. When I was young, I desperately wanted a blue male baby parakeet. Now that I'm older, I've realized that I am pleased that I was never given one because despite my research, I somehow missed the part where birds can be way too loud for my preferences.

Yeah I think in most instances, it's not a good idea to convince someone to get a "practice" pet or a different pet than the one they want, because they will not be attached to the animal in the same way. If you want a cherry popsicle and some hands you grape, you maybe be okay with it, but it's not what you wanted, so there will always be this little part of you that's disappointed. With a pet, that can lead to disinterest and even eventual resentment/neglect, especially with a young kid that hasn't developed the kind of ability to power through set backs the way an adult would have had the opportunity to.

BUT! It's also important a person has a good idea of the REALITY of what they're getting into before getting a pet, otherwise you'll see the same thing happen because they fell in love with a romanticized idea. That's why research is important, but ALSO why it's important for a kid to have adult direction and guidance. An 8 year old might not be thinking about the fact that budgies can be NOISY when doing research about the other care aspects, but an adult that knows them can point out "hey, these birds are very vocal, they will be loud all day as part of their behavior, because that's how they communicate in the wild. They're very social and will need someone to "talk" to constantly, are you sure you can deal with that?"

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Originally Posted by Kcl

Consider talking them into a pair of rats instead? Rats are a lot friendlier, actually bond with their people, and adapt their naturally nocturnal schedule to when their people are around instead. Hamsters are often bitey, generally prefer to be left alone, will stay nocturnal because they don't really care about you, generally should be housed singly, and are a lot less trainable and tameable than rats.

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I did. At least, we looked at all of the rodents they had at a big box retailer and we discussed each. Actually, I mainly listened as this was all new to me.

Rats, specifically, are out, per my daughter. She is in no way interested in them.

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

Your daughter is the formidable one here. An 8 year old who is willing to do research to get a pet is a force to be reckoned with. BUT! This shows a great deal of forethought and maturity on her part, which is a good indicator that she may actually be ready for the responsibility of this pet. It can also be used as a learning tool: learning to research information and critically evaluate sources is a very valuable skill. She's going to need it for life.

Ask her to present her research! It doesn't have to be formal or anything, but since she put a lot of work into getting this info, have her write a report on the pet species. Don't make her go in blind, tell her specifically what you are looking for. She should list her sources so you can evaluate them independently. She should be able to gather information about their home environment, proper husbandry and care, socialization, life span, common captive ailments etc. Have her also outline a care routine. Does she have other obligations she has to honor that she will need to account for in that schedule? Is she going to be the sole care taker? If not, who is going to share the responsibility, and why tasks is she going to delegate? Is money/cost an issue? Is she willing to work for what she wants in exchange for the animal and its supplies? And at then end, you should sit down and have a frank talk. Highlight concerns that you have and see if she has a plan to address them. She's trying to approach you as an adult, or at least, as a person she wants the adults in her life to respect, so reward that by taking her seriously and being fair.

Your goal is to get her to think, evaluate, consider and then present her case to you. She's already taken some good steps, now's the time to to encourage and foster that. It will carry her a long way later on!

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Wow, I really like this approach. I completely agree. Many great ideas. You sound like an exceptional educator or parent!

It's true, I hope to foster and support all of these attributes in her and my son. It is why I initially gave the green light for a ball python. It was her idea but I saw the value in it outside of being a pet and it has in fact been the educational springboard I thought it could be.

So, I continue to keep an open mind when they present things to me but of course, I have to do my own research as well to help guide them as a parent. I also have to narrow down choices as my wife does not want to find a zoo in our home!

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

I think there are different hamsters like there are different snakes! Lol rats are definitely smarter, but I'm not sure I believe they make better pets in all circumstances. My sister and I bought a hamster for my niece for Christmas (my niece is actually 8 years old and was given the idea from school - her classroom had one). The little guy was skittish to start and nipped here and there, but now Miley can whisk him out of his cage whenever she wants and he will sit nicely, hasn't nipped in a long time, and has even won over my brother in law with his adorable-ness. I was over there yesterday and my niece plopped the little guy right in my lap and he was perfectly fine to sit there and chill. He particularly likes to be scratched behind the ears like a dog.

And this hamster is spoiled rotten - he's grown half again as much in the 4 months they've had him, and is twice as fluffy lol

I believe he is a teddy bear hamster. We just got him from a petstore, so nothing special. Very easy to take care of, and my sister is good about making Miley completely clean out his cage on a weekly basis - scrubbing in the sink and all as they can get stinky, like any rodent. She's learning responsibility, and the little guy has brought a lot of joy into their lives. I get a video of him doing something new about every week lol

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Yes, 8 year olds should not be underestimated. They are quite capable! I will check on the teddy bear hamster. Very happy your niece is doing such a great job with hers.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

One of my friends has a pair of syrian hamsters and just bred a litter lol! They're less bitey and frightened than other hamsters, and are generally supposed to be docile and good pets, if I know what I'm talking about. They're not social animals, and should actually be kept individually, so they're easier than rats in that respect (while if you get a rat, you must get at least 2 and house them together, or they lose their minds).

