78 replies to this topic

[TheIrishHamster]

Hi I love this, it is very informative, but I would like to know what hamster species is awake during the day most often.

[SteveeTheHammee]

Loved this article!

[HamsterLover1994]

Of The Dwarf Species which are the easiest to handle and tame I've had a Campbells Hybrid when I was a kid and am leaning towards Either Campbells or Winter Whites maybe Chinese I honestly prefer bigger species like Syrians but I do like Dwarfs as well I'm just looking for a species that tends to be more chill what do you guys recommend ? Syrians aren't extremely fast and ik Robos are so I wouldn't want a Robo until I've had a few other Hamsters so far I've had a Syrian and a Russian Campbells hybrid Hamster.

[Robin~]

I would generally recommend a hybrid dwarf (purebreds are very uncommon unless you find an ethical breeder, but stores will list the non-hybrid names). They’re typically very friendly in a proper enclosure (such as the 40g you’re looking into), but don’t require the space and amount of enrichment a syrian would need.

However, keep in mind no hamster is “chill”. Having a hamster that will slow down and snuggle with their owner is extremely uncommon; I would try looking into some other rodents if this is the relationship you want to have. The difference in speediness is relative!

Speaking of speed, it’s a bit of a myth that syrians are slow. Yes, they are larger, and, again, speed is relative, but a syrian in a properly sized, fully enriched enclosure will be just as speedy as a dwarf if they need to. The “slow, sweet lump of fluff” stereotype syrians have come from when people used to keep hamsters in smaller cages, like less than 20 gallon tanks or modular cages. Of course they’re going to sit around and do nothing—they’re depressed and don’t have anything to do!

As for Chinese hamsters, they’re sort of their own thing—they require a crowded cage, much like how a mouse would prefer, and they love climbing toys. I would generally recommend a barred cage for them so you can fit more climbing toys, hammocks, ladders, etc., but a tank can also be a great enclosure for them. They’re also known for being pretty elusive among their toys and some owners go days without seeing them, but, again, a bit of a stereotype—there’s definitely a possibility you could get a more outgoing Chinese!

Edited by Robin~, 19 February 2020 - 10:51 PM.