Should I Adopt A Hamster?

Never be driven by the impulse to adopt tiny, attractive, fury and inquisitive pets like hamsters; it is best to consider various aspects before you decide to get into a relationship with this pet.

Considerations before adopting a hamster:

a) Hamsters are nocturnal or active at night; it is not suitable for light sleepers that are disturbed by the smallest sounds and those wanting a companion during the day. They perfect companions for those that are night owls burning the midnight oil.

b) Being small in size they are not ideal pets for children below the age of 8 years; they could bite when disturbed in their nap. Additionally they require gentle touch and could be easily startled by sudden movements and loud noises, so young children with poor motor skills could inadvertently drop them, squeeze them or scare them to bite.

c) Next young children are at a high risk to contract diseases their pet carry due to their undeveloped immune system and tendency for close contact with pets without proper hand-washing. Young children are vulnerable to the effects of salmonella, a type of intestinal bacteria that hamsters carry and a bacteria Lymphocytic choriomeningitis that could make young children seriously ill.  

d) It is best to consider all costs like the adoption fee or purchase price is small, other start-up and ongoing expenses like wire cage, aquarium or modular habitat, expenses on bedding and nesting material, nesting box, food dish, exercise wheel, water bottle, hamster chow, treats and toys. Also you should be financially prepared for veterinary costs for annual check-ups, emergency treatment and dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes.

e) Hamsters carry 2 bacteria; salmonella, an intestinal bacterium that causes short, but intense bouts of sickness and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis that could cause flu like symptoms. Both these bacteria could cause severe problems in pregnant women and be passed on to the unborn child and it could seriously sicken those that already have a weakened immune system due to other health conditions.   

f) The average lifespan for a hamster is 2 ½ to 3 years depending on the specie; this may seem ideal for those that do not want a long term commitment, but it would not be ideal for those having children whom they do not want to expose to death experience.  

g) Adopting a hamster also depends on how much space you have; some solitary, territorial animals like Syrian hamsters require their own space, or they could fight one another and inflict serious injuries. Similarly a female hamster on childbirth would kill and eat its own baby if disturbed; hence breeding is not recommended. However dwarf hamsters if properly introduced will be able to live together.

h) Being fairly independent, hamsters can entertain themselves for an extended period of time when their cage is properly enriched with toys, bedding, and opportunities for burrowing and climbing. However making your hamster a happy and well-adjusted pet requires some daily handling and interaction. Make sure you clean your hamster’s cage at least once a week.

i) Lastly staying in Hawaii prohibits you from owning a hamster; the climate is similar to a hamsters' natural desert habitat, with concern being expressed by the agricultural and environmental officials that if released or escaped, these hamster could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants and animals.

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