Hamsters vs. Mice?

Question

I've heard that mice are much friendlier than hamsters and that teddy bear hamsters are the least friendly and dwarf hamsters are the most friendly.

Does anyone have any opinion on this? I was hoping to get a small pet and I'd like something that's as friendly as possible and I don't have the room for a rat or anything else that big.

Answer 1

Depends, Hamsters like being on their own, while Mice will get along with other mice. I've had both hamsters and mice, and both were okay, but the Mice were better. Mice are more fun to watch, and they are more active, hamsters like to sleep - a lot. Have you ever thought of Gerbils? Gerbils are quite funny and they aren't as "creepy" as mice. Too bad you didn't have room, or I'd suggest you to get a pair of Chilean Squirrels (Degus) from your pet store. They are very very social, and you need to have two, not one. They are very smart and like being handled, and can be easily litter trained, and let out of the cage for romps in an enclosed room.

Answer 2

Mice are really small and can escape easily, so a hamster would be better. Even if a hamster does get out, most of the time a hamster is bigger and easier to find. Mice die quickly, and hamsters can live to anywhere from a few weeks to a couple years. I got two hamsters and they lived for about 2 and a half years. =] But hamsters ARE larger and need bigger cages which cost more...its a hard choice.

I'd go with hamsters but Its your choice!

Answer 3

I'd say rat, but rats really should be kept in pairs at least, and if the cage isn't big enough for that, then rats are kind of ruled out there, unless you'd be willing to get your rat out for a few hours everyday to stop him/her getting lonely. Don't get gerbils like someone else suggested, they shouldn't live in wired cages. I've never had mice, but I looked after my friends mice once, and they were extremely annoying, they kept me up every night I had them with their noise and seemed to fight a lot. I have not owned a syrian hamster either but believe that they are the friendliest of hamsters, and right now if I had a choice, I'd get one because rats are very hard work.

Answer 4

From my own experience I would go with mice over hamsters if you are wanting to handle it. Hamsters are cuter and all but there more likely to bite. Dwarf hamsters have worse temperments than teddy bears. If you really want a hamster the short-haired teddybear has the best temperment. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I don't have any experience with mice but with hamsters I do. My son had a couple of hamsters and they were very friendly. They love to be carried around like in a shirt pocket. They are escape artists though! They look for a way out at night well since they are nocturnal and all. We loved our little ocky very much! RIP

Answer 6

I've never owned hamsters, so I can't help you there, but I have owned mice. When handled often, they make cute, gentle pets. I would suggest that you get a pair of females. Two costs very little more than one to keep, and needs very little room, but a pair will be happier than a lone mouse. Good luck with your new pet(s)!

Answer 7

Hamsters are known biters. Mice don't bite as much as hamsters. I had a pet mouse and it was a great small pet. Female mice don't smell as bad because male mice urine smells. plus you can house multiple females whereas males have to be kept solitary.
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/careofmice/a/mousecare.htm

Go with the mouse.

Answer 8

Hamsters are really easy and they don't smell as much as mice. They do nibble but it doesn't hurt. and My hamster is really lazy and slow so you can tell when it's going to bite. Also if a hamster escapes it's really easy to find and it will not run when you try to pick it up.

Answer 9

Mice die too quickly. Personally I'd get a hedge hog but hamsters are good. Mice are most likely to freak people out.

Answer 10

In my experience, I've had a few friendly hamsters but nearly all of my mice have had wondeful temperaments. I highly recommend them as pets, especially from good breeders. Good breeders care about health, type, temperament and breed for longer lifespans (many reach 2-3 years of age), etc. There's a huge variety too...short, long & curly haired, many colors and patterns.

EDIT: Having tails doesn't make them dirty. In fact, I'd say they're cleaner than hamsters, they clean themselves often and it shows. Gerbils have tails too and w/tufts of hair...how many are filthy?