which hamster is better, a boy or a girl?

If your baby has expressed a persistent desire to have a pet, then it is better to choose a small pet, for example, a rodent. Before purchasing, you should study information about which hamster is best to get, how to arrange its home, how to make it tame and how to care for it.

Don't forget to consult with your children about what color and size animal they want.

It is best to buy a hamster at a pet store, because its employees will tell you about the characteristics of the breed and the rules of care. But not everyone has this opportunity, so this article will discuss which hamster is best to buy so that it becomes a favorite for the whole family.

Which hamster is best for a child?

Children love to watch hamsters stuff their cheeks full of food and carry supplies back to the house. The main burden of care falls on the shoulders of the parents, but the child can be entrusted with minor responsibilities. Changing water or grain will teach responsibility and bring understanding that a hamster for a child is not a toy, but a living being.

Interesting! Psychologists believe that children simply need a pet. Caring for animals teaches them kindness and compassion.

Hamster breed

It is better to choose a hamster according to the age of the child. For children under 5 years old, large breeds are suitable and will not be afraid of a tight hug. It is better for a schoolchild to get a small hamster.

As for colors, you can completely rely on the choice of children:

Important! The life of a dwarf is very short, and children will enjoy their furry friend for a maximum of 3 years.

Boy or girl

The gender of the pet does not really matter if the hamster lives in a cage alone. The behavior of males and females has its own characteristics, but is not fundamentally different. If a family has a couple of different-sex pets, then adults should be prepared for frequent additions to the hamster family.

Interesting! In one litter, from 2 to 9 hamsters are born. But there are cases when a fertile female gave birth to 18 cubs.

The male hamster is larger in size than the female. He very carefully guards his territory, so he constantly marks it. The male's cage must be cleaned frequently to prevent the smell from spreading throughout the apartment. Male hamsters willingly play with children and are trainable.

Females love affection and attention, but they more often have health problems associated with the reproductive organs.

Behavior and contact

A pet for children should be active, sociable and not aggressive. Age and breed are the main criteria when choosing a hamster. Experts recommend buying young rodents that are 1–2 months old. At this age, they no longer need maternal care and easily perceive a change of environment.

Hamsters prefer a nocturnal lifestyle, so it is better to plan a visit to the pet store in the evening. In the morning hours, sleepy rodents are unlikely to seem cute and friendly to their future owners.

A short observation will help determine the pet's character. If he runs randomly around the cage in search of cover, then most likely the animal is scared. Its skin can easily tell about the character of a rodent: fighters have numerous scars on their bodies and heads.

Hamsters, especially Djungarian ones, experience an irresistible urge to wander. They are constantly trying to bite through the bars of the cage, pick the locks, or dig into the cage. Children can be tasked with checking the hamster's house for such surprises.

Interesting! The rodent can be left on its own for 2–3 days. It is enough to take care of a double portion of food in the feeder.

A hamster is a good and devoted friend, the main thing is to teach children to handle the pet carefully.

Care and maintenance

Caring for your pet will not take much time. Once every three days it is necessary to change the bedding and remove supplies from the hamster’s house. Feeding is simple: in the morning, just pour grains into the feeder and add clean water.

The list of priority purchases includes:

Important! You cannot feed your hamster fatty meat and milk, mushrooms, exotic fruits, spices, and cabbage. Apricot kernels can be fatal to your pet.

How to choose a hamster for a child

When choosing, you need to pay special attention to the room where the animals are kept. The room should be free of drafts and musty smell. Clean bedding and high-quality food are also the key to rodent health.

Important! Males and females must live in separate cages, otherwise the owners risk receiving numerous offspring several times a year.

A healthy pet will boast velvety fur and sparkling beady eyes. The animal must be picked up, carefully touched and examined. There should be no bumps, abrasions, or inflammation on the animal’s body. It is better not to buy a rodent that has significant discharge from the eyes, nose, or ears.

A young and healthy rodent runs around the cage, climbs into labyrinths, and digs a hole in the litter. Hamsters' activity increases in the evening hours. In unfamiliar hands, the animals sit calmly, but warily. If an animal squeaks, breaks out or bites, then it is unlikely to be tamed.

Children often ask adults to get a hamster, because having a furry friend carries a huge number of advantages. Rodents require much less care than cats and dogs, but teach children responsibility.

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How to choose the right hamster

When children tearfully ask for a pet, the solution may be to purchase a rodent, of which the cutest are hamsters. You just need to decide in advance which hamster is best to get, and also find out where and how to choose a hamster for a child, so that the pet brings joy, not problems.

From 7-8 years of age, a child can take care of a furry friend independently, which develops a sense of care and responsibility. Although it is better for parents to choose a hamster, it is worth asking the opinion of the little owner or mistress - what color of the hamster you want, who is better - a boy or a girl. This way the child will feel a connection with the pet, and it will be easier to make friends with it.

Adults are interested in more mundane questions - will the hamster smell in the apartment, how easy will it be to care for, will the hamster bite a child.

How to distinguish a boy from a girl?

