82 replies to this topic

[Hera the Hamster]

I personally think that dwarf and Syrian all make good first hamsters. However dwarfs are more likely to be happy with their cage.

I do not have room for a cage more than 1000 square inches. Yes I have space for a decent size cage. (Right now a have a 40 gallon for my Robo.) I simply don't have to space for a Syrian so dwarfs are better suited to me.

However someone who wants to have a bigger hamster might be more suited to a Syrian.

We should get species of hamsters based on why WE want and not what's classified as a good "beginner hamster."

[MillowPets]

Personally, I think that the best are syrien hamster.   Since they are popular in pet shops, you can get the right cage, food, water bottle, house and chew toys (no wood).         Also, they are more easier to tame than the chinese and the dwarf, and they live an average lifespan. 

Thats not true because it depends what the owner thinks is the best hamster, and there aren't any good cage at pet stores most of the time!

[MillowPets]

I like how its unbiased, and how it shows both sides of syrian and dwarfs! Good job!

[Hamster~paws]

Any species is good for beginners as it’s not breed that determines personality if you want to have a hamster easier size to handle then spi would suggest Syrians but if you want to more watch them then dwarfs are a good idea. Whatever species you want to have then have.

[Hamster~paws]

Personally I think a decider for what hamster to have could also lie in lifespan if they’ve are for kids then you may want something that lives longer to give children more opportunities but if you have possible future plans to move then getting a hamster with a shorter expected life might be a better option. I think every hamster is a good species to buy

[Pookie&Biscuit]

This is so good/true tax

[MaryK954]

Great article! I am considering getting a new hamster. Even though I have had two hamsters in the past, I consider myself a beginner because my past hamsters have not received proper cages, food, etc, due to my lack of research. Both of my past hamsters were chinese hamsters, and they were both friendly/tolerent. I am torn on which breed I should choose. If anyone has a breed in mind that would suit my situation, please say so. Thanks in advance!

[Hammy Jedi]

Great article! I am considering getting a new hamster. Even though I have had two hamsters in the past, I consider myself a beginner because my past hamsters have not received proper cages, food, etc, due to my lack of research. Both of my past hamsters were chinese hamsters, and they were both friendly/tolerent. I am torn on which breed I should choose. If anyone has a breed in mind that would suit my situation, please say so. Thanks in advance!

 

I personally like Dwarfs. Specifically, roborovski. Currently we have five robos and one Syrian. The robos are very active and so fun to watch them play & run. They can be a little hard to tame because they tend to be agitated at first. But once they are tamed, they are sweet and really fun. From what I have heard and read too, robos don't get diabetes, they live longest than other species and no wet tails.

[hamsterpepper10]

dwarfs are the best!

[YoJesi20]

Hi I'm looking into getting a hamster soon and have been struggling with choosing which type to get - I originally thought of getting a robo since they're smaller and I have seen alot of videos on YouTube with them but after looking into it a bit it seemed that most recommended getting a Syrian for a beginner. In this post I've seen a lot of pros and cons for both but I was wondering why these two are the species everyone seems to talk about the most? Not everyone literally but in general, I've seen both Robo and Syrians be recommended for beginners while doing research. Can someone please explain to me?

[MerryBB]

 

 

I'm honestly not sure. Perhaps it has something to do with the two extremes; a big chunky Syrian or a tiny slippery Roborovski.

 

I wouldn't describe the other dwarf species (Russian Campbell's, Winter Whites, and hybrids) the way that Roborovskis are described. I think some RCD's can be pretty small and slippery, and of course it all depends on the individual, but plenty of dwarfs are relatively slow and easygoing (including my own).

 

I do really want to emphasize how difficult Syrians can be to house and keep entertained. They need large wheels, large hides, deep bedding, a variety of puzzles & other enrichment, and especially escape-proof cages because Syrians are famous for muscling their way out of a variety of different enclosures.

 

Dwarfs aren't necessarily easy, but they are generally easier to keep happy: and a happy hamster is more likely to accept taming efforts. 

[YoJesi20]

I'm honestly not sure. Perhaps it has something to do with the two extremes; a big chunky Syrian or a tiny slippery Roborovski.

I wouldn't describe the other dwarf species (Russian Campbell's, Winter Whites, and hybrids) the way that Roborovskis are described. I think some RCD's can be pretty small and slippery, and of course it all depends on the individual, but plenty of dwarfs are relatively slow and easygoing (including my own).

I do really want to emphasize how difficult Syrians can be to house and keep entertained. They need large wheels, large hides, deep bedding, a variety of puzzles & other enrichment, and especially escape-proof cages because Syrians are famous for muscling their way out of a variety of different enclosures.

Dwarfs aren't necessarily easy, but they are generally easier to keep happy: and a happy hamster is more likely to accept taming efforts.

[YoJesi20]

Thank you so much, and if you don't mind my asking what type do you have? I'm thinking of getting a dwart because I'm not sure I could accommodate a large enough cage for a Syrian, I'm really thinking of making a bin cage and just putting it on my dresser but I'm uncertain if I could find a bin large enough to feel like a Syrian has enough space. 😅 I'm claustrophobic and I can't stand to see animals in cages that look too small lol

[YoJesi20]

Thank you so much, and if you don't mind my asking what type do you have? I'm thinking of getting a dwart because I'm not sure I could accommodate a large enough cage for a Syrian, I'm really thinking of making a bin cage and just putting it on my dresser but I'm uncertain if I could find a bin large enough to feel like a Syrian has enough space. 😅 I'm claustrophobic and I can't stand to see animals in cages that look too small lol

[MerryBB]

Thank you so much, and if you don't mind my asking what type do you have? I'm thinking of getting a dwart because I'm not sure I could accommodate a large enough cage for a Syrian, I'm really thinking of making a bin cage and just putting it on my dresser but I'm uncertain if I could find a bin large enough to feel like a Syrian has enough space. I'm claustrophobic and I can't stand to see animals in cages that look too small lol

 

I have a hybrid dwarf he's more Winter White than Campbell's dwarf, but I got him from a shelter so he probably didn't come from a pure WW line.

 

I don't really see a Syrian cage fitting comfortably on a dresser, so a dwarf is probably your best bet. We've got some pretty nice bins out at the moment! I'll list them in order of floorspace because they can all accommodate at least the bare minimum needs of a dwarf setup (12"+ height, 450 sq inches +):

 

1. IRIS Holiday Tree Box - Around 800 (maybe 750?)  square inches of interior floorspace, 14" of height (including the lid), wheels on one side, latches, not extremely sturdy.

 

2. Iris 44 gal. Tote - Around 750 square inches of interior floorspace, 14" of height (slightly shorter lid, I think), wheels on one side, latches, not extremely sturdy.

 

3. Sterilite 50 Gal. Stacker Box - Around 612 square inches of interior floorspace, 16-17" of height, no wheels, latches, relatively sturdy.