Are Robos truly hard for beginners? - Page 2

jesselle · 06-10-2013, 03:44 AM

My hybrid is the friendliest hamster out of my 4

squishyhammy · 06-10-2013, 04:03 AM

if you get a 'ww' from a pet shop youll need to assume its a hybrid which are prone to diabetes and other health problems

Munchalot · 06-10-2013, 04:29 AM

Don't let hybridization put you off dwarfies. Yes, they can suffer from health problems because of their breeding, but all species of hamster have their health risks.
Not ALL shop dwarfs are hybrids, in fact most only have a distant trace of crossing, and they can still make wonderful pets.

I agree that the creating of hybrids is wrong, and is ruining the species, but if you are not planning to breed, there is no reason why these hams can't be enjoyed as pets. I see so many little hams stuck in that pet shop for weeks on end, never going to good homes, because people hear rumors and take opinions too seriously. They label all Russian dwarfs as problem hamsters and don't buy them, but they are so sweet. In fact, far sweeter than some of the horrid syrians we get in, that do nothing but bite and make handling near impossible.

squishyhammy · 06-10-2013, 04:45 AM

sorry if it sounded like i was trying to put you off that wasnt my intention. i wouldnt say any hamstr breed is horrid though they are all sweet i there own way hamsters only bite if felt scared it doesnt meanthey are horrible

Munchalot · 06-10-2013, 04:55 AM

Sorry, I think I was a bit strong there. :S It's just there is so much on this site about hybrids and the dangers of buying them, but whatever the breeding they can still be sweet little pets.

I didn't mean all syrians are, just some of the animals we get in. Sometimes the supplier will send in a collection of hamster stock, and they will be very aggressive. A few will stay up all day waiting for hands to descend into the cage, as which point they will rear up and show their teeth, and attack your hand before you can react! D: Others are very docile, it really depends on the selection.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 06-10-2013, 05:30 AM

I love hybrids as pets... We have six at the mo and all are fantastic. Even if someone is running so fast her wheel is making a racket at the mo

But they do come with different risks to a purebred winter white and that is something to be aware of. If you want the lowest possible diabetes risk then you do need to get a purebred winter white rather than a hybrid being advertised as one.

LavoChain · 06-10-2013, 05:45 AM

People need to know about hybrids and their health risks, just marketing them as 'nice pets' is irresponsible in my opinion. I have a hybrid in the rescue right now who is really struggling with his health, due to never being given a proper diet, just one that was loaded with sugary treats.

I don't think the rumours about hybrids are what puts people off, as most people don't know anything about hybridisation. Pet shops don't give enough information IMO.

All pet shop hams are going to have an increased likelihood of biting, as they aren't handled properly from a young age and after all that they go through it is no surprised that some bite.

In response to th OP, Robos really aren't a pet for anyone who wants something cuddly. Whether a beginner or experienced hamster owner some hamsters just won't be tamed to the point of others. With robos this scenario is more likely however it can happen with any hamster. It's quite rare in Syrians though, this coupled with their larger size is why most people start off with them.

slatted · 06-10-2013, 06:28 AM

The only reason I mentioned possible hybridisation was because the OP had seemed particularly anxious not to have a diabetes prone species so was relevant to that fact.

Sanctuary · 06-10-2013, 07:30 AM

I got my WW from a petshop and she is the sweetest thing in the world. (just one persons opinion though)

At first she needed a small wheel because she was too tiny to move a bigger one but as she grew I gave her bigger ones.
She was rather skittish in her tank for quite a few months but once out and held she was so calm and tame. Not all WW are perfect but they are one of the tamest dwarfs.

I now have two robo's that are about 6 months old. I have been taming them for a week and although they do not bite, they are going to take a long time to trust and allow me to hold them. I have the time and patience with this but if I did not have my syrian and WW to hold and cuddle then not being able to touch the Robo's would drive me mad.

Good luck whatever you choose as only you know what you want from a hamster xx

**kyrilliondaemon** · 06-10-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slatted

The only reason I mentioned possible hybridisation was because the OP had seemed particularly anxious not to have a diabetes prone species so was relevant to that fact.

I agree your post was relevant

I posted mostly in response to Munchalot since I feel its important for people potentially taking on a hybrid to be aware of the potential differences between hybrids and purebred winter whites. I love hybrids but still wouldn't advise one over a pure winter white for someone who wanted a pure winter white

Oh I also adore robos (and have three) but wouldn't advise them for someone who wants a cuddly pet, as a lot of robos won't be quite as easily tamed as other species.