Breeder vs animal shelter

[Fizzgig]

What is better to get a hamster from a breeder or a shelter?

[Shannonmcn]

That's a pure judgement call.

A breeder ham (if it's from a good, ethical breeder) will be more likely to be healthy and well socialised so they won't need much "taming" like a ham from a pet shop might. It's good to support breeders who do things properly and they will probably be more likely to help you out of your ham turns out to have any issues which is a brilliant resource to have.

If you rescue then you might be saving a ham from being euthanised or kept in a small cage with very little enrichment and human contact for who knows how long, maybe forever. I personally will always rescue animals instead of buying but it does come with some downsides, mainly that you don't know your hamsters real age, it's background or how well it's been treated before or any health problems it might have had in the past. You can get hamsters that have never really been properly socialised or handled or that have behavioural problems which can be a lot of work to manage. Once you get a hamster like that to trust you though there's no better feeling in the world but there are no guarantees.

[Coco61]

Shannon has given you an excellent summary. Many HC members do not have the option of a ham from a good breeder because of distance. Others love being able to adopt or rescue. If you are inexperienced with hamster care then a breeder ham is a very good way to start for all the reasons Shannon mentioned. Once you have more confidence then you can rescue one. Some members have hams from each source.

[Wanna Hamster]

All of my hammies have been rescued from shelters. Tori in particular was super healthy and happy to be handeled after 1 week. Some shelters don't have as much money and cannot properly care for the small animals such as hamsters. If you can find a rescue with healthy animals, I usually prefer it over a breeder because you are probably giving them a better home than they have ever had. Just note, breeders are not at all bad it is just my personal preference. Shannon has provided some great info on breeders.

[RachK]

I currently have a mixture. George I recently adopted from a rescue & Misty is from an unexpected litter (not mine I may add). Apple, Blossom & Holmes are all from Winterwood Hamstery & Henry & Hector are from a pet store. I think it's all down to personal choice as others have said, some people don't have access to a good local breeder or rescue. Although I had to travel to pick up my Winterwood Hamstery hams from a show (not an issue). George was delivered right to my door from Austin's Hamster Haven & I don't live near Doncaster at all.