Skip to content

Are Basenji's okay with Hamsters?

Basenji Talk
  • We have an adorable Basenji mix. Our son wants a hamster. We aren't sure this is a good idea to get a hamster or not. Has anyone had this experience and can offer any advise?

  • I would say, be careful. I walk by two rabbits in a cage outside a neighbour's house every day, and our lovely sisters lunge and scream every time.

  • I think you are just asking for trouble... however if you do, be sure that the room where the Hamster is kept has a door and is kept shut tight.

  • A Basenji would love a hampster! Oh, you didn't mean for lunch?? Seriously, good advice from tanza. Care will be needed. My first Basenji (after she had moved on to a new home) dispatched the neighbour's Easter Bunny. Talk about trauma for the kids.....

  • We don't keep anything that low on the food chain anymore.
    -Joanne

  • Short answer- NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Basenjis are hunters and most will do anything in their power to get to the critters in their environment. Mine spend most of their outdoor time looking for chipmunks that live under the shed. If you decided to get the hamster it will have to be kept in a room where the basenji can't go. I have and do keep basenjis and small animals in the same house but they aren't allowed near them. I don't think they even know I have the geckos and snake!

    Some dogs are fine with small critters but I personally would not let them near each other. It's not worth the risk in my opinion. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye!

    Also, rats make much better pets for kids than hamsters. ;)

Suggested Topics

  • Basenji's & Weather

    Basenji Talk
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    5k Views
    K
    B's don't like rain but even in Holland there is always a dry spell to walk them. When it's cold, they wear coats, if it is wamere and it rains, the wear raincoats. It works fine! Enjoy!
  • I have ''issues'' with my basenji, can you help ?

    Basenji Talk
    33
    0 Votes
    33 Posts
    23k Views
    YodelMaY
    Ladybasenji, where are you in Quebec? Montreal? We have a place in Gatineau (Aylmer sector) and one of my dogs might even be related to yours. You're experiences with your girl remind me so much of my first basenji, about 20 years ago–it gets easier, I swear! Let me know if you'd like help with Lady--they're nothing like labs and will never be "obedient" but there are tricks for training them : D
  • Your basenji's tricks

    Basenji Talk
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    10k Views
    LyshL
    @Whoalookitsme: Does anyone have any videos of these lovely tricks :) I done one not long ago but I didn't like it and deleted it. But I do plan in making a new one in the following weeks :D ill share when I do
  • It's raining.. it's pouring.. my lovely morning.

    Basenji Talk
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    2k Views
    S
    Lol, they are major heat slugs when it cold/wet aren't they!?
  • Having the Flu with Basenji's

    Basenji Talk
    19
    0 Votes
    19 Posts
    5k Views
    ChaseandZahrasmomC
    I don't have the flu but I am home from work today because I am going to get a shot in my foot to kill a nerve. I am nervous beyond words and Chase and Zahra have been cuddled up with me all morning which really has helped to keep me calm. I wonder if the podiatrist would mind them coming into the office with me for the shot? :D
  • Basenji's and Puppies

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    lvossL
    @spitfirekrl1: He doesn't seem to mind much he pretty much ignores it except when she pins him and he ends up on his back. Then he'll start snapping at her face which doesn't seem to steer her away from her objective (we have no idea what that is at this point). When she pins him she wants submission. She wants him to not struggle and nip and he should calm before she lets him go. Momma dogs do this to their puppies, it is part of puppy education. They do it most to the puppies that are the most pushy usually. In our last litter, Zeke always expected to get his way and he was the one who was pinned by both mom and Rio the most. He learned that by submitting he was allowed to go back to play. When he crossed the line, by playing too rough or invading the adults personal space he was pinned. He learned the limits to play and how to behave appropriately with adults from this. The other pups would get the same treatment but less because they didn't push those boundaries as much.