Should I get a hamster for a pet?

Hamsters make wonderful first pets for children, or even for adults looking for a low-maintenance companion. While hamsters in comparison to some other pets don’t require much, they do need basic care, a quality diet, and routine upkeep. So, if you’ve found yourself wondering, should I get a hamster for a pet?, we’re here to help you decide if a hamster is a good fit for you.

Hamster basics

Like other pets, hamsters are a commitment. They require time and care throughout their lives, and are completely reliant on their humans for their basic needs. Hamsters have a relatively short lifespan, but they can bond with their owners and will crave interaction and quality time with you. Here are some things to know about hamsters, including their lifespan, time requirements, and general expenses.

Lifespan and activity levels

On average, hamsters live 2-3 years in captivity. This may not seem like a long time, but if your children are planning on caring for their pet, you may need to consider their ages and activities as well. School, extracurricular activities, and changing interests are all part of childhood, but make sure that your kids are ready and willing to commit for the duration of a hamster’s lifespan.

Hamsters are also nocturnal, which is something that young children may have a hard time understanding. It’s tempting to wake a sleeping hamster up to interact on your schedule, but that would be like someone waking you up in the middle of the night, expecting you to be able to play. Hamsters wake around dusk, so children should understand that their pet will be ready to play in the evenings.

And, because of their nocturnal schedules, hamster's kept in bedrooms can cause some sleep disturbance. Even if you have a silent wheel for them to run on, hamsters will still burrow, eat, and make small sounds while they’re awake. Placing your hamster in a central location like a living room or den will help prevent them from disturbing you in the middle of the night, and keep them involved in your home’s routine.

Cost of owning a hamster

When compared to other pets like cats and dogs, hamsters are an inexpensive pet to own and care for. They’re small animals with modest demands in terms of space and food. The largest cost will be in providing a home for your hamster. The minimum requirements to house a hamster are:

• A secure hamster cage with plenty of space for them to burrow and exercise
• Bedding to absorb odors and waste, and to promote burrowing
• Items for exercise like a wheel, tunnels, ramps, or other enrichment accessories
• A food bowl, water bottle, and quality hamster food

Depending on the diet you choose for your hamster, you can expect to pay around £10-£20 a month for their food. Recycled paper pulp bedding is the best choice for hamsters, as it is absorbent, soft, and non-toxic. Wood shavings can entice hamsters to sneak a nibble, aren’t soft for burrowing, and don’t absorb odors as well. Recycled paper bedding will cost another £10-£20 each month, depending on how often you need to change your hamster’s substrate.

And, while hamsters don’t find themselves feeling under the weather very often, it’s wise to save some money in the event that your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Prices vary by location and veterinarian, so it’s a good idea to call vet clinics ahead of time to see if they treat hamsters, and how much an office visit would be.

Hamster food is relatively cheap, and they only require small amounts

Time requirements

Caring for your hamster may only take a couple of minutes each day. Refilling their food and water, and spot cleaning their cage are the only daily care requirements for your hamster, but once a month you’ll need to thoroughly clean their enclosure. Aside from these tasks, the rest of the time spent with your hamster will be for enjoyment and enrichment.

Because some hamster breeds have to be housed alone, you’ll need to provide interaction with them to keep them healthy and happy. Hamsters are territorial, which is why it’s best to keep one per enclosure, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get lonely. Playing with your hamster each day will keep them from feeling alone and keep their minds and bodies engaged.

Playtime can last as long as you’d like, but aim to play for at least 10 minutes a day with your hamster. Be sure to give your hamster food and water breaks during long play sessions, and keep them in a safe environment. A hamster playpen is perfect for setting up mazes, playing with your hamster, or serving as a safe spot for your pet while you clean their habitat.

Deciding on a hamster

There are many options when deciding on a pet, and if you’ve never had a small pet before, the decision can seem overwhelming. When researching hamsters, many potential owners find themselves considering several other small animals as well. Here are some of the most common rodents that are kept as pets compared with hamsters, along with their similarities and differences to help you narrow down your options.

Hamster or a gerbil?

Hamsters and gerbils require the same amount of space in their habitats, but their similarities end there. Gerbils live 4-5 years and need to be kept in pairs rather than alone. They also are active in bursts throughout the day, as well as being active at night. Because their long tails can become caught in gaps, gerbils can’t run on wheels or use other enrichment toys that are designed with hamsters in mind. Only solid wheels and surfaces should be used for gerbils.

Hamster or a rat?

Rats are much larger than hamsters and require more space. And, like gerbils, rats need to be kept in pairs. Each rat requires at least 2 cubic feet of space – meaning a pair of rats would require a minimum enclosure of 4 cubic feet. Rats are extremely intelligent and affectionate, but due to their size and housing requirements, they aren’t as conveniently kept as hamsters. Their lifespan is similar to those of hamsters at around 2-4 years.

Rats are larger than even the biggest hamster species

Hamster or a mouse?

Mice can make interesting pets, but must be kept in social groups of two or more mice. They’re much more active than hamsters and require more space due to their multiple companions and high energy levels. Mice also have a reputation as the smelliest of rodent pets, largely due to their habit of marking their enclosure to communicate with each other. You can hold a mouse, but since they’re so agile, they may be difficult for young owners to handle.

Hamster or a guinea pig?>

Guinea pigs are popular small pets, and are among the largest rodents kept as pets. You can find many breeds of guinea pigs, but no matter the variety, they must be kept in pairs or bonded groups. Guinea pigs also have a longer lifespan than most rodents, with their average life expectancy being 5-8 years. They require more care daily due to their size, and thrive best when allowed outside regularly in a large guinea pig run or playpen.

Guinea pigs are easier to handle and less temperamental than hamsters, so are a better option for small children

Omlet and your hamster

Hamsters are small pets with big personalities. House them in the best hamster home with ramps and tunnels to help these little animals live their biggest lives. Through routine play and feedings, your hamster will come to know and love you all of their days – and our hamster habitats help you and your hamsters grow even closer together.