Subscribe to our newsletter. Ask an Expert Hamster Care Choosing a Hamster 1. Dwarf hamsters are about half the size of golden hamsters.
Golden hamsters are quite happy kept as single animals and often fight if kept in groups.
When choosing a hamster, pay attention to its demeanor and condition. Avoid hamsters that are quiet or lethargic - they should be alert, curious, and active. The coat should be smooth and the eyes free of discharge. The hamster's breathing should not be labored or noisy, and the coat should be clean and free of droppings. If you observe a hamster in the cage with diarrhea or respiratory problems, be aware that all the hamsters in that cage may have been exposed to an infectious disease.