Hamsters That Are Good With Kids

Most kids like the idea of owning a pet, though some don't enjoy taking charge of their care. Hamsters are often first pets because they are easy to look after and don't need much space. However, there are several different types, and some are better for kids than others.

  1. Syrian Hamsters

    • Veterinarians Marty Smith and Race Foster say on their website that Syrians are the most popular of all hamsters to keep as a pet. They claim Syrians are "very easy to handle and make wonderful pets for children." Syrians can grow up to 7 inches long, which makes them the biggest hamsters of all. They usually have good natures, but must be kept separate from other hamsters as they will fight. Syrians are also known as "Standard," "Fancy," or "Golden" hamsters, while long-haired Syrians are often nick-named "Teddy Bears." All hamsters are nocturnal, but Syrians can be trained to adjust their sleep cycles so they are awake longer during the day. They live on average for around three years.

    Campbell's Russian and Winter White Russian Hamsters

    • Winter White Russian Hamsters have a friendly reputation.

      Both of these are dwarf hamsters that grow to a maximum of 4 inches long. All dwarf hamsters are fast, which makes them difficult to handle, especially by younger children. Campbell's Russian and Winter White Russian hamsters look similar, but, according to Drs. Smith and Foster, Winter Whites are friendlier. Campbell's are likely to bite if they get nervous. Both can live in groups, but they must be the same sex unless you want babies. These hamsters can live for up to two years.

    Chinese Hamsters

    • Chinese hamsters are similar in size to dwarf hamsters, but they have longer tails they use to help them climb. Though they are quite shy, they are good-natured and rarely bite. Chinese hamsters usually prefer to live alone, and can live for up to three years.

    Roborovski Hamsters

    • The Roborovski Hamster is the smallest and the fastest of all hamsters. They are sociable with each other, but they do not enjoy being handled unless trained to do so. However, they are considered entertaining to watch, which adds to their appeal to children. They live for up to three years.

    Considerations

    • "ASPCA Pet Care Guides: Hamster" by the Humane Society recommends only children 8 and over should handle a hamster. Younger children might squeeze or drop them.