The Friendliest Hamster Breed Is Also Easy To Hold

They may not ever top any "most popular pet" lists, but hamsters can make great companions for anyone who prefers a pocket pet over a more traditional pet. Part of the rodent family, these critters are relatively easy to care for, intelligent, and entertaining with their cheek-stuffing and wheel-spinning behavior. Syrian hamsters — also known as golden hamsters — are one of the friendliest hamster breeds and they're easy to hold.

Weighing only 4 to 5 ounces and reaching about 7 inches in length when fully grown, this breed is a popular choice for children. In fact, they're one of the most popular hamster breeds in the United States for owners of all ages. Their personality is likely one of the reasons; they're known to be playful, curious, and easy to tame and handle.

Over time, you may even be able to learn how to tell if your hamster likes you. However, just as with any other small or new pet, you should consider a few safety precautions when handling your Syrian hamster for the first time, and every time.

After bringing a Syrian hamster into your home for the first time, it may be tempting to want to immediately pick them up and hold them, but this isn't the best approach. Your new fur baby will probably want to explore their new habitat freely, without being restricted by a hand wrapped around their body. Give your hamster time to explore and get cozy in their new home. Consider making a list of things that hamsters can eat before bringing them home, and let them sniff around and eat before picking them up.

When you do handle your hamster, keep your hand tight enough around them to prevent dropping them, but loose enough to allow them to breathe freely and wiggle around a bit. Avoid carrying them too high from the ground, and always place something soft beneath them, in case they jump or fall out of your grasp.

Another factor to keep in mind when handling your pet is that they should be the only hamster you handle within one enclosure. Syrian hamsters prefer to live alone in their tank or cage. They prefer solitude, so don't force them to have a roommate. Doing so could result in a territorial scuffle, leaving you wondering how to get rid of your hamster. Luckily, these friendly critters do great on their own, and will get used to being handled over time.