Edit Article

wikiHow to Pick a Healthy Hamster

When buying a hamster, you need to pick a healthy one that is free of disease and illness!


  1. 1
    Check if the hamster's rear end is wet. If it is, do not purchase any hamsters from that store. That means it has wet tail, which could possibly be contagious
  2. 2
    Ask the pet shop/breeder if you can handle the hamsters. If the hamster stands up on it's hind legs , don't buy it because that means its getting ready to attack.
  3. 3
    Look for hamsters that have shiny coats, bright eyes, and are generally friendly
  4. 4
    If the hamster is a bit jumpy at first when you handle him/her, don't worry that is not a bad thing. They are just getting used to being held.
  5. 5
    Choose a hamster that you like. Ask the pet shop/breeder which ones are the friendliest.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Is wet tail contagious to humans or just hamsters?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Only hamsters or other small rodents can get wet tail. It is HIGHLY contagious, but not to humans, cats, dogs, etc.
  • How can I know if the hamster is old?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Most hamsters at pet stores are between 5-11 weeks old, so you shouldn't have to worry about them being old. However, if they are larger and/or longer, they are most likely older than the others. You can also select the hamster you like and ask an employee if they know how old that hamster is.
Ask a Question
200 characters left


    • Make sure you have a small container/cardboard box to bring the hamster home in.
    • Consider that buying from a breeder may be a better choice because one you are saving a hamster's life, and the breeder can tell you more details about the specific hamster.
    • Leave the hamster to settle for a few days before you start handling him/her.
    • Buy the cage and supplies before you buy the hamster.


    • If the store does not separate females and males, you probably shouldn't buy a female form their because most likely it's already pregnant.
    • hamsters can be squirmy, so be sure to hold it at the pet store before you buy it.
    • Hamsters can bite. Hard.

    Things You'll Need

    • A little carrier to carry your hamster home in
    • A good pet shop or breeder that sells hamsters.
    • A cage
    • A water bottle and food bowl
    • Toys like tubes etc.
    • An exercise wheel

    Made Recently

    Did you try these steps?
    Upload a picture for other readers to see.
    Upload error

    Article Info

    Categories: Handling Hamsters


    Did this article help you?