Special Considerations for Hamsters

Hamsters are small animals with delicate bones that can be easily crushed if they are dropped or if they are handled roughly. In addition, they are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Because of this, a hamster may not be the best pet for a young child.

While the popular Syrian hamsters are normally classified as pets by regulatory agencies, some other types may be prohibited as foreign species. You should check with your state’s animal regulatory agency before buying a hamster that is not a Syrian hamster.