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Old 07-30-2005, 04:45 AM   #1
jennifer01
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Default Help with choices for a new hamster owner

Can you help? What is the best hammy for a newbie to the hammy world, and where can I get hamsters from? Is it just pet shops?



thanks





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Old 07-30-2005, 05:01 AM   #2
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You will get lots of advice from more knowledgeable people, but I went for a Syrian as they are bigger and more easy to handle. They are calmer than the smaller breeds and as you only have one, there is no chance of them being sexed wrong and ending up with a hoard of hamsters.

I would look about for some rescue centres (where about are you?) I am sure people on this board will know of someone/somewhere near to you.



I got my lovely little girl Syrian from Babyboos, her name is Mimosa and she is a soft sweet thing.
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Old 07-30-2005, 05:03 AM   #3
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I live in Hampshire, Portsmouth.... I know there is a RSPCA a few miles away (but I have no car... Well my stepdad does, but he is at work a lot... So I wish it was nearer... But yeah the RSPCA is a good idea



Are there any other rescues in my area I don't know about?



Thanks



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Old 07-30-2005, 05:05 AM   #4
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P.S. What litter is best for hamsters and what cage is best, wire cage, an add-on type cage or tanks?



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Old 07-30-2005, 05:57 AM   #5
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Hi Jenny - read all the articles. A lot is pesonal choice but buy the biggest cage you can afford. We prefer the plastic tank type cages as hams cannot knaw the bars and hurt their noses. We prefer the dust extracted wood shavings but some can be allergic to this so carefresh may suit you. Glass tanks are heavy to clean. I would go for a syrian but remember one animal to a cage so I would stick with one. If you can get a ham from a breeder that would be best as it is likely to be tamer and healthier. Look for a breeder nearbye on SOE Hamster club www.soehamsterclub.com and I expect they might help you out. Keep us posted.
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Old 07-30-2005, 01:24 PM   #6
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thanks alot hun, and btw cute hammy



How much would you say a hammy costs per week/month aprox? Need 2 give all this info 2 my mum u see.



thanks



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Old 07-31-2005, 07:04 AM   #7
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When deciding what kind of hamster is best for you its important to think about what you would like to get out of a relationship with your ham. I would suggest for a first time hamster owner to get a Syrian hamster, as they are larger, cuddlier and easy to handle.



The dwarf species are all generally a bit more rowdy and swift when being handled. They are also communal meaning they need a cage mate or two to live with in the same cage. Dwarfs aren’t as tame and cuddly as their larger Syrian cousins.



Syrians are very prone to a problem called wet tails which is almost always fatal. And its most commonly found in hamsters purchase from pet stores since the breeding is usually more about quantity then quality. So in this case it may be best to look for a breeder in your area, or another good place to look it in your local animal shelters, you might be surprised to see how many homeless hams end up in shelters. If they are adults then they are probably less likely to catch wet tail.



There are many kind of cages out there, I prefer aquariums or bin cages. Please take the time to read up some of the information on the Hamster Central Website. There is information about all the species of hamsters available on the markets as well as care, feeding, cages ailments and helpful articles.



Here are some HC links to get you started..



About Syrians

http://www.hamstercentral.com/syrianhamsters.htm



About Caging http://www.hamstercentral.com/hamsterhome.htm



About Making Bin Cages http://www.hamstercentral.com/generalarticles.htm



Other Helpfull Articles http://www.hamstercentral.com/healtharticles.htm



Hamster Care http://www.hamstercentral.com/hamstercare.htm



And there is so much more on Hamster Central to brows throught.



Hamsters are fairly inexpensive; you just need to first purchase all the other pricey things up front which are cage accessories, a cage, food and a hamster. I don’t think you would spend more then 20 bucks a month on a single hamster, One bag of food lasts a while, an extra would be treats and other cage accessories you want to buy :P



You can save a load of money buy making a custom bin cage, which are usually larger and lighter, there are so many advantages to them.



Of course you need to keep vet bills in mind. All animals should have the right to be treated by a vet if sick, no matter how large or small, So if its your parents paying for the expenses you need to sit down with them and make sure that they are in fact willing to take on the responsibility of owning the hamster themselves and are willing to spend some money on a vet bill if need be. If you are paying them make sure you can afford a vet bill or put a saving fund aside just incase.
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Old 07-31-2005, 11:09 AM   #8
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Thanks. Glad you like Nelson. He is a black eyed cream boy and I got him from a breeder for £2.50 so a lot cheaper than a pet shop ham. If you can get to a show you can usually buy hams there from breeders and also pick up lots of tips. You will have to, as Candace says discuss it all with your folks but hopefully you will be able to sort it out. You may be able to pick up a second hand cage. Look in local shops, papers etc or even e-bay for bargains with your parents permission. You can make your own toys and hamster food is not expensive. I'd say about maybe £1 a week max for one ham. Get Harry Hamster if you can as it is a quality food. Some shops add sugar which is not good for hams. Never use fluffy bedding. Torn paper (without ink) like kitchen roll is best. I hope you get a hamster as they are great.
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Old 08-02-2005, 03:51 PM   #9
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thanks everyone! you have all been so welcoming



thanks alot
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Old 08-03-2005, 07:32 AM   #10
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hows the search for the hamster going Jenny?
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