My daughter wants a hamster but I’m afraid. Aren’t they rats!
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My 7 year old daughter wants a hamster. She has wanted a hamster since she was five years old, but I am so afraid of them. We've gone to the pet store just to look at them and I felt sickness come on as I watched the scurry animal run and play. During one of our visits to the pet store, I noticed on the cage that the recommend age to responsibly take care of a hamster is eight. I was so happy to see that sign. It allowed me at least three more years to be hamster free. I was hoping in three more years she would forget about the hamster. Well, she's now 7 years old and will be turning eight in April. She is STILL asking for that hamster. I made a promise to her and I must hold to it but I have no idea how I'm going to help her take care of it. And to think if somehow it manage to get out of it's cage. What if I wake up and see that hamster at the foot of my bed? I would probably scream to the top of my lungs then beat the hamster with my foot, if I don't pass out first. To me, a hamster is a rat and I can't see it any other way.
I'm not sure what happen or when it happened, but for as long as I can remember I have always been afraid of rats. Maybe it's because they always scurry, they eat anything they can get close to- even clothing, they leave their dropping anywhere and they smell bad. Whatever the case may be, it has officially crippled me.
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Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles - Light Brown
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Westminster Toys The Happy Hamster Wheel Runner
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Zhu Zhu Pets - Funhouse Set with Hamster
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Super Pet Hamster Run-About 7-Inch Exercise Ball, Clear
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Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Num Nums
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Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Pipsqueek - Yellow
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Super Pet Hamster Critter Exercise Cruiser, Colors Vary
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Is there help for me?
I only have a couple more months to go. The chances of them increasing the age to ten probably won't happen (how I wish it would). So what's a mother to do? As much as I would love to see her smiling as we are walking out of the store with her new hamster; I just can't bring myself to do it because I am afraid as ever of them. I can just imagine that scurry little animal looking at me with those eyes that doesn't blink. He's so fast on his feet that it would be impossible to catch by hand, but then again- I have NO plans on catching a rat with my hands. He's a stinky little nasty rascal. I've also heard that hamsters have the tendency to bite as well. Yet another reason why I cant sees having a rat in my house purposely. I figure, I'll have to get the hamster but she will have to feed it, bathe it (do you bathe hamsters?), and clean the cage as needed. Taking care of a hamster, I imagine, is a big responsiblity and you can't be afraid, so that counts me out. I know she will do a great job and take care of her new pet.
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Comments
We have nothing to fear but fear itself. Drop a big book on a little hamster and it becomes history. Do you have a fear of history?
Lol.....I'll keep that in mind but I don't think my daughter would be very happy with me.
Take it from me.
I have three hamsters. Didn't want them in the first place and was scared. I just got stuck with them. So each day I held them. They were frightened of me beyond beleif. So after I held them I got some lettuce or carrots. Gave them it by hand. And slowly a rellationship progressed. Start gradually. I'll write a hub about it, okay?
That would be great Wendy111 Thanks
Whatever you do, don't make the mistake of buying a second hamster to keep the first one company. I let my step daughter talk me into that one years ago. We ended up with six of them....omg.
The cages are reasonably easy to care for...but have to be cleaned like twice a week. And hamsters are not outwardly affectionate like a cat or dog. I dont think they are worth it really. And they can bite if you startle them by mistake.
Can't you get a small dog and name it "Hampster"?
That sounds like a good idea!!! lol
Definitely just get one hamster. The teddy bear hamsters are solitary creatures anyway. They do better alone.
LOL HAMMYS LOVE THEM^ ^
__
our hamsters name is sparky and he acts like a dog
My mom is just like you lol! Im 19 and my mom was afraid of rats too, so when I got 2 she was horrified. Hamsters are in no way rats, and pet rats are actually great pets! They dont smell, they dont bite and they're super affectionate. I have to wonder where you got your prejudices from? I suggest actually reading alot about hamsters to see if that helps your fear, because trust me hamsters are nothing to be afraid of! My mom got over rat fear by reading up on them and then when i got them watch me with them and then slowly start off stroking them, then holding them etc. She loves them now! If it means that much to your daughter I'm sure you can conquer whatever it is that is making you so fearful :) good luck!
I have a hamster. She is a long-haired female. These kinds don't usually bite. You don't need to take much care of her. I only replace the shavings like once every two weeks. And you don't need to clean them because they clean themselves. They're actually really fun to have, and I enjoy playing with her!
My username stems from my accidently pregnant hamster. (I was sold two "males") They are campbell's russian dwarf. They nibble from my hand, I I have timed them in mazes, amazed as little Pepsi ran one in 13 seconds. Also, I would recommend I female. My male is a nipper, especially when woken up, but my female has never so much as nipped. They are afraid of you, until you offer them food. Also, hamsters are rather picky (GAh! Why won't thy eat those green beens?) They are also very, very stupid. Remember that. Also, holding a hamster will help. They feel delicate, fat, and soft.
So did you ever get your daughter that hamster? I just got my first one at the age of 23 and I love him! He's a rescue, super sweet temperament and never bites.
Nope, I was able to talk her out of it....I'm just not ready.
i would recommend getting a robo dwarf hamster. They are so much cuter than regular hamsters and eat they less. I swear these things are like little cotton balls with eyes, not much to be scared of. Even my mom, who is scared to death of all rodents except for bunnys thought they were kind of cute.
They're a bit smaller then normal sized hamsters, which for some reason brings out all the cuteness in them and makes them look a lot less like rats.
Also,for some reason, Ive noticed that they seem to be a bit more cleanly then regular hamsters, but maybe thats just me..?
It doesnt hurt at all if they manage to nip ya either.
If you're scared of the hamster escaping, i would get an aquarium type house instead of one with bars which eliminates any chance of the lil guy squeezing through the bars, or the bars getting bent.
Also, you can use a twist tie to make sure the door stays shut and he/she cant get out by him/herself.
And make sure the hamster house is assembled properly and everything is secure.
You'll get over your fear of them once you buy them, wether you believe it now or not, as you just get used to them, and they wont seem so intimidating anymore, just normal.
They're kind of like little furry kids in their houses,
They need food and water just like you and me,
they'll make their own bed,
they'll get clean,
they need entertainment like slides and tubes to crawl through,
they need excersize,
they'll probably want some company,
they're rather friendly,
and they need love xD
If you want to help your daughter, but dont want to come in contact with them, help her make toys for them and have her set them up.
You can get some good and easy ideas here:http://www.geocities.com/taffy3001/homemade_toys.h
This makes for good bonding time, and shows her that you really care :D
Hope this helps, and good luck :]
writerlady says:
2 years ago
Thanks for your comment Stacie. That's a good idea.