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“I got a pair of Russian Dwarf Hamsters from a local...”

written by Madbrush on 05/05/2006

Good Points
Friendly
Don't nip much
Clean
Interesting creatures
Can be active during the day
Not at all smelly
Can be kept in pairs
Inexpensive pet to keep

Bad Points
Not good for most kids under 8 due to their size
Require patience
Mainly nocturnal
Cleaning the cage

General Comments
I got a pair of Russian Dwarf Hamsters from a local pet shop; mainly for my four year old, but I also missed my previous Syrian Hamsters!



I was a bit dubious about keeping Dwarfs as I had very little knowledge of them. I had heard they were nippy and not great handling pets etc. Was I wrong? The pet shop guy let us handle them, and they were very gentle and even licked our hands! Now they are about 2 months old, and they respond when we come back from work etc. At 6.30 they will wait at the door of the cage for some new food etc.



We got a normal hamster cage, and not once have they attempted to escape, unlike the Syrian(s) I had. I have found as long as you clean the cage and accessories once a week, it does not smell at all.



My young daughter has learned very quickly to handle the Hamsters gently. She loves them and has not lost interest at all. I believe it is up to the parents to maintain the child's interest by teaching about the natural instincts and behaviour of the animal, which is fascinating to watch.



The only downside of this pet is if you are not interested in an animal who sleeps all day and comes out in the evening occasionally. If you want a pet that will be awake when you are awake, don't bother with hamsters, as they are probably not for you.



They are not like rats or Guinea pigs and they have less intelligence; well on paper at least, so don't get upset if you buy a hammie that can't be tamed, as this happens occasionally.



In all, I love the Dwarf Campbells I have. I think they are cool!