Hamsters are friendly and easy to keep animals.  They don't take to much space and are a relative quiet pet.  That's why hamsters are the number one pet for a lot of people.  They sleep nearly all day and start getting active during the evening.  Most people only know the golden hamster but you would be surprised how many species there are.  Make sure you have a wheel in their cage so they get a lot of exercise and it is also something to keep them busy.  Hamsters don't see very well but smell and hear excellent.  The word hamster comes from the German word hamstern which means : to hoard.  They have expandable cheekpouches which they use to carry food and bedding around.