the differences between male and female syrian hamsters

Question
Are there any significant differences between male and female syrian hamsters?  I've heard that females are harder to tame and they nip more.  I've had male hamsters and they never bit me.  I've been thinking about getting a female this time because I've heard that they are more active during the day.  But it's not worth it if it'll end up biting me all the time.  Also, is there a size difference?  Do females tend to be larger than males?  Even a little?

Answer
Hi Shannon

I've found there are differences between male and female Syrians.

Females do tend to be larger - even if when they are younger they are more or less the same size, they do tend to fill out a bit later in life. As a result they may not be suited to some of the tubular cages - especially the teddy bear varieties who can be quite big.  

They are a lot more active - which is great if you want them to come out during the day.  

Males tend to like sleeping all day and for some, barely come out in the evening.  One of my hamsters I've had for over 2 years, I hardly ever see him - he just about manages to rally late in the evening!  Females on the other hand, are very nosey and like to know what is going on.  They tend to wake up easily during the day time and want to see what is happening.

Because they are more active they are slightly harder to handle in the early stages, but I've never found this to be a real problem and have homed many females with children who have never had a hamster before. They don't bite any more than any other hamster - they are just a bit faster.

As with any hamster, I think it is better to look at the temperament, rather than the appearance - it is better to have a plain hamster with a tremendous personality than a really pretty one that you can't handle or who bites you.  Just because a hamster is female, doesn't mean she will bite - I am a firm supporter of female hamsters as I love their personalities and the fact that they want to come out for a run around/play during the day time and have rarely had a problem with biting.

Hope you find a great hamster.

Regards