Should I Get Male or Female Hamster? Know The Difference

Before you buy a hamster, there are decisions you need to make. One of these is whether you want a boy or a girl hamster. You are going to spend some years with these little furry friends, so it’s important that you choose the right one for you.

So, male or female, what makes the best hamster for you?

Well, there is no correct or wrong answer to this question. Both male and female hamsters can make excellent pets for someone. It all depends on what you are looking for in a hamster.

You may argue that hamsters’ behavior mostly depends on individual personalities, and that’s true. However, we still have a few differences that exist between male and female hamsters, and that’s why you still can’t ignore the gender factor when choosing your hamster.

So, are you are ready to learn about the differences between the two sexes of hamsters?

Then, let’s start!

But just before we look at behavioral differences between the two, let’s first learn how you can distinguish them.

How Can You Distinguish a Male from a Female Hamster?

The surefire way you can tell the gender of your hamster is by looking at the anogenital distance, that is, the distance between the anus and the genitals. In females, the anogenital distance is shorter than in males.

Alternatively, you can also look for nipples. Only female hamsters have nipples. So, if the next time you spot nipples on your hamster’s body when buying, then be sure that you are taking home a girl hamster.

The back end of the hamster can also provide information on gender. In males, this part tends to be more rounded and elongated than in females.

Lastly, males have scrotum and testicles. Of course, females don’t have, and that’s another reliable way you can distinguish between a boy and a girl hamster. However, this method is only applicable after the hamster is about four weeks old. Again, the testicles can be retracted, and that makes it difficult to find if your hamster is male or female.

So yes, you can tell the gender of your hamster by just looking at them.

And having looked at that, let’s now learn about the behavioral differences between male and female hamsters.

Major Personality Difference Between Male and Female Hamsters

The behavioral differences between males and females will depend on the hamster species. In some hamster types, the difference between the two isn’t well pronounced while in others, there are notable differences.

Differences Between Male and Female Syrian Hamsters

Syrian hamsters, also known as golden hamsters, are the biggest of all types of hamsters. It’s in this type of hamster where we have significant differences between the male and female hamsters.

For instance, Syrian males tend to be more relaxed and calm than females. They also tend to be less territorial and are happier when held, both of which may not be true for female Syrian hamsters.

In terms of the size difference, male Syrian hamsters are larger than females. But again, you may not tell the difference in size until they are fully grown. Also, Syrian males also make a squeaking sound as they walk whereas female Syrian hamsters are generally silent.

Differences Between Male and Female Robo Hamsters

The Robo hamster is a dwarf hamster that’s been bred to be larger than the ordinary dwarf hamsters, and as such it has differences between males and females.

When it comes to differences in temperament, female Robo hamsters are calmer compared to males who are more hyperactive. However, both genders are mostly similar when it comes to aggressive behavior.

So, now you know the differences between male and female hamsters. As mentioned earlier, the behavior of a hamster mostly depends on its inherent personality, but knowing about gender can help you understand them better.

Differences Between Male and Female Dwarf Hamsters

Dwarf hamsters, those tiny little critters you see in pet shops, also have differences between the two genders though these differences aren’t as pronounced as those seen with Syrian hamsters.

The female dwarf hamster is generally more active than the male, but both genders are mostly similar in terms of activity. Still, when it comes to things like aggression and food consumption, there are differences between the two sexes.

The male tends to be more aggressive than females, while females have faster metabolism which means that they will eat a lot more food in a day.

Male Vs Female Hamster: Which Is Smellier?

Which hamster between male and female is smellier depends on the species of your pet. For instance, male Syrian hamsters are smellier than their female counterparts. However, for other species, it’s the males that are less smelly.

Male Vs Female Hamster: Which Is More Friendly?

Generally speaking, it’s the male that tends to be friendlier than the female, but it varies with the individual personality of the hamster. In other words, it’s no surprise at all to get a female hamster that’s friendlier than some male hammies.

In other words, we don’t mean that female hamsters can’t make great furry friends. They can, only that males are generally friendlier with you, and will be more relaxed when held.

Which Is The Best Syrian Hamster For Kids?

Male Syrian hamsters tend to be more relaxed than female Syrian hamsters which means that they will be a great choice for those looking for pets for children. Keep in mind that less friendly hamsters may not make the best option for children. 

However, before you can introduce your hamster to your little ones, give your children the necessary training on how to interact appropriately and in a healthy way with their little furry friend.

The conclusion?

Should You Get Male or Female Hamster?

The question of whether to get a male or female hamster is down to personal preference. Generally, males are calmer and less hyperactive than females though these differences vary per individual hamster.

In addition, getting a female means you should expect a litter of hamster pups in the future which may end up costing you more money (and work) than if you get a male hamster. But if you intend to grow your hamster population, then female hamsters are the way to go.

Final Verdict

Whether to get a male or female is up to your preference and budget. You can’t go wrong with either choice though it’s worth noting that the preferred hamster breed today may not be the same one you’ll make in six months’ time, so it’s best to look at things long-term.

Again, the gender factor is only one of the aspects you have to consider. We have lots of other aspects carrying as much weight. Age, breed, and health of the parents are just a few of the things to also consider. So yes, don’t only concentrate on the hamster gender.