I had hamsters as a young child, and whilst I got very upset when they died, I always wanted another one. I learnt loads and life, death and responsibility. We had two 'females' to start with and it wasn't until we found 12 babies we realised that wasn't true. It wasn't pleasant tbh as the mum started eating them as she was too young and couldn't cope with so many babies so my sister and I hand reared 5 of them successfully. It depends on the child I think, but they suited me very well. I even had some at uni. They can be very entertaining and it is well worth getting them a hamster ball or large cage with assault course. yes I got bitten occasionally but I usually deserved it and it really didn't matter.