By appearance

Pay attention to the condition of the coat. Some believe that males have thicker and longer fur. However, this sign is by no means 100% accurate, since the condition of the coat mainly depends on the health of the pet and the conditions of its keeping. If a store sells an animal with rare fur, do not think that it is a female. Perhaps this is what a boy looks like if he was kept in poor conditions. There is also an opinion that the shape of the back of the male is pointed, while that of the female is rounded.

By behavior

It is believed that female Djungarians are more active and mobile. They rarely sit in one place, rush around the cage like a whirlwind, and actively use the running wheel. Some females turn out to be more aggressive than males and are difficult to handle. But this sign is also indirect. When determining the gender, you should not rely only on the pet’s behavior, as there are quite energetic boys or girls with a calm disposition.

By gender

Studying the genital organs of rodents is the most accurate method of determining the sex of a pet. As soon as the babies reach the age of one month, the boys can notice the testicles located near the base of the tail. If you lightly press on the stomach, they will be even more pronounced. The distance from the genitals to the anus in adult boys is 1-1.5 cm, and in girls – 3 mm. On the guy’s abdomen you can see a gland similar to a navel - with this part male hamsters mark their territory.

In girls, you can see eight nipples arranged in pairs on their belly, but their navel, unlike boys, cannot be felt.

Differences by sex characteristics are the main method of determining sex, and differences in behavior and appearance can serve as additional methods.

Male or female

Since small rodents, unlike other domestic animals, are not subject to sterilization, males and females will behave somewhat differently, being at the mercy of sex hormones. However, when kept alone, there is no fundamental difference between them.

Males are somewhat larger and calmer, but they have more odor: they specifically mark their territory with urine, which smells stronger than that of females. Boys' fur is also more fragrant. Consequently, the boy hamster's cage will need to be cleaned more often. Males are more affectionate and patient.

Females are more playful when they are not sleeping - they are mobile and active. But when buying a girl kept in a common cage, there is always a risk of unplanned offspring. Females may also have health problems related to the reproductive organs (endometritis).

Boy or girl? Character traits

If you don’t know what kind of rodent to get so that it gets along with kids, pay attention to gender. Unlike rats or other small pets, hamsters are not sterilized, so due to hormonal characteristics, the character and behavior of a male or female differs.

Boys are larger than girls, they are calmer, more patient and affectionate, but they “mark” their territory, so an unpleasant odor if their home is not cleaned in a timely manner is guaranteed.
Hamsters are more mobile and active, but at the same time they are also “hot-tempered”, especially during pregnancy or immediately after birth. They can injure the male, so they should be removed immediately after fertilization. In addition, females sometimes experience health problems related to the reproductive organs (endometritis).

Character, size, habits - all this can influence which hamster is best for a child.

Breed

Which hamsters are best to keep at home? Different types of hamsters differ not only in size, color and length of fur. Focus not only on attractive appearance, but also on temperament characteristics. The most popular breeds of hamsters are Djungarian and Syrian (on our website there is a detailed comparison of Djungarian and Syrian hamsters).

Syrian hamster

The largest of the decorative hamsters (body length 12-18 cm, weight 100-200 g). You won't find anything better for a child. Advantages of being a Syrian:

The Syrian hamster is the only species that can be trained to respond to its name. These rodents are not prone to aggression, are easily tamed, and recognize their owner.

Difficulty: a large hamster needs a large cage and a running wheel of a substantial diameter. If the living space does not allow you to keep a Syrian in appropriate conditions, you can take a closer look at dwarf hamsters.

Djungarian hamster, Campbell's and Roborovsky's hamsters

Small animals weighing up to 50 g, 5-10 cm in length. They have common disadvantages if the hamster is intended for a child:

• small and nimble, they easily slip out of your hands, which can lead to injury; • if the pet manages to escape, finding the tiny rodent will not be easy; • can be aggressive, difficult to tame, shy.

Djungarians are considered the most “domesticated” of all dwarf hamsters; they are calmer than Campbell's hamsters. The problem is that these breeds are not easy to distinguish by appearance. You should find out in advance how to choose a Djungarian hamster so as not to buy a wild Campbell instead.

Roborovsky's hamsters are the only ones that can tolerate the company of their relatives, provided that all animals are of the same sex. It is very interesting to watch a whole flock of active tiny rodents, but it is almost impossible to pick up such a baby. A frightened animal will bite and escape; Roborovskie are almost never tamed.

Roborvsky's hamster

After Syrian hamsters, Djungarians are a good choice of pet for a child. Many of their owners claim that the tamed animal is friendly and sociable.

Djungarian hamster

What things do you need to buy for your pet?

Before buying a little friend for your child, you should think about whether the family has time to take good care of the pet. A hamster is the same living creature as a dog and a cat. A tiny animal also needs attention, love, care, and normal living conditions. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase an animal for children of kindergarten age who are not yet able to understand the importance and value of any life. A rodent cannot live without its own house, furnished with the necessary things and toys. For a hamster you definitely need to buy:

spacious cage;
sawdust for bedding;
house for sleeping and relaxing;
drinking bowl;
a bowl for food;
wooden toys;
running wheel;
tunnels;
cell disinfectant;
feed;
mineral stone;
vitamins;
sticks for grinding teeth;
various delicacies.

