Which Is the More Mellow Type of Hamster?

Five species of hamsters are kept as pets across the world. Finding the right one for you might have something to do with how aggressive each type is prone to be. In actuality, any of the breeds can nip at times or show other signs of aggression; raising a mellower type of hamster has more to do with the opportunities you provide for it to live as happy a life as possible.

  1. Types

    • The Syrian species of hamster, often marketed as the teddy bear hamster, is the most commonly found in pet shops and cages around the world. Solitary dwellers, they'll fight if forced to live with others. The quicker and smaller dwarf species of hamsters, from Chinese to Siberian, can cohabitate, however, as long as they're with their own gender. Once males and females are introduced, get ready for litter upon litter of babies.

    Chief Considerations

    • The Syrians are the most prevalent species of hamster, but many pet shops will have a variety of species to choose from, each with a propensity to bite if treated in certain ways. You should test out each hamster's disposition before bringing it home. This can be an early indication of how long it will take to make your pet easy to handle. The main method to make any hamster more mellow, however, will lie in how you prepare its artificial habitat and keep it well fed.

    Habitat for Pacification

    • The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends an amply sized cage or glass aquarium with an overabundance of bedding like wood shavings or manufactured pellets that your hamster can use for burrowing. It should also contain a wheel or tunnels to satisfy its instincts for work and home-building. Along with a water dropper, give your hamster the nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables it craves, and it may return the favor with a docile manner.

    Other Tips

    • Your Syrian or dwarf hamster might also be more mellow if you provide it opportunities to get out and about. Exercise balls can relieve your pet of the monotony of the wheel to nowhere. Also, hamsters will be more prone to bite if awakened. Since they are nocturnal creatures, don't bother it during the day. Wait until your hamster is awake and active, then try to interact. Humans are nippy sometimes when you wake them up too.