Do hamsters really smell and can you house train a rabbit?

[puddle]

My children want a pet. I have grudging accepted that perhaps we could get a hamster. I have a bit of a rat phobia and altho obviously hamsters are sweeter than rats I feel a bit sick at the thought of a rodenty smell - do hamsters smell? How often do you have to clean the cage out?

Another friend suggested a rabbit - I don't like the idea of animals in hutches and we have a small paved garden so couldn't really have a run. Apparantly though you can house train a rabbit to use a litter tray and have them in your house during the day and the hutch at night - has anyone done this?

Sorry puddle - got carried away.
How old are your little ones?

(Chewing your rats claws is NOT normal!)

And puddle...some hamsters do all the things me & pixie said (they that shall not be mentioned) do

children are 6 and nearly 4

Main thing is to get a hamster that looks quite sociable, basically one that shows an interest in the shop (when "encouraged") but doesn't look too timid or flighty.

Then handle them a lot so they stay sociable - we tried to get ours out every day for 20 mins - then they get used to being with people.

g.pigs true age can last up to between 5 -7 yrs as i had my g pigs for 7 yrs as they were 7 yrs old as they died in their sleep (at seperate times)