As far as choosing a pet between hamster, rat, and, hedgehog..... what exactly are you wanting out of a pet? If you want a cuddler, a hedgehog may not be the #1 choice. I like hamsters a lot, but, I would definitely get a rat. I've had multiple rodent type pets, and, rats have been the best so far. I did love my guinea pig, though, with all my heart. But, they are very timid at first, and, not as trainable (as far as I know). But, they are lots of fun. Mine, Angus, used to run around like a little bucking horse (I think they call the action popcorning), and, he would just pop up in one spot. I have him on video when he was just about five or six months old, and, it still cracks me up to watch him!