Where to buy a robo?

[ShanRICK]

So this will be my first ever hamster or actual pet. I've done tonnes of research on everything I'd need for one, but I need some tips on where to get one.

I was hoping to get one as young as possible so that I have a better chance of taming it (I know robos are notoriously hard to tame), and also since they have fairly short lifespans. What is the youngest/best age to get a robo? I heard its around 8 weeks

Also, as much as I know there are many rescue hamster out there that need homes, or other people who have hamsters that need rehoming, which I would love to adopt, but I think I would find that too difficult for my first ever pet.

So I'm wondering what are the best places to buy robos or where to get them from. I know many people get them from pet shops, but I always worry about the pets kept there, in case they are neglected or just never handled, making them even harder to tame. Unless there are some very good pet shops out there, I was hoping to either get one from a breeder, or maybe from someone who's hamster has just had babies. I have been on Google, but I was wondering if anyone of you had tips or suggestions on how to find a breeder/someone whos robo has/or will be having a litter they want to sell. Also, if anyone knows of any breeders or etc in my area that would be really helpful!

So in summary:
Are there any good pet shops to buy a robo? I've heard Pets at Home is a good store.
Any robo breeders anyone knows in my area?
Other websites to find someone who's hamster has had a litter? Would something like gumtree or preloved be okay?

Oh, and I live in North London, so I'd want to find one as close to home as possible, but I'm perfectly fine to travel a bit further out to get one.

Thanks! I'd really appreciate any advise.

[flowerfairy]

I have managed to track one down locally but its via our local pet shop. No breeders or rescues (with them available) near me.

You may want to try your local shop. Trouble with pet shops is they dont necessarily use decent breeders (I am thinking of pets at home here).

I would go for the preloved or gumtree route. I have tried that myself recently but no one near me atm.

I expect after Christmas will be a good time once the kids have all had time to get bored ...

[ShanRICK]

Thank you! I emailed an independent pet shop that's a bit further out from me to find out the age of their robos but they still haven't gotten back to me.

That's a good point about waiting until after Christmas. I was sort of hoping to get one before, but I guess I'll just have to keep checking preloved and gumtree. I'm still trying to find some breeders near me, but haven't found anything so far.

Thanks for the advice again

Edit: Oh, also, if anyone knows any breeders near Eastbourne that would also be helpful. I often go there on weekends, so I wouldn't mind going on a detour on the drive back to London.

[flowerfairy]

I want one now now now as well but the local pet shop can get one (or more) in January if I havent got one by then.

I may be getting one from Austins Hamsters in Yorkshire if the petrol isnt too much.

Good luck with your search. Look forward to meeting your lovely once he/she is with you.

[ShanRICK]

Well hopefully you'll be able to get one before then.

Thank you! & good luck with your search too. I'd love to see photos too once your future ham is home and settled

[Coco61]

ShanRICk, I don't know where you are in London but I dropped in at my local P@H on my way home from work today and sneaked a quick look at the hammies. Didn't spend long looking in case I was tempted but I noticed at least one robo for adoption and I think one for sale as well.
Also spotted a sleeping chinesey so they are around too.
If you are interested I can tell you which branch.

[ShanRICK]

Oh thank you, sounds great Coco61! Yeah, I'd be interested in finding out what branch. Even if it's not local to me, I don't mind travelling.

[Coco61]

It was the branch in Manor Road, Richmond.

[ShanRICK]

Thank you Coco61! I actually live im North London, almost North West. It would be an hour drive to that branch, but that's not even bad considering the other robos for sale I'd seen have been in other cities! Plus I know people who have traveled further to get their pets. I contacted a pet shop in Hemmel Hempstead selling robos but they still haven't gotten back to me. I'll also check out my local branches of P@H. Thank you again for that option.

[Coco61]

Good idea to check locally first. If you do decide on a longer trip then perhaps a phone call first to check on current robo availability.