Help with first hamster

[Ozzyskye]

Hello,

Ds5 has wanted a hamster for a very long time (years). He has asked if we would consider getting one for his 6th birthday and I've said we will think about it but want to make sure if we do we do it with a high welfare approach.

As a child I had hamsters but it was caged and we used a roller ball thing which I understand is no not good for them.

I've been looking at set ups and a glass tank appears a good shout as we have 2 cats and id worry about them pulling it over... But that's as far as I've gotten in my research. I like the natural looking set ups with lots of enrichment.

Please could I have some suggestions on what to consider if we do go ahead? Plus points for photos!

Ie: how best to set up a tank, is one or two best, any idea on how to search for a breeder (ideally we would want a hamster that's been hand reared so is used to handling sometimes, not looking to go to pets at home for example)... Etc etc?

Greatly appreciate any advice 🙂

[BookW1tch]

There’s a really good Facebook page called hamster care group U.K. Have you heard of Victoria Raechel? She’s a US based youtuber and has loads of really great videos about hamster care. I probably wouldn’t buy one for a six year old as they’re delicate, fast little things with bad eyesight and poor depth perception and can be easily hurt. Rats are more hardy and a better pet for younger children. They have to live in groups though whereas a hamster has to live alone. If you’re set on a hamster I would make sure to keep a close eye on your ds when he handles the hamster.
I’ve always found males easier than females.

[Ponoka7]

I agree with the FB page, there's links to another, Syrian hamsters and actually good hamster care uk. There's advice on set ups and esty sellers. They aren't cheap, I've just spent £26 on extra enrichment. Your initial set up can be upto £200. Female hamsters tend need more enrichment, but can be awake more.

[NameChangePoP]

I echo what the previous posters have said. Join the FB groups for great care ideas.
Hamsters aren't cheap if you're doing it properly. Cages should be a minimum of 100 x 50cm unbroken floor space.
Pets at home only sell one suitable cage (Savic Plaza) which can only be bought online. Sadly their ethics and standards of care fall way short usually.
Barless cages tend to be better as they allow for deeper substrate for burrowing. Hamsters like deep bedding and do not need levels or height.
I have a pawhut enclosure with the levels removed. Just filled with bedding.
I'd also look at rescues for a hamster rather than Pets at home. These would have been handled properly and they will be there for support. Depending on where you are I would look at Bright Horizon Hamster Rescue.
I'd recommend a boy Syrian to start with as they're way less demanding than female Syrians!

[SilentHedges]

Hi OP and thank you for doing your research, (as rescue volunteer) I wish more people did.

I echo previous posters than minimum continuous floorspace of 100x50 is needed for Hamsters, and you're right exercise balls are a no, animals get distressed disorientated and covered in their own faeces and urine.

This website is extremely good and will show you lots of great set ups. https://www.hamsterwelfare.com/

What I would say is my rescue would not rehome small pets to children under 8, as they can be unintentially clumsy and hurt them. Nor would we rehome rodents with 2 cats. I know you're doing your home work but this may not be the right pet.