Expert: Joanne - 9/18/2006

Question
Hi Joanne,

I wanted to know how young you can buy a hamster? I really want a baby so i can have it for a longer period of time.

LOLA

Answer
hi lola,

normally hamsters at the pet shop are between 2 to 6 months old, however a hamster usually goes without its mum at about 4 weeks old, tho this is very very young and i do not suggest this.

6 to 8 weeks is the best to aim for, and you never know, lots of peoples hamsters have lived til 3 even 4, just because an average life expectancy says 2 years, if really well looked after alot of hamsters make it further than that, a human life expectancy is 73, both my granparents are older than that, so whats to stop a hamster out living 2 years?

just avoid buying an acctual baby hamsters (no fur, eyes closed etc) it still needs its mother.

thank you for your question, and do let me know how you got on, and feel freeto ask again if you need to.

joanne :)