How to Buy Hamsters

Guide Note

Go to any pet store and you'll find numerous hamsters in different sizes and colors. It can be overwhelming when trying to find the perfect pet for your home. However, you should find that it is much easier to find the right hamster once you know the facts.

Table of Contents

Buying Hamsters Tips

  1. There are five species of hamsters typically kept as pets.
  2. Most hamsters sold in pet stores are either Syrian or Campbells Russian Dwarf hamsters.
  3. Syrian hamsters are solitary animals.
  4. Dwarf hamsters can sometimes be kept in small groups.
  5. Some species of hamsters have restrictions or require permits.
  6. Hamsters are often available for adoption through your local shelter.

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Introduction

  • Hamsters make wonderful pets and are great for people who love animals but are limited on space. If you have ever been to a pet store, you know that there are a number of different colors and sizes of hamsters available. So how does one choose? Well, once you understand more about the types of hamsters available and their characteristics, you will find that the choice is not difficult to make at all.

Choosing a Species of Hamster

  • Although there may seem like a dozen or so varieties of hamsters available at the pet store, in reality there are only a few breeds which are widely available. All hamsters are rodents and belong to the subfamily Cricetinae. Of the eighteen species belonging to this group, only five are commonly kept as pets, with Syrian and Campbells Dwarf Russians being kept most often. The other three species are Dwarf Winter White Russian, Roborovskis Dwarf and Chinese hamsters.

Syrian Hamsters

  • Syrian Hamsters are the most recognizable of the breeds commonly available as pets. (Creative Commons photo by Jamie Sanford)
    Syrian Hamsters are the most recognizable of the breeds commonly available as pets. (Creative Commons photo by Jamie Sanford)
    Syrian hamsters belong to the species Mesocricetus auratus. They are what most people think of when the word "hamster" is brought up, and are currently the most popular hamster species kept as pets.1 They are often referred to as golden hamsters, black bear hamsters, fancy hamsters, teddy bear hamsters or angora hamsters. The different names are usually an indication of color or type of hair, not that they are different species.
  1. Size: About 5 to 7 inches long          
  2. Average Life Span: 2 to 3 years
  3. Original color in the wild was a mixture of brown, black and gold that gave them the name "golden hamster."1
  4. Must be housed individually.2
  5. Available with short (fancy) or long (teddy bear) hair in a wide variety of colors.3
  6. Very hardy and kid-friendly.1

Campbells Dwarf Russian Hamsters

  • Unlike Syrians, Dwarf Russian hamsters get along great in groups. (Creative Commons photo by Qingning Jia)
    Unlike Syrians, Dwarf Russian hamsters get along great in groups. (Creative Commons photo by Qingning Jia)
    Campbells dwarf Russian hamsters are the most commonly sold dwarf hamster in pet stores.4 They are all members of the species Phodopus campbelli and may be referred to as Russian hamsters, Campbell's dwarf hamsters or Djungarian hamsters.
  1. Size: About 4 to 4.5 inches long (10 to 12 cm)         
  2. Average Life Span: 1.5 to 2 years
  3. Can live in same sex pairs or small groups if introduced when young.5
  4. Sometimes mislabeled as "Siberian" hamsters.6
  5. Campbells do not have side stripes and have a smaller body and eyes than winter whites and are a lighter tan color in comparison to winter white Russian dwarf hamsters.4
  6. Available in a variety of colors.6
  7. May require a permit to own in some states.7

Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters

  • Dwarf winter white Russian hamsters were once considered a subspecies of Campbell, which is why you will sometimes see their species name written as Phodopus campbelli sungorus or Phodopus sungorus campbelli but in reality they are members of their own species, Phodopus sungorus.8 They are also known as Siberian dwarf hamsters, Siberian hamsters and Djungarian hamsters.
  1. Size: About 3.5 to 4 inches long (8 to 10 cm)
  2. Average Life Span: 1.5 to 2 years
  3. Color changes from dark grey to white in the winter in the wild, but not always in captivity.9
  4. May not always get along in groups like Campbells.8
  5. Winter whites have a larger body and eyes than Campbells with a darker grayish-black color and brighter belly.4
  6. Small enough to fit through the bars of some cages.10
  7. Less commonly sold in pet stores than Campbells.9
  8. May require a permit to own in some states.7

Roborovskis Dwarf Hamster

  • Some states require a permit to own Robo hamsters. (Creative Commons photo by Marilyn Sherman)
    Some states require a permit to own Robo hamsters. (Creative Commons photo by Marilyn Sherman)
    Roborovskis dwarf hamsters are from the species Phodopus roborovski. They are also known as robo hamsters, robos, robs and desert hamsters. They are usually not recommended for people who have never had hamsters before or for households with children.11
  1. Size: About 2 inches long (4 to 5 cm)         
  2. Average Life Span: 3 to 3.5 years
  3. Most difficult to handle in comparison to other dwarf hamsters.11
  4. Smallest and fastest variety of pet hamster.11
  5. Some states classify Roborovskis as an exotic species and require a permit to own them.12
  6. Can be kept in same sex groups of two or three.13

