Hamster Recommendations for Beginners
If you’re raising a hamster for the first time, it’s best to start with breeds that have a gentle temperament and are easier to care for. Below are our top recommendations and key considerations:
I. Recommended Breeds
Dwarf Hamsters (Campbell’s or Winter White Dwarfs)
Advantages: Small in size (about 8–12 cm as adults), mild-mannered, and have weak biting force—even if they nibble, they rarely break the skin.
Common Colors: Varieties like lilac, (pudding, a creamy golden hue), and (milk tea, a soft brown) are popular. They’re affordable, around 50 yuan each.
Silver Fox Hamsters
Traits: Their back stripes are faint, and some are pure white. They’re often bred by crossing with pudding hamsters, making them a great choice for beginners who prefer light-colored hamsters.
Golden Hamsters (Syrian Hamsters)
Note: Larger in size (15–20 cm), they have a pleasant feel but strong biting force. They require a bigger cage (at least 60 cm in length).
Recommendation: Try them once you have some experience to avoid getting bitten.
II. Breeds Not Recommended
Russian Dwarf Hamsters: They have a irritable temperament and tend to bite, making them hard for beginners to handle.
Roborovski Hamsters : Shy and skittish, they’re not very interactive and require long-term, patient training.
III. Key Care Tips
Housing Separately: All hamsters are territorial—housing them together often leads to fights.
Diet Safety: Feed them primarily hamster pellets. Offer small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, but never give them unboiled water.
Environment Needs:
Dwarf hamsters can live in cages at least 47 cm in length; golden hamsters need more space.
Keep their cage out of direct sunlight, and provide bedding like wood shavings or paper cotton.
IV. Other Considerations
Health Monitoring: Hamsters are prone to conditions like pododermatitis (foot inflammation) and parasites—check on them regularly.
Interaction Tips: Building trust takes time—avoid grabbing them suddenly.
Summary: Start with dwarf hamsters (Campbell’s, lilac, or pudding varieties) for their gentle nature and ease of care. Golden hamsters are better suited for experienced owners. Be sure to learn the basics before getting a hamster to avoid common mistakes.