Article on the topic: How much does a hamster cost in a pet store, on the market and when purchased secondhand, prices for Djungarian and Syrian hamsters in different countries

Where can I buy?

Having decided on the gender, age and breed of the future pet, a person thinks about where to buy and how to choose the right hamster. There are plenty of purchasing opportunities.

Bird Market

There is a market where all kinds of living creatures are sold in every city. It is strictly not recommended to take a hamster from a poultry market for a number of reasons:

Sick animals are often sold

Market hamsters are stressed and kept in terrible conditions. Overcrowding leads to the spread of infectious and parasitic diseases. If the cage is in a draft, the rodents may catch a cold. Due to savings or oversight, animals sometimes suffer from low-quality feed.

If such a hamster dies after being brought home, it is not possible to complain or return money for the animal.

Invalid data

The seller may lie about the date of birth of the hamsters, and the purity of their blood will remain a mystery. Not to mention the embarrassment when “that fat boy” turns out to be a pregnant girl!

The only argument in favor of the market is the wide choice. You can find a hamster of any breed and color, buy a cage and food.

Pet Shop

In a pet store, animals are more likely to be healthy. Minuses:

The price in the pet store is higher than the market price, but the conditions in which the hamsters are found are more favorable.

Nursery

It is ideal to purchase your future pet from a nursery. The breeder's choice is limited, but you can visit several nurseries. Photos of parent hamsters and litter can be studied in advance on the website.

Hamster breeders understand the issues of caring for these animals like no one else. They have no secrets from customers; many leave a contact number in case of any questions. You can get the contact information of a ratologist from the breeder and consult on feeding.

The birth date of the babies is precisely known; hamsters are sold at the optimal age. Purebred animals are suitable for exhibitions and breeding, although if you are buying a hamster for a child, this is not so important. The cost of “elite” hamsters is high, but the price is justified by the costs of maintaining the nursery.

A very important point is that “domestic” hamsters turn out to be the most affectionate and tame. There are objective reasons for this. Since childhood, they get used to human hands, unlike store-bought ones. They do not experience stress from improper maintenance or transportation. An aggressive or nervous hamster does not receive high marks in the exhibition and is not allowed for breeding.

Therefore, professional breeders receive entire lines of genetically calm and friendly animals.

The hamster has many competitors in the fight for the role of a pet. If you have not yet fully decided on your choice, perhaps our comparison of the hamster with other popular pets will help you.

Why find out gender?

The difference between a female and a male is as important an issue as the issue of feeding and caring for a hamster. It is necessary to know the gender of the purchased pet for the following reasons.

Sometimes the owner plans to breed dzhungariks, and then the issue of gender becomes the main issue in this matter. Buying two animals of the same sex will not lead to results. There are also opposite situations. Perhaps the owner of one animal wants to place a friend or girlfriend with him, but is afraid of uncontrolled reproduction, and therefore tries to choose a pet of the same sex. By the way, this is not a very reasonable approach; Djungarian hamsters are solitary animals that do not tolerate another partner on their territory. Most likely, two same-sex residents will regularly fight and take treats from each other. Most likely, one of them will settle next to the house, since the neighbor will not let the new tenant inside. Perhaps over time, one of the animals will be left without a tail or even without one paw.
Even if the owner was lucky and got a boy and a girl, the little hamsters will soon have to be sold or given away. Perhaps the future buyer will also need an animal of a certain gender, and then the seller will be able to confidently show all the guys and girls.
It is no secret that dwarfs reproduce very quickly, and there is a high probability of buying a pregnant female in the store. If the owner does not need the babies, then it is better to immediately purchase a male, so that after a few weeks you do not receive a surprise in the form of an unnecessary offspring.
It is important to know the gender of the animal in order to choose a suitable name for it. You can choose a neutral nickname, but it will still be correct to name the animal in accordance with its gender.

How to choose a healthy one?

Choosing a hamster is a responsible undertaking. The buyer should be able to independently distinguish a sick animal from a healthy one, without relying on the seller’s advice. When deciding which hamster to choose from a pet store or from a breeder from a large litter, you need to focus on the following points:

Conditions of detention

Even before examining the hamsters, they evaluate the room in which they are located. There should be no unpleasant smell, drafts, or noise. Take a closer look to see if the cage is clean, what quality of food is in the feeder. Males and females should be kept separately: early pregnancy is dangerous for a young hamster, and the buyer receives an unplanned litter.

Health status

You need to take home a hamster that looks perfectly healthy. Shiny thick fur, no bald patches and traces of scratching. Clear shiny beady eyes. To assess fatness and make sure that there are no lumps on the body (abscess, tumor), you will have to pick up the animal. The coat must be completely dry and no discharge is allowed. Inspect the areas around the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, genitals, and anus. If there are signs of diarrhea or excessive salivation, the purchase is cancelled.

Behavior

Hamsters, even in captivity, remain nocturnal animals, sleeping most of the day, so you need to take a closer look at the animal in the evening. A healthy rodent actively moves around the cage, runs on a wheel, digs in food and bedding, and does not limp. When a hamster is not sleeping, it should not show apathy or freeze in a stupor.

