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Old 09-12-2017, 04:53 AM   #1
Aimeehammy
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Default Am i a bad pet owner?

Hello, i have lately been worrying that i am not a good owner for my pets. I have 6 hamsters and 5 mice.. they all have at least 100x50cm cages, they are clean, always fed and have fresh water, treats, lots of hideaways and toys,vets when needed and they get time in play pen each except one hamster who seems to find is stressing when he gos in there so i leave him in the cage..reason i am worrying is that i handle them when needed but i dont hold them to play with, does this make a bad owner, should i not get more little animals because i dont play with the ones i have got?
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Old 09-12-2017, 06:43 PM   #2
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

Handling certain pets just isn't necessary for them to thrive.Sometimes as owners we have to accept the individual desires of hamsters,especially when it comes to being handled,so I wouldn't say it's a reason to never get more pets That ultimately comes down to being able to provide species appropriate care and give individual attention(as appropriate,some pets being better off with less interaction as mentioned).
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Old 09-12-2017, 08:05 PM   #3
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

I don't believe that you are a bad pet owner or that you should not get any more in the future. As long as they are happy, cared for, loved, and given the right living arrangements and stimulation, then you are a good pet owner who will give animals a wonderful home. As AmityvilleHams pointed out, some animals are better off with less human interaction when possible because sometimes their stress and fear outweighs any potential benefit that handling may provide for other pets. Each individual animal is unique and special, and you will just have to let each one dictate how much and when handling is needed and/or desired in order to truly have that pet's well being in mind. I'm sure you take excellent care of your little ones and love them. Don't let the lack of holding one more fearful and skittish one make you have doubts and prevent you from giving loving, forever homes to others in the future as long as you have the time, space, monetary ability, and heart to open up your home to another. Enjoy your little, fluffy family.
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Old 09-13-2017, 06:40 AM   #4
flowerfairy
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

I dont handle my 8 hamsters very much. They have play time in their play boxes every once in a while and have good sized cages.

I would let them out more but I am often asleep before they are up!

Getting some mice soon. What cage do you have for yours? Would love to see pics as I am looking for set up ideas.
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Old 09-13-2017, 09:43 PM   #5
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

No, you're not a bad owner, you have them all in large homes with plenty of toys, just because you don't handle them as much doesn't mean you love them less.
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Old 09-16-2017, 05:14 AM   #6
Aimeehammy
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

thankyou all i really appreciate it! just felt so guilty i didnt handle them to play , i find when i do try to hold them they only try to run away anyway so i put them in a playpen
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Old 09-16-2017, 05:15 AM   #7
Aimeehammy
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

Quote:
Originally Posted by flowerfairy View Post
I dont handle my 8 hamsters very much. They have play time in their play boxes every once in a while and have good sized cages.

I would let them out more but I am often asleep before they are up!

Getting some mice soon. What cage do you have for yours? Would love to see pics as I am looking for set up ideas.
I have the barney cage from zooplus! i have just put in 3 wheels and some flying saucers with alot of seagrass and hay toys as they love to destroy them to make bedding!:P
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Old 09-16-2017, 05:37 AM   #8
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

As loving pet owners, it is always natural for us to wonder if there is any more that we can do to give our loving pet family the very best life has to offer. I am sure that you are doing an excellent job and loving your fluffies very, very much. Some individuals may just prefer being watched and loved without the more consistent cuddling and one-on-one physical attention. Please try not to be so hard on yourself or have any more doubts. Know in the bottom of your heart that you ARE a loving and caring pet parent and just thoroughly enjoy the time you have with them. Have fun and hugs to you.
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Old 09-16-2017, 07:50 AM   #9
GhostsInSnow
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

You're not a bad owner hun. If you think, breeders like myself have multiple hammies and if we got every single one out every day for an hours playtime...well there wouldn't be enough hours in the day. Also not every hamster WANTS to be out every day. Some of my Chinesey's are there waiting for cuddles every day, some of them prefer to be left alone and gotten out every other day. You gauge it on each animal and what they personally want/need. As long as they have everything they need and vet care when they need it (which you've said they do) as long as they're not left in the cages 24/7 and never get any attention then don't worry
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Old 09-16-2017, 02:48 PM   #10
Aimeehammy
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Default Re: Am i a bad pet owner?

aw thankyou all! i really appreciate you all taking the time to comment, although i feel like a bad owner now, can any of you check out my recent post and see if you can provide any help and advice? thankyou very much
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