Hamsters are usually not good ‘pets for children’, as most breeds are solitary and nocturnal, and don’t appreciate being picked up and played with during the day. They also can get exhausted on hamster wheels, and are easily injured. Blue Cross has good welfare advice for pet hamsters. Some breeds can fight, it’s really important to know what you’re doing, before adopting hamsters.
Dwarf hamsters struggle to climb, so could be injured or even suffocate in ‘toilet roll’ tube systems. They also can’t cope with steep ladders. Exercise wheels can also cause back problems, if hamsters can’t raise their heads or curve their spines. They can also trap feet (RSPCA does not recommend exercise balls for hamsters).