It is important to evaluate the animal’s temperament - try to pick it up, or ask the owner to do so. If the hamster squeals, bites, and breaks out, it will be very difficult to tame it.

Age

Hamsters are taken at the age of 1-2 months. If you buy a baby under 3 weeks old, it may die. Sometimes they try to sell adult animals under the guise of young animals. Whatever happens to you, you need to be able to determine the age of the hamster. A rodent older than 4 months will be difficult to tame.

The nursery knows when the babies were born. At the market and in the pet store, it is advised to weigh the animals. The weight of an adult Syrian hamster is 150-200 g, the Djungarian hamster is 40-60 g. They reach this size by 6 months.

Features of sex determination in Syrian and Djungarian hamsters

Determining the sex of Syrian hamsters is not difficult. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the coat color. Boys always look brighter than girls. It is also worth focusing on the length of the coat. In girls, it is longer in the lower part of the body and behind the ears than on the back.

Expert opinion

Karnaukh Ekaterina Vladimirovna

Graduated from the National University of Shipbuilding, majoring in Enterprise Economics

To determine the sex of a jungar, you should focus on the genitals. To do this, you need to take the hamster in your left hand, then use your thumb and forefinger to pull the skin between the shoulder blades. Then you should turn the pet over on its back and gently press on the abdomen. At the same time, the male will develop bulges that represent testes.

Which hamster is best for a child and which breeds should be preferred?

Don't forget to consult with your children about what color and size animal they want.

Let's move on to choosing a type

The Siberian species is always large and massive. Dzungarian and Chinese are the funniest in appearance. And the Syrian is a class of long-livers. Depending on which hamster it is better for the family to get, the choice is made.

Why are Syrians identified as long-livers? The fact is that the lifespan of any individual is a maximum of one and a half years, at least a year. The above breed lives up to 3-4 years.

Djungarian hamster, also known as Siberian hamster or simply Djungarian

But the problems of choice do not end there. No matter how pleasant and sweet the representatives of this class may be, they have shortcomings and negative qualities:

nocturnal lifestyle;
the ability to be unnoticed if he runs away. And this factor is always there. Hamsters are very smart and can get out of the cage easily and quickly;
cute fluffies are rodents, which means they can bite at any time without warning.

Among all the varieties of pets, small Chinese hamsters are considered especially cute.

There is one more convention: a conditional division into those types that are suitable for children under five years of age and after. For small children it is better to take Siberian ones. They are not that fragile. For older people, the question will already arise about which hamster is better: Djungarian or Syrian. But these are only recommendations. Everyone will choose independently, based on their passions and preferences. If the baby likes the Chinese one, then the parent will only buy it.

Which hamster is better to get: characteristics of popular species

Today, many breeds of the rodents in question are known, but not all of them can be kept at home and allowed near children.
Despite their small size, hamsters can be quite aggressive. In addition, they can in some cases cause allergies. Therefore, before buying a hamster, it is advisable to borrow an animal from friends for a few days and check the reaction of the family members. The most popular rodents that can be kept at home include the following breeds:

Red-eyed albinos are found in every breed. You should not be afraid of them - the unusual color is explained by genetic changes. Such animals are healthy and no different from other “colored” relatives.

How to choose a hamster for a child: general tips

Hamsters are sold at any bird market.
A large number of animals in one place causes the spread of infectious diseases and parasites. A cage standing in frost or draft leads to colds and hypothermia. Therefore, preference should be given to specialized stores where animals receive proper care. The rodents in question are active at night, so to choose a healthy hamster, you should go to the pet store in the evening. A healthy rodent actively moves around the cage, runs on a wheel, digs in food and bedding, and does not limp. When a hamster is not sleeping, it should not show apathy or freeze in a stupor.

Pay attention to the age of the fluffy. Cubs up to a month old require special care - they need to be provided with enhanced heating and nutrition with special mixtures from a pipette.

After three months, the animal already has formed habits and is difficult to train. Therefore, the optimal age for choosing Syrian or other hamsters is 1 or 2 months.

Conduct a self-examination of the rodent. Take him in your arms - there should be no bald spots or lumps on the body. Signs of a health condition are:

Yellow teeth are normal. This is explained by the characteristics of animal tooth enamel.

Advice from professionals

Experts in the field of breeding Djungarian hamsters give their recommendations for determining the sex of pets.

Do not try to find out the sex of the jungarik until it is at least three weeks old. Trying to discern sexual characteristics, the owner risks harming the fragile hamster, whose body is still forming.
To see the genitals, carefully grab the adult animal by the scruff of the neck with your fingers and lift it up. This way the furry pet’s body is in an elongated position, and sexual characteristics become more clearly visible.
You can try to see the gender in a way that is less stressful for the animal. Place the rodent on its back in your palm and hold it securely, but very carefully with your thumb so as not to hurt. To calm an animal alarmed by such manipulations, you can gently stroke its abdomen, and then the parts of its body of interest will be clearly visible.
If there is still a need to determine the sex of a small cub, then you can carefully touch it at the location of the genital organs. In boys, small swellings are felt in the groin area - future testicles.
Pay attention to the size of the pet. Females are usually larger and more plump than their partners.

