The best replacement for hamsters is gerbils.

The best alternatives to hamsters are rated as following:
★★★★★  gerbils
★★★★  guinea pigs
★★★  rats
★★★  mice
★  dwarf hamsters
★  gerbil
  syrian
  syrian hamsters
  dwarf
  hamsters
  gunnie pigs
  rabbits
  female hamsters

Your alternative for hamsters is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about hamsters, one probably shouldn't forget about wet tail.

Other search terms related to hamsters and their ratings are:
★★★★★ wet tail
You have in mind a companion for hamsters and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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hamsters
gerbils
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