Hey there, my name is Matt and I’m here to tell you all about the youngest age at which you can get a hamster.
But before we get into all that, let me tell you a little story about myself and my first hamster experience.
So, I was in 4th grade and my parents finally caved and let me get a pet. I begged and begged for a dog, but they said we just didn’t have the space.
So, I settled for a hamster. I was beyond excited to bring him home and name him Mr. Wiggles (original, I know). But, little did I know, Mr. Wiggles was not a newborn baby hamster. H
e was already a fully grown adult and as I soon found out, he didn’t have much time left to live.
I was devastated when Mr. Wiggles passed away just a few short weeks later. My heart was broken, and I felt like it was all my fault.
It wasn’t until I did some research that I found out that pet stores often sell older hamsters, who may not have much time left to live.
From that day on, I made sure to do my research before bringing any new pets home.
So, what’s the youngest age you can get a hamster?
Table of Contents
Hamster Puberty
Hamsters reach puberty at around 3-4 weeks old. That’s when they’re ready to start breeding and reproducing.
But just because they’re physically ready to breed, doesn’t mean they’re ready to be taken away from their momma.
It’s important to note that a hamster’s social and emotional development doesn’t stop at 4 weeks old. They still need to be with their moms and litter until they’re around 6-8 weeks old.
When Can You Bring a Hamster Home?
The general consensus among hamster experts is that the youngest age at which you can bring a hamster home is around 6-8 weeks old.
At this age, they’re fully weaned and have had enough time to develop emotionally and socially. Plus, they’re big enough and strong enough to start their new life in a new home.
What About Pet Stores?
Unfortunately, not all pet stores follow these guidelines. Many pet stores sell hamsters who are as young as 4 weeks old.
These hamsters are often taken away from their moms too early and may have health and emotional issues as a result.
It’s important to do your research and only buy from reputable breeders or pet stores that follow the recommended guidelines for selling hamsters.
FAQ
Can I take care of a hamster that’s younger than 6-8 weeks old?
While it’s possible to take care of a younger hamster, it’s not recommended. They need to be with their moms and litter until they’re at least 6-8 weeks old for optimal development.
Can I breed my own hamsters?
If you have experience breeding and raising hamsters, and you have a good set up, sure, you can breed your own hamsters.
But it’s important to remember that breeding should only be done by experienced individuals and only when you have proper housing and resources to care for the mom, dad, and litter.
Plus, it’s important to be aware of the potential health and emotional issues that can arise from breeding too early.
Is it okay to buy a hamster that’s older than 6-8 weeks old?
Yes, it’s totally fine to buy a hamster that’s older than 6-8 weeks old.
In fact, it’s often recommended to adopt an older hamster from a rescue or shelter, as they are usually already trained and have had their health checked by a vet.
In the End, It’s All About the Hammy
When it comes down to it, getting a hamster is a big responsibility. You gotta make sure you’re ready for the commitment and that you’re giving your new furry friend the best life possible.
So, remember, when it comes to getting a hamster, the youngest age you should bring one home is around 6-8 weeks old. And always make sure to do your research and buy from reputable breeders or pet stores.
And who knows, maybe one day you’ll have a hamster that’s just as cool as Mr. Wiggles (minus the whole dying too soon thing).