Observing the behavior of a hamster and noticing its passivity or aggression, you should not draw conclusions regarding gender. Both aggression and excessive calmness are more often associated with the health of the pet. If you notice that the animal has lost its appetite or has begun to bite the owner’s fingers, take the hamster to the veterinarian; perhaps the rodent has caught a cold, has been poisoned, or is experiencing a vitamin deficiency.

Don’t forget to feed your pets properly, change the water daily, clean the cage regularly and let the kids go for walks. And then it is possible to raise a healthy, long-lived hamster or get full-fledged good offspring from him.

You will learn how to determine the sex of a hamster in the video below.

Hamsters are the most popular pets. Everyone is happy to buy them - both adults and children, both for large houses and small city apartments. However, there are still serious discussions going on: what gender of hamster should I prefer? Male or female? After this question appeared in reader mail, we decided to translate a small but capacious and interesting article for you.

Don't worry about your choice, dear readers! Both “boys” and “girls” make wonderful pets! And this is the most important thing! And now - a little about the differences between animals of different sexes.

As a rule, males behave more calmly than females.

Males have thicker and longer fur, sometimes even hanging down to the floor. Of course, there are males with shorter fur, but most “men” will still need your help with periodic combing. For the same reason, carefully select the material from which the cage filler is made. Such as sawdust, for example, can become embedded in the fur of an animal. We recommend aspen shavings or an economical litter made from pressed (chewed) paper. Works great, just needs to be changed more often. But both materials are harmless!

“Girl” hamsters go into heat every four days. The process may be accompanied by a very unpleasant odor, especially in the genital area.

It should also be noted that in dwarf breeds of hamsters, gender differences are much less noticeable to owners.

Housing and diet of the animal

When buying a hamster, take care of its housing. Depending on the size of the animal, a cage or aquarium is selected, inside which a house is installed where the rodent will rest during the day. The floor of the cage is filled with filler, which should be changed 3 times a week. Fluffies are prone to obesity, so immediately purchase special exercise equipment - a running wheel, tunnels and ladders. Hamsters have teeth that grow throughout their lives, so there should be a chalk stone in their home on which they can be ground down.

When looking for a place to install the cage, choose a warm, secluded corner near the radiator and away from drafts. However, it is not recommended to place small rodents in your or your child’s bedroom, since these babies tend to be active at night, which will disturb your sweet sleep.

The rodent's diet should be balanced - proteins of plant and animal origin, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits. There are quite a lot of special vitamin mixtures sold in stores at an affordable price. It is not necessary to feed animals often, otherwise they will stockpile food, which can lead to poisoning from stale food.

The well-groomed appearance and life expectancy of a hamster, regardless of breed, is entirely your task and that of your children. Teach them to take care of their “little brothers” and your pets will respond with boundless love.

Source

The most unpretentious pet. Why Syrian and how to choose your gender?

And again the Syrian hamster Khoma settled in my house. So cute, with soft fur, beady eyes, translucent ears and tenacious tiny fingers. And what a cute little pink nose he has. In general, the children quickly persuaded me.

I don’t even remember which hamster this is in my life. I was given my first hamster when I was six years old. I remember crying with joy. He seemed to me the sweetest creature on earth. I took care of him myself, cleaned him. Keeping a hamster is not at all difficult. Ideally, you need a cage with a fairly high tray that is easy to clean, food, and water. You can read about this in specialized literature.

I also had a Djungarian hamster. It is significantly smaller than the Syrian, more nimble and less tame. The Dzungarians live on their own and pay virtually no attention to humans. Suitable for those who like to watch the little independent nimble from the sidelines. The Syrians are more sociable, they even respond to a nickname, they are larger, and slower. You can even train them!

Personally, I didn’t like the specific smell of the dzhungarika’s fur, not strong, but still. Many people claim that Djungarian hamsters do not smell or smell less than Syrian ones, but I don’t agree with this. If you clean it irregularly, the cage will smell, and the fur may become saturated with an unpleasant aroma, regardless of the breed. There is one thing, more on that later. For me, the choice is obvious: if it’s a hamster, then only a Syrian one!

In general, the Syrian hamster is the cutest creature! Easy to maintain, does not require a lot of space and large financial costs. It may well become a wonderful little friend for a child after six years of age and even for an adult.

Source

Determining the sex of small hamsters

These signs are best visible already in two-month-old individuals, but in general, obvious characteristics are visible after 4 weeks. It is impossible to determine the gender of a newborn baby.

If you look closely at the butt of small hamsters, you will notice two small round spots, raised at the edges, of a pink hue. This is the anus and urinary opening.

By the gap between you can determine the gender of the baby. In females they are located very close, sometimes it may seem that there is only one hole, but this is not the case at all. In boys, the anal passage is located directly under the tail, and the hole for urine removal is on the abdomen closer to the center. In the genital area you can find a round “swelling” - this is the development of the testes.