You know your kid best. I knew a 7 year old girl who insisted on a rat, her parents helped with research, but she kept her rat in her room and took care of the rat all by herself.

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I was thinking that each one in their own cage would be ideal as the kids could keep them separately in their own rooms. I know it is an extra enclosure but I would not want to keep a single enclosure in the same room as the snakes.

Good to know to know about the Syrian hamsters. I believe that is what she had read and also watched on YouTube. It is amazing the amount of animal care videos out there.

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

Yeah I think in most instances, it's not a good idea to convince someone to get a "practice" pet or a different pet than the one they want, because they will not be attached to the animal in the same way. If you want a cherry popsicle and some hands you grape, you maybe be okay with it, but it's not what you wanted, so there will always be this little part of you that's disappointed. With a pet, that can lead to disinterest and even eventual resentment/neglect, especially with a young kid that hasn't developed the kind of ability to power through set backs the way an adult would have had the opportunity to.

BUT! It's also important a person has a good idea of the REALITY of what they're getting into before getting a pet, otherwise you'll see the same thing happen because they fell in love with a romanticized idea. That's why research is important, but ALSO why it's important for a kid to have adult direction and guidance. An 8 year old might not be thinking about the fact that budgies can be NOISY when doing research about the other care aspects, but an adult that knows them can point out "hey, these birds are very vocal, they will be loud all day as part of their behavior, because that's how they communicate in the wild. They're very social and will need someone to "talk" to constantly, are you sure you can deal with that?"

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I agree. The best thing I can do to prevent mistakes is to help them see past just the wants and help them understand the reality. And you are correct, usually the "practice" item quickly loses it's interest.

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Originally Posted by rock

I did. At least, we looked at all of the rodents they had at a big box retailer and we discussed each. Actually, I mainly listened as this was all new to me.

Rats, specifically, are out, per my daughter. She is in no way interested in them.

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Well, definitely no rats then.

There's a whole lot of people out there who should be talked out of the pet they think they want as evidenced by animal shelters and plenty of other things. It wasn't a practice pet suggestion- it was an alternative pet suggestion. Having rats won't make hamsters any better as pets. I'm personally of the opinion that most hamsters aren't great pets for most people. But they are great pets for a few and acceptable pets for many. To me it's closer to a kid asking for a chili lime flavored Popsicle and offering them a grape one. The latter will be more universally popular and generally a better bet, but if the kid hates grape or really loves spicy things, or the chili lime is exceptionally good, maybe the former will be better after all.

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Originally Posted by Kcl

Well, definitely no rats then.

There's a whole lot of people out there who should be talked out of the pet they think they want as evidenced by animal shelters and plenty of other things. It wasn't a practice pet suggestion- it was an alternative pet suggestion. Having rats won't make hamsters any better as pets. I'm personally of the opinion that most hamsters aren't great pets for most people. But they are great pets for a few and acceptable pets for many. To me it's closer to a kid asking for a chili lime flavored Popsicle and offering them a grape one. The latter will be more universally popular and generally a better bet, but if the kid hates grape or really loves spicy things, or the chili lime is exceptionally good, maybe the former will be better after all.

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I appreciate the alternative suggestion. I've kept an open mind and as I've suspected, this is not a decision to be taken lightly and I am not familiar at all with rodents. I've only been learning about them recently as prey items. This has been a complete reversal!

Haha oh wow! Your children are very persistent! Hahaha! I owned robo hamsters when I was younger and they were so fast! But they bit me every now and then. I also owned a big hamster who's name was Alexis and se was a sweetheart! She was active but not crazy and she loved her house! Unfortunately she was not hamster friendly. One day she saw my stuffed hamsters I had on my bed and I left for a minute. I came back to find them shredded and all their marble eyes on the floor of her house mixes in with her bedding. She was a ferocious creature when it came to stuffed animals lol


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Have they ever had a hamster? My kids wanted a hamster until they hamster sat for a weekend for a friend. Hamster kept them up all night doing what hamsters do by running in his wheel. The cage also needed cleaned because it smelled. After that I never heard another word about hamsters. Now on the plus side you could look into the possibility of your snake eating hamsters (not really sure that's possible) and that would cut down on food costs.

On the topic of having hamsters in their bedrooms, they are nocturnal so they will be up ALL NIGHT. My sister had a male hamster in her room for a while, and he not only smelt very strongly from the urine, but he was very loud at night and it kept us awake. He ended up moving into the living room lol :D She always keeps Syrian hamsters, and every single one has been very well-tempered.

