I love my hamster so much. He is honestly the best little pet ever. I really wanted to get a cat or dog but since I am a college student I am never home. So I needed a little cute compact, quiet, furry and fun friend who I could love. Hamsters are an engaging and easy-to-care-for pet. If you are looking for a fuzzy friend who is good company, doesn't need much space and won't bark at the mailman, a hamster may be a match for you.
Variety
There are so many types of hamsters that come in a wide range of shapes, shades and sizes. Hamsters are like snow flakes no two are the same. I have a male long-haired Syrian hamster. Whenever we first got him he was black and grey but now he is growing some brown in his fur. You just have to get the right kind of hamster for you! There are Syrain hamster which can get about 6 inches or you can get Chinese, Roborovski and Siberian which are a little smaller and grow to abut 2 or 3 inches but still so cute. Plus all different types of fur colors for each type of hamster. But now matter which kind you get you still have this cute little cur ball that can fit in your hand!
Cheap to Buy
If you are in college and have no money like I do a dog or cat is totally out of the question. But since I have a very limited budget my wallet wasn't hurting after I got my little guy. Large pet stores stock a variety of hamsters that cost $15 to $20. I think I got my little guy for $15 and only paid $80 for like everything a hamster needs including food, habitat, bedding, treats and a ball.
Cheap to Feed
Dog and cat food can get pretty pricey especially if you want to feed them the good stuff and you are buying it constantly. I can feed my hamster for a month or longer on less than $10. I buy one big bag of food and put some in his little bowl every 2 weeks. And sometimes I still dont even think he eats it all. I also get him little yogurt bites which are maybe $5 a bag and those last forever too.
Easy to Water
When hamsters are tiny little babies they learn to drink from a water bottle that hangs on the side of the cage. Just fill or check the bottle every 3 to 4 days to make there is water.
Small Habitat
If you don't have a huge yard or nearby a park that makes it hard to really take care of a dog. Or if you don't have a huge house for them to play in again it makes it really hard for them to get the right amount of exercise. Hamster habitats don't take up that much room and as long as it is big enough for them to play in, explore, and climb around that is all you need. Some plastic habitats have movable tubes that can be attached to extend the habitat's space.
Independent
These little guys can be pretty independent and keep them self entertained. But the more you handle them, the friendlier they will be. I always try to handle my little guy once a day if he is up whenever I get home. Since they are nocturnal they are mostly active when you are sleeping. Since I usually don't get home until 10 he will sometimes be up and I will take him out and let him roll around. But no matter what they will be perfectly happy left on their own while they eat, drink, nest, hoard, clean, gnaw, and run on their wheel.
Fun to Watch
My hamster loves to roll around in his ball around my room. He also loves to climb all around his cage and jump from the levels in his cage. He is so crazy but I love to watch him. He always cracks me up. Hamsters are speedy, curious and energetic. Whenever my hamster is in a good mood I love to watch him run around in his ball in my room as he runs into things.
Exercise
Hamsters are always moving around and exploring whenever they can. They don't need no personal trainer to keep them going. And if you don't get to take them out everyday to run in the ball it's okay. As long as you get your hamster a wheel they will be able to run for miles. I know my hamster doesn't like the wheel so I usually try to take hime out either everyday or every other day to run around for awhile. But his cage is pretty big for him to climb and roam around.
Size
Hamsters are like little pocket pets. Small children are able to hold these guys really easily. Their cute small size makes them the perfect portable pet. They are portable enough to accompany you wherever you go. As long as you have your hamster secure you can carry them anywhere. If you drop them while you are standing or walking, they could break a leg. Keep a good hold on them because hamsters are excellent escape artists.
Grooming
You don't have to pay an outrage price to get them groomed and you don't have to hassle with giving them a bath either. Your little friend will take care of them self. They will take care of their own grooming needs, and will keep their fur clean and fluffy. If you see them lick their paws and run them over their face, you know they is washing up for dinner. The only thing I have to do for my little guy is trim around his butt because he gets a little skit.
All in all hamsters are great pets and I love my little guy. He is my baby.