The most common mistake is the desire to see if the animal has testicles. Thanks to this approach, the owner often makes the wrong conclusion, since Djungarian hamsters have quite small genitals. In babies, they have not yet fully formed, and sometimes even in a sexually mature male, the testes do not descend into the scrotum, but are hidden in the abdominal cavity.

If the testicles can be easily seen, then there can be no mistake in determining the sex of the Djungarian hamster - this is a boy. An almond-shaped rounded formation in the pet’s genital area can be noticed 6 weeks after the birth of the rodent. With age, the testes become larger, and gender can be determined without difficulty.

Which hamster to choose

Hamsters are often given to children to teach them how to care for a pet and instill in them a sense of responsibility. Also, these small rodents are often chosen as a pet by adults who have little free time. Hamsters are unpretentious, do not require much attention and special care, and are easy to keep at home.

To choose a hamster for a child, the final decision must be made by the parents. Children are more interested only in the appearance of the pet. For parents, something completely different is important: is the hamster aggressive, does it bite, how to keep it, is there a smell in the apartment, how often to clean after it.

But at the same time, it is important to listen and take into account the child’s wishes. He should like the pet, and the child should have a desire to look after and care for it.

What are the main differences between hamsters?:

Before getting a hamster, you should study these differences in more detail. It is also worth paying attention to other equally important points.

The lifespan of hamsters at home is quite short. Depending on the species, these rodents live on average 2-3 years. Therefore, in addition to the type and color, you need to decide on the place where to buy a hamster. If you buy a rodent from your hands or at the market, there is a high chance of getting a sick individual that will not live long. Then all efforts are in vain and such an acquisition will not bring joy and happiness. Let's take a closer look at which hamster is best to get and where to buy it.

Determining the sex of a hamster

In order for the hamster examination to be successful, it is important to properly prepare the animal for this procedure and strictly adhere to the recommendations for its implementation.

Preparing your hamster for examination

For a pet, an examination is considered serious stress, so the animal needs preparation. First you need to wait until the hamster is as calm as possible. It is best to carry out manipulation during the day. It is advisable to give the hamster something tasty, gently stroke it and only then pick it up.

How to properly hold a pet

To avoid injuring the animal, it must be handled correctly. To do this you should do the following:

Carefully take the animal in your hand so that its body is in the ring formed by the index and thumb.
With your other hand, gently support the animal’s back.
Make sure your lower body hangs over your arm.

Proper inspection

Before starting the examination, the hamster needs to be calmed. To do this, you need to pet him and treat him with a treat. It is recommended to examine the animal over something soft to avoid injury. You need to hold the animal tightly so that it does not escape. The inspection should be carried out as quickly as possible, after which the animal should be released. If necessary, it is recommended to take a photo.

Sex differences in adult hamsters

Adult hamsters differ in gender characteristics. So, in males you can see 2 almond-shaped testicles. It is important to consider that they are half immersed in the abdominal cavity. Females do not have this feature.

Presence or absence of the male gland

The male will be identified by the gonad located on the abdomen. It resembles a small navel or pimple and is located above the genitals. This organ is small in size, so it can only be found by touch. At the same time, it is not difficult to notice the gland in dwarf breeds.

Size

Female hamsters are characterized by larger sizes. However, specific parameters differ depending on the breed. For example, dwarf hamsters are 3 times smaller than regular ones. It is important to consider that sex can only be determined using this characteristic in animals of the same age.

Wool length

Some types of hamsters differ in the length of their fur. For example, Djungarian boys have longer and fuller fur than girls. At the same time, female Syrian hamsters have practically no fur on their bellies.

Body Shape

Female hamsters have a more rounded back. Moreover, in males it tapers to a tail, which, in turn, is slightly raised.

Character

To determine the gender of hamsters by character, it is recommended to pay attention to the following signs:

females are more active;
boys sleep more and connect better with people;
girls play a lot and often.

Minor signs

Additional signs that help determine the sex of a hamster include the following:

Stomach. Females have a drier and smoother abdomen. In males it always remains wet. This is due to the fluid secreted by the gonads.
Nipples. Females have several pairs of nipples on their abdomen. In many breeds they are covered with hair and become visible only during pregnancy. To see the nipples, you need to part the fur on the abdomen.
The distance between the genitals and the anus. In females it does not exceed a few millimeters. In males, this figure can reach 1-2 centimeters - it all depends on the breed.

How to distinguish a boy from a girl in newborn hamsters

In general, experts do not recommend examining newborn hamsters. However, sometimes you cannot do without it.

Females

The main characteristic of females is the presence of four nipples. To feel them, you need to put your hand on the animal’s abdomen. It is important to take into account that female Syrian hamsters do not have juices.

To determine the sex of animals from the same litter, you should focus on size. Girl hamsters always look larger than boys.

Males

To identify a male, it is recommended to verify the presence of testicles. They are distinguished by their elongated shape and are located near the genital organ. However, using this trait, it is possible to identify males only 40 days after birth.

At an earlier age, it is still better to focus on size. Males are always smaller than females. However, this method can hardly be called accurate.

Age

One of the most important indicators when choosing a hamster. The older the hamster, the less time it will live with its owner. Also, an adult is more difficult to tame. Adult hamsters take longer to get used to their new place of residence and take a long time to adapt to new conditions.