I had a hamster years ago. She was my first *real* pet. Before that it was just tarantulas and fish.
She used to keep us up all night by chewing on the bars of her cage, but my god she was just so cute and friendly!
She never bit me but she did bite my brother a lot :3

If you are looking to get one, maybe keep it in a aquarium or something so there are no bars to chew, and lots of room for it to dig and move around. Those plastic cages you buy in stores are often wayyy too small.

Much like reptiles, pretty much nothing they sell in pet shops is really appropriate for rodents except maybe some of the toys and hides.

Here's a neat DIY hamster cage built out of a tub. If you're keeping your snakes in tubs already, might as well use a spare one for your hamster!

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Originally Posted by Vithaxton

Haha oh wow! Your children are very persistent! Hahaha! I owned robo hamsters when I was younger and they were so fast! But they bit me every now and then. I also owned a big hamster who's name was Alexis and se was a sweetheart! She was active but not crazy and she loved her house! Unfortunately she was not hamster friendly. One day she saw my stuffed hamsters I had on my bed and I left for a minute. I came back to find them shredded and all their marble eyes on the floor of her house mixes in with her bedding. She was a ferocious creature when it came to stuffed animals lol


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lol Yes they are persistent! And, oh no, they have lots of stuffed animals ready to be chewed up!

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Originally Posted by Bmocken

Have they ever had a hamster? My kids wanted a hamster until they hamster sat for a weekend for a friend. Hamster kept them up all night doing what hamsters do by running in his wheel. The cage also needed cleaned because it smelled. After that I never heard another word about hamsters. Now on the plus side you could look into the possibility of your snake eating hamsters (not really sure that's possible) and that would cut down on food costs.

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Pet sitting would be a good idea. I have worried about the noise and smell. Yep, the Bredli might provide a solution!

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Originally Posted by LightningPython

I had a hamster years ago. She was my first *real* pet. Before that it was just tarantulas and fish.
She used to keep us up all night by chewing on the bars of her cage, but my god she was just so cute and friendly!
She never bit me but she did bite my brother a lot :3

If you are looking to get one, maybe keep it in a aquarium or something so there are no bars to chew, and lots of room for it to dig and move around. Those plastic cages you buy in stores are often wayyy too small.

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Good to know. I was thinking when the BPs outgrew their starter enclosures I could use them.

- - - Updated - - -

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

Much like reptiles, pretty much nothing they sell in pet shops is really appropriate for rodents except maybe some of the toys and hides.

Here's a neat DIY hamster cage built out of a tub. If you're keeping your snakes in tubs already, might as well use a spare one for your hamster!

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Thank you!

Be careful, unless you one that is already tame, it will bit until it is tamed. I'm speaking of typical pet store hamsters. My Syrian bit me for 1 whole week before she finally warmed up.

Supervision and gloves are a must. Get a Syrian for a first hamster, any species of dwarf will be lost in a week if its owned by children, trust me.
Your children most likely won't get to see the hamster much, they are nocturnal and undoubtedly if they have a bedtime, that's going to be broken every single night trying to play with little hammy as soon as he wakes.

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Originally Posted by PythonBabes

Be careful, unless you one that is already tame, it will bit until it is tamed. I'm speaking of typical pet store hamsters. My Syrian bit me for 1 whole week before she finally warmed up.

Supervision and gloves are a must. Get a Syrian for a first hamster, any species of dwarf will be lost in a week if its owned by children, trust me.
Your children most likely won't get to see the hamster much, they are nocturnal and undoubtedly if they have a bedtime, that's going to be broken every single night trying to play with little hammy as soon as he wakes.

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Oh boy, yeah, breaking bedtime to play could be a problem.

I had a couple a long time ago and they are as destructive as they are adorable. My first was extremely aggressive and the second was worse but you just got to handle them for a day or two with thick leather gloves and they learn they are not getting anywhere with that so they stop doing it. It's that easy to train them.

As for activity, well yes they are nocturnal and they will move and chew and scratch everything making an ungodly noise all night long. So be prepared for that. LOL [emoji23] At some nights I was very close to killing them but then I saw their mouths full of food and the cute look in their eyes and they stand in their back feet looking at you and they're so adorable that I just went back to try to sleep [emoji51] when they use their hands to push all the food out of their cheeks is just so hilarious.

They will bite everything and they leave little round markings. And although my parents wanted to throw me out with the hamster after it chewed their bed [emoji851], some years after we look at the marking and remember that little cute bugger and laugh.


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You can also see if she is interested in gerbils. You will need two but from what I gather they tend to be a bit more hand tame naturally

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