12 replies to this topic

[hinewhammy]

So, when I went to the pet store to get my new hamster (Daisy), I asked which hamsters would be the nicest. They said the Chinese hamster is so calm and will just sit in your hand. I was kind of confused because normally they say Syrians will do that. I know that Chinese hamsters are very calm too, but I always thought that Syrian were calmer... Also, another time I went to the pet store to get my hamster Cow, they said that Chinese hamsters are the most popular hammys and go out of stock very quickly. There were so many Syrians left in the cages, but one Chinese hamster. Are Chinese Hamster like the new Syrian (i.e., most common, clam, and popular) is this happening where you guys are too? And, sorry if I sound like I don't like Chinese as much as Syrian, I like them equally. I just find it surprising that for so many years, Syrians have been the most "popular" hamsters. I would just like to know if that is changing all of a sudden  , Tank You!!!!!!!!

Edited by hinewhammy, 22 January 2015 - 05:01 AM.

[syrians&dwarfs2]

It depends on the person some people think that Chinese are the most calm and some think that Syrians are the most calm. It may just be around where you live that there are popular because where I live Syrians are the most popular and I never see Chinese hamsters.

Edited by syrians&dwarfs2, 22 January 2015 - 05:36 AM.

[autumn21]

IMO I think it's a little silly people are stating they are the new Syrian or just as calm. First rule, no hamster can be pinned down to their own species. There are always exceptions and different personalities, it's definitely wrong to say for certain that one species will be calm and the other will be too energetic, as you simply cannot do that without meeting every hamster from that species and judging each and every single one (which cannot be done world wide). Tbh if we're sticking with the stereotypes then all Chinese I've met have been shy at first, there will be exceptions, but I've heard from multiple people that from the start they are very shy and that you have to tame them to allow them to come out of their shells. 

[HamsterLoverRebekka]

IMO I think it's a little silly people are stating they are the new Syrian or just as calm. First rule, no hamster can be pinned down to their own species. There are always exceptions and different personalities, it's definitely wrong to say for certain that one species will be calm and the other will be too energetic, as you simply cannot do that without meeting every hamster from that species and judging each and every single one (which cannot be done world wide). Tbh if we're sticking with the stereotypes then all Chinese I've met have been shy at first, there will be exceptions, but I've heard from multiple people that from the start they are very shy and that you have to tame them to allow them to come out of their shells. 

Yes many Chinese hamsters can be shy, but others can also be very friendly. Most I know and hear about are pretty shy at first. Even my Chinese hamster, Hank, was shy at first and has gotten a little better. It definitely depends on the person. Someone could have an extremely shy Chinese hamster and someone else could have a very friendly and hyper one. It all depends on the person's experience with that species of hamsters and their opinion. My syrian is very crazy and hyper, but my sister's was very calm and quiet. Every hammy is different.

[queensferry]

That's what the pet store told me 2 years ago when I got Skittles (that they were the most friendly).

[Sycohearted]

I've never had a Chinese but I've always wanted one...I just find their coat colors a little boring. 

[HamsterLoverVanessa]

That's what the pet shop told me last year when I want to adopt my first hamster! I knew nothing about hamsters or their personalities but the worker told me the Chinese were the nicest so off I went with a Chinese! I do love my Chinese but personally I think that my Syrians are the friendliest! Plus my Chinese hamster, Jerry, bites me!

[wendycheeks]

calmness shouldnt be categorized with what species of hamster it is... every hamster will have a different personality. My cousin has a chinese hamster who is so shy and calm but it won't mean all of them are

[hinewhammy]

Thanks you guys! Again, I wasn't trying to stereotype the hamsters, just wanted to see if Chinese had come the most common and "friendly" by petstore standerds. So thanks again!

[♥ 600Kibbles ♥]

I think it depends on where you live some places get more Syrians and others get more dwarf hamsters and what petshop ur at

[Griffyish]

So, when I went to the pet store to get my new hamster (Daisy), I asked which hamsters would be the nicest. They said the Chinese hamster is so calm and will just sit in your hand. I was kind of confused because normally they say Syrians will do that. I know that Chinese hamsters are very calm too, but I always thought that Syrian were calmer... Also, another time I went to the pet store to get my hamster Cow, they said that Chinese hamsters are the most popular hammys and go out of stock very quickly. There were so many Syrians left in the cages, but one Chinese hamster. Are Chinese Hamster like the new Syrian (i.e., most common, clam, and popular) is this happening where you guys are too? And, sorry if I sound like I don't like Chinese as much as Syrian, I like them equally. I just find it surprising that for so many years, Syrians have been the most "popular" hamsters. I would just like to know if that is changing all of a sudden  , Tank You!!!!!!!!

Syrians weren't necessarily the most "popular". It's true that not too many people owned Chinese hamsters, but I used to have one and I think there's something about them that other species just don't have. 

 

Also, Syrians and Chineses are still somewhat different. It seems most Syrians are friendly and open right off the bat, whereas the Chineses are timid and earning their trust is a real test. 

[KKM]

Chinese hamsters are illegal where I live, so I guess I wouldn't know. But around here, Syrians are by far the most popular and "recommended". I've been harassed on more than one occasion getting my dwarfies.

[CrochetCritter]

Where I work, the Chinese hamsters are generally very calm and tolerate being handled right away, without any taming. Because of that we often recommend them as the best hamster when parents insist on getting a hamster but don't like the idea of hand-taming. I always tell people that almost all hamsters have the potential to be sweet and cuddly once you have worked with them, and that in my opinion you should choose whichever hamster you like best because you are more likely to be willing to put in the effort with a hamster you like from the beginning, and it seems silly to me to get an animal if it isn't what you really wanted in the first place.