[Lieza]

take care of a dwarf hamster?

[Peaches]

mature 11 year old.

[sarsy]

mabey 9-10 because they're soo small and can be droped and killed and also can get lost and are nocternal and need to sleep alot and i recomend not to have a kid under nine to have one, they're smaller then my palm and im 12

[~KoBeAnDcAsPeR~]

Well I suggest 7- whatever age. I have met a couple of my friends sisters and brothers who are 7 or 8 and they are just in love with their dwarf hamsters. They ador them. The only thing is is you have to be careful i would reccomend you dont feed dwarf hamsers corn because the may have diabeties. The corn can kill them if they do so just pick the corn out. Also dwarf hamsters love to be carried around and be put in pockets. but they also love sleeping so you can pick them up freequently just make sure they get some sleep. Im sure any age would be suitable.

[freegrrl2000]

Probably 12ish, but if you don't handle them enough they can be nippy little buggers! Black bear hamsters are much more even tempered and larger, making them easier to handle. :-)

[mom of 2]

Depends on the kid. My son is 9 and we have 3 rats. " I promise to help clean the cage and take care of them ". Well, we've had them for 7 months and I have yet to see him clean the cage. I don't mind though, he keeps them occupied while I clean it. At least I know it's getting done right. He does take care of them other then that.

[southern_honey]

I would say between 10-13...

[wolfinator25840]

I have 7 Russian dwarfs (2 died this week of cancer and were sisters) and they are not a good choice for anyone under 13. Responsibility has nothing to do with any persons age when it come to animals (unless your under 10), it's all in how you conduct yourself as a person. What would think of a person that is 17 and has a snake, 3 hamsters, a tarantula and 3 mice to care for, gets up at 5AM to walk 3 dogs also before school daily, does her own laundry, calls if wanting to go to a friends house everytime, and listens as to when she has to be home. Plus has a room to share with a little sister and helps with her when asked? Is she responsible because of her age or because of what she does each day? Clue its not the first one. My husband is in his 30's and can't seem to find the trash can in each room, and leaves trash where ever he feels and expect other to clean up after him (not a responsible person for his own actions). They are very hyper little animals and quick to bite/nip. They aren't one to sit on you lap. If you are wanting a hamster, I recommend getting a male Syrian. They are calmer then the females and you won't get one that's pregnant already. Or a male rat, but beware depending on the breed they can get to be the size of a small dog. We have a male and female in my olders son's room, bu they too are part responsibility of my 17 year olds, she breeds them to feed her snake.

[Winnie C]

I had one when i was about 10 but i ended up letting my mom do all the work. I say a 12 or 13 year old. Unless you think that person can handle it at a younger age.