What is/are the best animal(s)?

Chinchillas 4
Snakes 4

Mice 3
Guinea Pigs 3
Birds 3

Hedgehogs 2
Gerbils 3
Frogs 2
Rats 2
Hamsters 2
Rabbits 2
Salamanders 1
Toads 1
Turtles 1
Ferrets 1

Chameleons
Anoles
Fish
Hermit Crabs
Sugar Gliders
Bearded Dragons


Other? Please list!

I was referring more to caged animals, but I've also gotten:
Cats 3
Horses 2
Dogs 1
Lions 1
Tigers 1

I'm posting this because a lot of people seem to be confusing the Roborovski with the Russian dwarf.

There are several types of hamsters commonly kept as pets.

Syrian - Mesocricetus auratus - AKA "Golden Hamster"
This type has many different colors and does include the "Teddy Bear Hamsters," "Panda Bear Hamsters," "Black Bear Hamsters," and "European Hamsters" that are simply color/hair length variations being exploited for more money. These are the hamsters most of us grew up with.

Dwarf - Winter White Phodopus sungorus Campbell's Phodopus sungorus campbelli and crosses thereof. - These also are exploited in different ways for more money. The fancier the name, the higher the pricetag. Examples are: "Russian Dwarf," "Siberian," and "Djungarian." Most people have seen these by now. Some have even had them. They are half the size of a Syrian, like to be kept in groups, and generally don't have a good disposition toward humans.

Roborovski - Phodopus roborovskii - These are the smallest (at least known and in captivity) in the world. They do have a high price no matter what. Expect at least a $30 each. They also like to be kept in groups. They are extremely fast runners, but are nicer than the Winter Whites and Campbell's.

Common statement: They don't bite.

Question: "They really don't bite?!"

Answer:

I've handled hundreds of them and never had a nibble. I've also worked with people that have handled just as many and had the same experience.
I've also seen little kids pick these guys up over and over, no bites.
That being said, anything with a mouth *can* bite and they do have teeth... so, take that for what it's worth.

Even I *can* bite.

Chinese - Cricetulus griseus - Not nearly as commonly seen as the ones above. Longer tail, more mouse-like looks. A fairly good disposition (from the few dozen I've seen) and a higher pricetag. It's widely debated whether or not these like to live in groups. I have kept 4 females together for about a year with no fights and recently introduced a male (a few months ago) without any problems.


I have the Dwarfs (Winter White, Campbell's and hybrids), Chinese, and Roborovskis pictured in my gallery. I haven't had a Syrian in my possession in over a year.

Comments? Questions? Know of another type in captivity? Post away on this entry!