The optimal age of a hamster is 1-2 months. If you take a hamster that is less than 1 month old, there is a high probability that it will die.

Before deciding on the breed of hamster, you need to decide what gender to choose for your future pet.

Males and females can be distinguished by their behavior. If several individuals are sitting in one cage, then by looking closely you can accurately determine where the female is and where the male is.

Males are slightly larger in size and have a calm disposition. They often act more affectionate and friendly. It is easier to establish contact with a male.

Females are slightly smaller. They are more active, mobile and playful. They do not sit still, constantly running around the cage or rummaging through the litter.

Only individuals of different sexes can be kept in one cage. Same-sex individuals will quarrel and divide territory. They also do not tolerate other types of hamsters on their territory.

But when keeping different-sex individuals, the female will give birth. Such small animals are not sterilized, so the appearance of offspring cannot be avoided. If there are no plans to engage in breeding, then you need to keep one hamster in one cage.

When choosing a male, it is worth noting the disadvantages of keeping it. Firstly, the male has a stronger and more noticeable odor than the female. Secondly, he will mark his territory and his urine will also smell stronger than the female's. Therefore, when keeping males, in order to avoid an unpleasant odor, the cage is cleaned somewhat more often.

Why do you need to determine the sex of a hamster?

Not even every seller knows how to determine the sex of an animal. Therefore, it is much safer to do it yourself. This is especially important if you want to buy several individuals at the same time.

If you plan to breed animals, animals of different sexes are required. If the reproduction of animals is not part of a person’s plans, on the contrary, it is worth giving preference to same-sex animals. Hamsters, like any other rodents, reproduce very quickly.

When purchasing same-sex animals, experts advise giving preference to girls. Males kept in the same cage may fight and injure each other.

Expert opinion

Karnaukh Ekaterina Vladimirovna

Graduated from the National University of Shipbuilding, majoring in Enterprise Economics

It is also important to be able to determine the sex of a hamster when purchasing one animal. Gender significantly influences the character and behavior of the animal. For example, males use scent to attract females. Therefore, their cages will have to be cleaned more often. At the same time, females are more active and can make noise at night. Gender determination is also important when choosing a name for a pet.

Hamster breed

The most popular domestic types of hamsters:

Each species has its own individual characteristics. They differ in size, color, behavior and lifespan.

Syrian hamster

The body length is on average 15 cm, some individuals reach 20 cm. Body weight is 100-200 grams. They live on average 2-3 years; many individuals, with good care, can live up to 4 years.

Of all the species, the Syrian hamster is considered the largest. For children 6-8 years old, this type will be the best choice as it is easy to hold. Small species of hamsters are very nimble and can slip out.

The downside is that they take up more space. Large hamsters require a slightly larger cage than smaller species.

According to the length of their fur, Syrian hamsters are divided into:

If you choose a long-haired Syrian, then his coat must be looked after daily. Once a day, use a special brush to comb out tangles and debris from the wool.

Djungarian hamster

Body length 10 cm, weight 50 grams. Djungarian hamsters live on average 1.5-2 years, rarely living up to 3 years.

Djungarians are very small and nimble hamsters. Children who are too young should not choose them, since such small hamsters are difficult to hold in their hands. Djungarians are very shy, they should be tamed immediately, otherwise adults may bite.

You can keep one hamster in one cage; they do not get along well with same-sex relatives. Djungarians are susceptible to diabetes, so their diet must be carefully monitored.

Roborovsky

Body length 5 cm, weight 30 grams. They live on average 1.5-2 years.

One of the advantages of having such a hamster is that this is the only species that gets along well with other individuals in the same cage.

Among the disadvantages of the establishment, these are the smallest hamsters, which are not easy to hold in the hands even of adults. This is also a rare species of hamster that is difficult to find for sale.

Campbell

Body length 8 cm, weight 30 g. Lifespan 2 years.

A very rare species of hamster that is rarely sold in pet stores. Can be found for sale from breeders in nurseries. If you still manage to find such a hamster, you should check that the hamster is tame. Among Campbell's hamsters there are often wild and untamed individuals.

If you choose a hamster for children, then you should pay attention to the largest types of hamsters. Little hamsters are very nimble. It is very difficult for children to hold them in their hands, which is why hamsters often break out of their hands and fall from a height. Such falls often result in injuries and bruises. Also, a hamster can run away, but finding and catching such a baby is quite problematic.

Tips for choosing hamsters

Consider the age of the rodent. You cannot buy an animal if it is less than 30-40 days old. If he is not yet 20 days old, then he may not live long at all, since he still does not know how to eat on his own. At this time, rodents should not be handled, much less examined and transported. And when choosing a hamster, an examination is required. Let's say you purchased an animal and it turned out to be a female. Already at 2 months she can be pregnant. If you don’t see this, then both she and her offspring may die. During pregnancy, a hamster requires special care and nutrition. And finally, the most important thing is that if the pet is already able to eat on its own, it is already 40 days old or more, then it is easy to tame it. The same cannot be said about older individuals. With age, it will become increasingly difficult to tame a rodent. When choosing, consider how much hamsters cost.

