The 5 species of domestic hamsters

 The 5 species of domestic hamsters: which one to choose for your children?

If there are more than 500 species of hamsters in the world, only five of them are bred as pets: the golden hamster (or Syrian hamster), the Russian hamster, the Roborovski hamster, the Chinese hamster and the Siberian hamster.

There is also the Campbell's hamster, which is difficult to tame because it is biting and fierce. Each of these species has differences in appearance and size, but also in behavior in terms of docility and lifestyle. This is why they can be more or less adapted to children, depending on their age and expectations.

The golden hamster

It is the largest species, close to the size of a rat. Its size and docile temperament make it a hamster easier to handle than others, but it shows great aggressiveness towards its fellow hamsters. Thus, the golden hamster must live alone in its cage, and does not cohabit with other hamster species. Its tendency to be stroked rather easily makes it more suitable as a pet for children, and it will certainly please them with its pretty orange color.

Easy to care for, this large hamster is ideal for those who want to interact with their rodent, unlike other species that are more fearful and quicker, and thus cannot be left at large as easily. It can therefore be released in a room from time to time, although it must of course remain under surveillance. The common golden hamster has short hairs, but it can also be angora (long hair), rex (curly hair) or even naked!

The Russian hamster

This species is classified as a dwarf hamster because of its small size roughly equivalent to that of a mouse. Its coat, in shades of gray, has stripes on the back that make it a delightful small animal. Very active, it needs a large cage to feel good and likes to run, play and dig. It is therefore necessary to provide him with abundant bedding in which he also likes to hide.

Although relatively fearful, it is possible to tame it with patience and gentleness, so children will have to learn to handle it with care. Sociable, the Russian hamster can be in contact with other animals if it is gradually accustomed to them. Its only defect is that it is a nocturnal animal, which can make it noisy at night because it is very active, scratches its litter, eats etc.. For this reason, it is not recommended to install the cage in your child's room.

Roborovski's hamster

This hamster, also a dwarf, does not like to be manipulated too much but it is a nice ornamental rodent interesting to observe and see evolving. It is the smallest species of hamster (about 5 cm) and it is extremely lively and fast, with a tendency to run away easily in the house if it escapes from its owner's hands! It is therefore not the most recommended species for young children, which it may also bite if it is stressed or mistreated.

Because of its small size, it is even able to squeeze through bars, so it should rather be put in a cage with plastic walls. He is active and fun to look at, but very sensitive when interacting with humans, so children will have to accept to "touch him with their eyes" and often forget any hope of caressing him and holding him in their hands, even though some individuals are better approached. All in all, Roborovski's hamster is not ideal for those who want to create a relationship with him, but it is pleasant company and will delight the curious little ones.

The Siberian hamster

Less common than the Russian hamster, it resembles the latter with its adorable physique and sociable character although shy. His coat has grey to brown tints and a black stripe on the back, with a belly of lighter color tending to beige. In winter, it can happen that it changes color completely and becomes white. Behaviorally, the Siberian hamster is really similar to the Russian hamster, because of its lively temperament and nightlife, and it is also fairly easy to tame. He needs space and some toys, likes to climb and hide. It adapts well to human company but does not cohabit well with its fellows.

The Chinese hamster

More reserved than other species, this original companion must also live alone and needs time to let itself be approached by man. However, it is docile and can be tamed relatively well if it is patient and gentle with it. Small in size, the Chinese hamster is also considered a dwarf but is significantly larger than the others. Its short coat is gray to brown, with a darker stripe on the back, and may show small spots in places.

Unlike other species, whose tail is almost absent, it has a tail of two centimeters and a thinner, elongated head. This hamster is quite fragile and sometimes difficult to keep in the hands, so it is advisable to handle it with care. Once accustomed, it can be stroked but it tends to keep a wild character, although generally peaceful. Its main asset is that it is not a biter, which makes it a good companion for children if they don't rush it.