Chinese Hamster

  • Chinese hamsters are from the species Phodopus griseus. Because of their size, they are often referred to as a dwarf hamster, but they are not a true dwarf.14. They are also called Chinese striped hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters or striped hamsters. Because some states have put restrictions on them, they are hard to find in pet stores today.15 16
  1. Size: About 3.5 to 4 inches long (7.5 to 10 cm)
  2. Average Life Span: 2.5 to 3 years
  3. Longer and thinner than other hamsters with a longer tail.14
  4. Prohibited in some states.17
  5. May require a permit to own in some states.7

Where to Buy Your Hamster

  • Now that you know which type of hamster you want, you are ready to go out and find one. However, it is a good idea to have everything set up before you make your purchase. If you need information on how to set up a cage, check out Mahalo's How to Take Care of a Hamster page.
  • Hamsters are widely available, so it is important that you look at several locations rather than making a spontaneous purchase. There are three places you can find hamsters:
  1. Pet stores.
  2. Private owners or breeders.
  3. Animal shelters.

Pet Stores, Private Owners and Breeders

  • If you are selecting a hamster from a pet store, breeder or private owner, it is a good idea to evaluating the other animals in the store as well as the hamster you are consider purchasing. Here are some things to look for:
  1. Do the other animals look healthy? Any sick animals can indicate less than optimal conditions that could affect your hamster.18
  2. Take a close look at all the hamsters the store or owner has. If any of them show signs of illness, do not purchase a hamster from that place. The hamster you select could already be exposed but not showing signs of the illness yet.18
  3. Are things clean and in good order? If they don't take care of their surroundings, chances are they don't take care of their pets either.

Adopting a Hamster

  • Many animal shelters offer hamsters for adoption. This is a good option because you will be rescuing an abandoned animal. Also, shelters will have access to knowledgeable people who will help you select a pet that is healthy and a good for your family.19 Don't think that you will be forced to adopt an older hamster. Shelters receive younger hamsters. You can browse a few of the animal shelters online:
  1. Petfinder
  2. Pets911: Local Shelters & Rescues
  3. 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com: Animal Shelters in Your Area
  4. World Animal Net: Directory

Selecting a Hamster

  • When making your selection, you need to look at each hamster to make sure it is healthy and friendly. Here are a few of the things you should look for. Remember, if one of the other hamsters shows signs of illness, chances are the other hamsters are also infected.
    A healthy hamster is almost unbearably cute to look at. (Creative Commons photo by Yukari)
    A healthy hamster is almost unbearably cute to look at. (Creative Commons photo by Yukari)
  1. When you are evaluating the hamster's health, look for the following characteristics:
    1. Age: Between four to eight weeks old.20
    2. Bottom: Clean and dry.18
    3. Eyes: Clear and not running.20 18
    4. Nose: Dry; should not be running.21 18
    5. Body: Free from open or healing cuts and lumps; symmetrical.20 21
    6. Coat: Clean, shiny with no bald spots.21
    7. Behavior: Alert, active and curious.18
    8. Gait: Steady.21
    9. Teeth: Not overgrown.21
  2. Avoid the following warning signs: rumpled and dull fur, dirty bottom, red eyes, runny nose, shaky legs, trembling, sneezing, diarrhea and/or labored breathing.21
  3. Also check the coat for tiny specks that look like moving dirt, which indicate parasites.19
  4. Finally, take the time to handle the hamsters. You want to choose a hamster with a good temperament. Hamsters that bite usually indicate that they have been handled improperly or are the product of poor breeding.18

Conclusion

  • Once you bring your hamster home, remember to give him or her a few days of quiet to settle in. After that, you are ready to have fun and enjoy your new pet. With the right care and commitment, expect hours of enjoyment with him or her. For more information, check out Mahalo's How to Take Care of a Hamster.

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References for How to Buy Hamsters

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Animal Corner: Golden Hamster (Syrian)
  2. ↑ Pet Web Site: About Hamsters: Syrian Hamsters
  3. ↑ Hamsterific.com: Big is Beautiful: About Syrian Hamsters
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hamsterific.com: Dwarf Hamsters: Siberian, Russian, or Djungarian?
  5. ↑ Pet Web Site: Dwarf Campbells Russian Hamsters: Behaviour
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Hamsterific.com: About the Campbells Dwarf Russian Hamster
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 New Jersey Division Fish and Wildlife: Species Exempted from Required Possession Permit
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Animal Corner: Winter White Russian Hamster
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Hamsterific.com: About Winter Whites
  10. ↑ About.com: Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters  WARNING: Pop-ups
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Animal Corner: Roborovski Hamster
  12. ↑ R&R Hamsters 2.0: History and Natural Habitat
  13. ↑ R&R Hamsters 2.0: Behavior
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Animal Corner: Chinese Hamsters
  15. ↑ About.com: Chinese Hamsters  WARNING: Pop-ups
  16. ↑ Pet Web Site: About Hamsters: Chinese Hamsters
  17. ↑ Hamsterific.com: About Chinese Hamsters
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 Hamsterific.com: Selecting that New Addition to Your Family
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 California Hamster Association: Buying a Hamster: Buyer Beware
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 National Hamster Council: Hamster as Pets
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 PETCO: Choosing Your Hamster


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