Taming a rodent is not difficult, you just need patience. To tame a hamster, you will need a voice and food. You need to say a certain word (for example, the name of your pet) and give him something to eat. Over time, he will associate this word with food and the pet will respond to it. The Syrian hamster can be trained so much that if he is running around the house and you call his name, he will come running to your feet. But this will not happen with every rodent, although it is quite possible to accustom it to your arms or shoulder.

View . First you need to decide on the look you want. Each type is unique. Requires various conditions and care. There are 4 most popular species, you will learn about them in this article: types of domestic hamsters.

Time of purchase. These are nocturnal animals and are lethargic during the day. If you choose during the day, they can easily slip you a sick individual under the guise of sleeping. Then you won’t prove anything to anyone. If you come to buy in the evening, but while the store is still open, of course, they will be more active. In the evening they begin to live life to the fullest. A healthy hamster is active. He almost always cannot sit still. Especially females, they are even more active than males. In the evening, all healthy rodents run and play. If evening comes and your pet still hasn’t woken up from its “sleep,” it means it’s sick and you shouldn’t buy it. You can also determine the disease by the eyes and fur. The eyes should be clean and the coat dry.

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Promotion . Every store has promotions, and the pet store is no exception. But what are they selling us at reduced prices?! That's right, something that has either been left on the shelves, or something is wrong with it. In the case of hamsters, sellers can make serious discounts on sick, injured, or old individuals. Don't agree to this. A sick pet will not bring you joy and may generally disappoint you. Sick rodents need to be treated, for which money will also be spent. If you do not do this, then there is a high chance that he may die. Although in any case there is a chance, but with treatment it is an order of magnitude poor. Just take my word for it, buy a healthy hamster at full price and it will be cheaper for you. Choosing an old rodent is also not the best thing you can buy at a pet store. Not only will it be extremely difficult to tame him, but it is also not known how long he will live. It is very easy to cure old from young; young rodents have white teeth and hair. With age, teeth turn yellow.

Don't completely trust the seller. It’s good to know how to choose the right hamster. The seller may inadvertently make a mistake with the floor. We talked about the definition in the article here: how to determine the sex of a hamster.

Examination . How to choose a healthy individual. A healthy hamster is the key to a successful purchase. There should be no moisture or bald spots on the body. The coat should shine and be well-groomed. The butt should also be clean. I'm serious, if he had diarrhea, he might have worms. Unfortunately, worms in these rodents can lead to death. If an animal stops caring for itself, it means it is sick.

Two at once. It happens that people take two or more individuals at once so that the rodents do not get bored. You shouldn't buy two at once. Unless you move them into different cells. Hamsters will not coexist peacefully. There will be division of territory, biting and fighting. But if several animals in one cage is important to you, then pay attention to dwarf hamsters. They are most suitable for living together.

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Color . Oddly enough, the color of these animals affects not only their appearance, but also their character. Spotted rodents are more aggressive. Females are more active. If you want a wild animal, then take a spotted female. If it’s calm, it’s a male dwarf. This species is the calmest among all domestic ones, has almost no odor and does not require much time.

Newbie. Do not show, and especially do not tell the seller that you do not understand hamsters. I'm not saying that every seller is bad. But often your ignorance can be taken advantage of in order to sell problem individuals or those that are not bought. After reading this article to the end, you will gain basic knowledge that will be enough for you to choose the right hamster.

Tamed hamster. If they tell you that the smaller the animal, the easier it is to accustom it to handling, this is not true. It is easier to handle and train the Syrian hamster; he is the leader in this regard. Moreover, this is the largest of all domestic species. When a pet is small, it is easier for it to slip out of your hand and fall. A careless movement can harm him.

I want it in my arms. If you have decided on a particular hamster, ask him to catch it for you. Then you need to stroke him lightly and check his reaction (maybe he won’t like you). This will show that you come in peace. If he doesn’t feel safe in your hands, he will twitch, roll over and break free. If he trusted you and froze, it means the hamster will love you.

After the purchase . On the way home, the rodent may chew on the box in which it is traveling. Don't worry, this is completely normal. At home, let him out into the cage and let him get used to it. You shouldn't play with him for a while, because moving is a serious stress for him. Let him get used to it, at least for a couple of days. At this time, you can win his love and trust by hand feeding him. But this does not mean that you need to starve until you eat from your hand.

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How to choose a hamster for children

If we are talking about a rodent for a child, then this greatly narrows the choice. In this case, of the four most popular breeds of these rodents, only two are suitable. This is the Syrian and Roborovski's hamster. The Syrian is suitable for children due to its size, friendliness and trainability. This species is one of the largest. The weight reaches 100 grams and dimensions up to 18 cm. This makes it more difficult for him to inadvertently harm. The Roborovsky hamster can be chosen due to its character. This is a very cute creature that doesn't bite. That is why it can be given to children without fear. But there is one nuance: its dimensions are only 4-6 cm and it is very nimble. Therefore, if the child does not follow a little or gets scared, the animal may slip away and fall. Choosing a hamster for a child is not an easy task, but I chose the Syrian one.