Really not sure on this (i think i will if im alloud though) but still ant too sure. Has anyone had alot of experiance with them, because i know some can be pretty nasty. Oh and do they smell? And, whats this thing about not being able to keep more than one at one time, and do they make good pets for all ages ? And alos (lol) what else can you feed them apart from their normal dry food ?
Thanks
2006-10-15 06:05:52 · 16 answers · asked by § gαввαηα § 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
If you aren't sure don't get one. They are messy and smelly , and need lots of care
2006-10-15 06:07:51 · answer #1 · answered by Parrot Bay 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've had nearly every pet imaginable, and in my experience, hamsters were only a so-so pet. They can be friendly, but are liable to bite if scared or annoyed. I've been bitten by every hamster I owned (I've owned 6). They're also fairly fast and can escape easily. Also, they are very nocturnal and can make quite a bit of noise, so they can keep you awake at night if you have the cage in your room. As for smell, as long as you change the litter regularly they're not bad. They smell about as much as any other caged pet would. They are probably not an ideal pet for very small children, as they are small and fragile and could easily be squished or hurt. There are lots of different options for food and treats... You can find tons at Petco, Petsmart, Walmart, etc.
Personally, I'd suggest a rat instead. Many people aren't too sure about them, but they're honestly the best "pocket pets" I've ever had. Unlike hamsters, they very, very rarely bite (they're the only pet I've never been bitten by!) and are much more outgoing than hamsters. Whereas hamsters simply enjoy running around, rats form a true bond with their owners and are both playful and cuddly. They're also incredibly smart; all of my rats knew their names, as well as several other tricks. If you'd like more information, I'd love to share my experience with rats. They're great fun!
2006-10-15 14:22:27 · answer #2 · answered by gryffin218 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way. Hamsters are nippy and unfriendly. They don't really like to be petted/held, and do everything they can to escape their cage and make nests in your closet or wherever else they can hide.
And yes, they usually don't get along with other hamsters so it is best to only have one. They don't make good pets for any age, in my opinion. I really don't understand why they are so popular.
I highly recommend rats instead. Rats can be kept in pairs of the same sex. Two females are the best in my opinion, as they don't have as much odor as males. They aren't really smelly as long as you change their litter regularly, every three or four days or whenever it needs it.
Rats love human contact--they enjoy being held and petted, and they are very smart--you can train them to do many tricks with patience and a few treats.
Rats will eat anything, but stick with a good food designed for rats, and feel free to add small amounts of treats like fresh veggies or fruits (start with just a nibble as too much can give them diarrhea).
If you are dead set against rats (I urge you to consider them! and also if you can find a rat breeder that is better than getting them from a pet store) you might consider gerbils. I don't have personal experience with them but I know they have almost no odor. This is because they are desert creatures and conserve water so much that they produce very little urine. From what I have heard, they are pretty friendly and make decent pets.
Good luck!
2006-10-15 13:17:20 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have more than one but chances are you will have a mating pair and end up with babies--lot's of work. They don't smell, dirty cages smell, clean every 3 days. You can feed vegetables they love carrots, celery and lettuce, don't go overboard. Stay away from dry oatmeal, I blew one up when I was a kid by feeding it that and then giving water. The oatmeal expanded and so did Herman. They don't have a very long life span.. pretty fragile for small children, need to get used to handling and will bite until they are used to you.
2006-10-15 13:12:20 · answer #4 · answered by SeattleBlue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they can be nasty, they can smell, and if you have more than one, MAKE sure they are the same sex or else you'll have more than 2... they are great pets, but like all pets, they have different personalities and all can act different... go to the pet store and ask a person who works in that section or like a certain pet store company has, they have "fact sheets" about the pet and care, feeding, etc.
2006-10-15 13:14:08 · answer #5 · answered by mernieinc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters are great. Get one as a baby tho, so it will get use to you and not bite. My 8 yr old daughter had one. she loved her, she didnt smell. Unfortunately last friday somehow a rat snake got into the house and into the cage. OMG she was devastated!!!
it was soooo sad!
2006-10-16 06:22:18 · answer #6 · answered by sassysusie2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get a hamster, you could easily end up with a horrible vicous one. They do very little and you'll get bored of it within the month (they live for three years) they are fury and cute sure but thats really all they have going for them. Have more than one and one of them will get eaten.
2006-10-15 13:29:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters are ok, if you dont want to handle them. They are usually very mean tempered and bite often, especially bad for small children. I would suggest that if you want a small animal, a fancy rat is a good idea. Very sociable, smart and love to be cuddled. Plus, they usually don't bite (unless they think they are going to be hurt).
2006-10-15 13:15:25 · answer #8 · answered by riaaleigh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...i never had a hamster...but i did have a guinea pig, and he died of amonia and pink eye. i've heard that some hamsters can be pretty nasty with each other so i wouldn't reccomend more than one! Good luck!
2006-10-15 13:10:23 · answer #9 · answered by lindsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah they make pretty good pets. so long as you clean after it as often as needed im sure it wont smell. be sure to get a friendly one though cause some bite.
2006-10-15 13:08:17 · answer #10 · answered by Heat seeking missile 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DONT GET A HAMSTER!!! get a guinea pig and they are for all ages and love greens also low maintance and sweet to the bone!! if you want a sweet one get a girl if u want a tough playen one get a boy.
2006-10-15 13:43:07 · answer #11 · answered by Kira Hikage 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