Re: Is this a Satin Coat?
No each hamster gets one gene from mum and one gene from dad. A satin hamster would have one satin gene and one non satin gene. An egg or sperm would get one or the other. When mated to a non satin hamster the ones who get a satin gene (which shows as a satin coat because it is dominant over a non satin gene) will have satin coats and the ones who don't will be normal. Each egg or sperm in theory has a 50% chance of getting satin so in theory 50% of the litter should be satin but in practice it seldom works that way.
You didn't support the rodent farms in that these hamsters are born and need homes. The main issues are the lack of human contact and the chances of illness.
UK rodent farms are strictly regulated and pet stores do not want to get a reputation for stocking poor quality pets. Remember they are only there for a short time and the life you give them when you adopt them is what matters. They will always exist because of the demand for pets and in my experience pet stores are on the whole very caring of the animals they stock.
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