Syrian or Dwarf Hamster???

[wingnut736]

Hey guys, im new here, and I was planning to go later today to purchase a hamster (and a cage and supplies). The problem is that I am not completely sure which type of hamster i should get. I would definitely like a hamster that would let me hold it often, and would be overall friendly. I have had hamsters in the past, but not since I was a little kid, so I don't remember much about different types, except I remember I did have a dwarf hamster that had a tendency to bite.

Also, what kind of cage should i get? I've looked at all of them, the tube cages, aquariums, and wire cages i mean. What kind is best for each type of hamster? I only want to get one hamster so I'm wondering if I am better off getting a starter kit that comes with all the needed supplies.

If I could get a response to this very quickly, that would be great, because I would like to get my hamster tonight. Thanks a lot, everyone.

Oh yeah...one last thing. I have a bunch of pet stores around here that sell hamsters. I went to Petco yesterday, but all of their hamsters were shipped away because of wet tail and won't get any until next week. I also went to another pet store but didn't see much. Of the two left, would it be better buying a hamster at Meijer or Petsmart? I know Meijer seems silly but I remember the only hamster I ever got there was very nice and lived for about 3 years. Again, thanks for your help and quick responses are appreciated.

[HammysRme]

I like syrian hamsters. They seem to be much calmer than dwarfes. A fish aquarium is good and easy to clean for the hamsters becuase the plastic cages with the tubes, u have to clean often and its a pain to take apart. Also, they pee in the tunnels alot. Good luck on your hamster-hunt ;)

[wingnut736]

If anyone else could reply it would mean a lot. I figure now I'm getting a Syrian hamster, and at stores I've seen them classified as Teddy-Bear hamsters and Golden hamsters. Is there really much difference besides hair-length and color? It also seems, after reading other threads, that most people think an aquarium is the best habitat for a syrian hamster 9and the bigger the better). Besides a wheel and a ball, what other toys should i get? How can you tell how old the hamster is at the store? Is there a big difference between males and females? And again, is there a best pet store for buying these between the ones I have listed in the opening post? Any corrections, or any help at all would be great. Thanks

[wingnut736]

Starter Kit (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444180 6017&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302023695&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023695&bmUID=1106949009000)
is that a good deal? i dont know if it seems small for a syrian hamster or not, and I know it's not an aquarium tank like reccommended. Thanks again...

[Prisca Gamgee]

Hi there! I just got my new hamster today too! :p I don't know if you have gotten yours yet or not, but incase you haven't, I will tell you what I think. I got my hamster from Petsmart and thought that they took really good care of their hamsters(though it might vary from different stores, I dunno). I haven't heard of that other petstore, so I can't really help. I think that that deal is probably good

[Prisca Gamgee]

Hi there! I just got my new hamster today too! :p I got a longhair syrian one. I don't know if you have gotten yours yet or not, but incase you haven't, I will tell you what I think. I got my hamster from Petsmart and thought that they took really good care of their hamsters(though it might vary from different stores, I dunno). I haven't heard of that other petstore, so I can't really help. I think that that starter kit would be good too. Have fun with your new hammy!!

[Prisca Gamgee]

(oops!!! it accidently made two posts!! I didn't mean for that to happen, honestly!! could some administrator person delete them and this post please??)

[wingnut736]

Thanks everyone, I bought my hamster at Petsmart as well, and they also seemed to take very good care of their animals 9clean cages, friendly workers, etc). I bought a little brown syrian hamster who has a couple black stripes. He's the friendliest hamster I've ever had (and also the cutest). I haven't thought of a name yet, and maybe later on if I take a picture or two of him I'll post it. Thanks guys!

[HammysRme]

you can name him stripe (like fromt the gremlins.. haha)

[HundDD]

http://www.petshub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28183

I've posted many things about Petsmart here... see it for yourself...

but I guess it's too late now since you already got yours.

Hesitate to get a hamster is a bad thing. It is a commitment just like getting a dog or a cat and takes planning.