potty trained hamster & cleaning

Question
QUESTION: Hi, if the hamster is potty trained and goes in the sand bowl how often does the
cage have to cleaned - maybe every two weeks? I'm trying to do some research
before getting a hamster for our kids.
naera

ANSWER: Hi Naera,

When a hamster is potty trained, the litter should be changed every other day.  The cage itself should be cleaned once a week.  (When a hamster is not potty trained, the cage should be cleaned twice per week.)

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Kelly,
Also, would you recommend that we get a baby hamster inorder to get the potty
training done right?  
We saw a teddy bear hamster today and it seemed very docile and calm. - any
coments on this particular kind?


Answer
Hi Naera,

Teddy Bear hamsters (formally known as Syrian hamsters) are great first pets.  They're larger and generally more calm than Dwarf hamsters (which would be fine if you have older kids).  Male Syrians tend to be more docile than females, so you may want to consider a male.  Also, if you get a male, you won't have to worry about pregnancy issues.  (It's common to get a female from the pet store, and the female turns out to pregnant.)

You'll definitely want a hamster that is between the ages of 6-8 weeks.  That way, the hamster is young enough to be tamed, and to get used to human contact.  When you go to the pet store, try to go in the evening, since hamsters are nocturnal.  Look for a hamster with bright eyes, smooth, unruffled fur, and a clean bottom.  Avoid any hamster that is listless, as lethargy is a sign of illness.

When you bring the hamster home to its cage, rather than taking him out and placing him in the cage, leave him in the little pet store box and place the box on its side at the bottom of the cage.  Then, the hamster can come out when he wants to.  Avoid touching him for 48 hours after you bring him home.  This 2-day period will help him get used to his new environment, complete with new sights, sounds, and smells.

Have a great day!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

(P.S. - In regards to your comment about my not being as detailed with my answer as maybe I should be, I'd like to say that normally, I'm actually very thorough, and a sometimes bit long-winded with my answers; however, yesterday was a very busy day, and I didn't get to devote as much time to my answers as I usually do.  I apologize for that.  Also, if you ever need clarification of my comments, please feel free to send me a follow-up question.)

Kelly