Hamsters are popular pets across the world. They are incredibly cute, and full of character too, developing close bonds with their owners. Hamsters are relatively easy to look after, which is one of the keys to their popularity, but they are not suitable for children under the age of 10. This is largely because of their nocturnal habits. A child who goes to bed at 7pm and rises at 8pm will hardly get to see their pet hamster at all!
Even if the child is older parents need to be involved in the day to day care of the hamster, to make sure he’s looked after properly.
![should I get a hamster](https://www.omlet.com/images/originals/Russian_Winter_White_hamster_standing.jpg)
Hamsters such as this Russian Winter White require regular care an attention from their owners
Here are some things to consider before you commit to bringing a new pet hamster home:
- Everyone involved needs to know what they will have to do in terms of hamster quality time, cage cleaning, feeding, etc. You can’t just bring one home, cage it, and ignore it.
- Hamsters take up little space, but still require daily care and weekly cage-cleaning. A modern cage such as Omlet’s Qute cuts this process down to just one or two minutes, however.
- Hamsters are nocturnal, which means they are active at night, and sleep for most of the day. Will anyone actually be around in the evening and the early morning when the pet is active?
- Although some hamsters shift their sleeping habits slightly and rouse themselves in the early evening, you can’t force the issue, and they shouldn’t be woken during the day, otherwise they can become stressed, their health suffering as a consequence.
- Hamsters do need human interaction in a domestic setting, and are therefore suitable for people who stay up later rather than retiring early.
- Hamsters don’t come pre-trained, and you will need to spend time getting them used to being handled. The length of this process depends on the species of hamster you choose.
![hamsters make great pets](https://www.omlet.com/images/originals/hamster_cuddled_by_girl.jpg)
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