Dwarf hamsters

[hammerman]

My daughter's hamster has just croaked it. She'd like another and has seen some dwarf hamsters which i understand can be kept in pairs or groups.

Is there anything we need to know about them....is there a ratio of males to females or do we go for all "same sex" .

Also, does anyone know a rough cost per hamster ?

Thanks in advance

HM

[k8bailey]

hi, they can be kept in pairs not sure about groups, but males and females together will mate then fight sometimes to the death, two females are not a good idea either - males are usually more placid. You will need a suitable cage - ie plastic or bars closer together than cages for syrian hamsters.

I think they're about £7 each but could easily be wrong!

[karenmac60]

They often don't sell males as pets (for aesthetic reasons) and they recommend putting sisters together. However, I have heard of a lot of people geting 2 females but then having to separate them because of fighting. I just got one for my daughter and it is a lone female - I know lots of people are against this, but I don't want to have to deal with them trying to kill each other. Don't underestimate their speed - they are really really fast!

[wolf63]

Depending on your daughter's age what about a rat or guinea pig?

[craft1948]

My daughter used to keep pet rats (after she'd left home). All 4 died quite quickly with cancerous tumours.

[hammerman]

Thanks everyone. A rat is out of the question as my wife would leave home !!!!.....on second thoughts ;-D

I might just recommend another Syrian for her....it seems the dwarfs are just a little too demanding for the hectic lifestyle of an 11 year old girl.

Thanks again, HM

[Icntoan]

Personally I would stick with a Syrian.
I have kept both. I bought two "female" dwarf hamsters but ended up having to separate them as they were in fact boys and kept fighting. They also bit. That said I have looked after someone elses dwarf hamsters and they were adorable.
Still I think I prefer the chunky ones :)