Pet shop vs breeder - Page 2

Louis1d1million · 06-07-2016, 02:15 PM

Yes thank you

- the breeder got back to me and said that she won't have any babies untill next month , however she has a white satin short haired girl who has dark grey ears who is very sweet but 8 months old. So now I'm not sure what to do. To be totally honest I will probably end up going with the pets at home option however they do now have a adoption section at the back of the store so I will check there before I look at the others x

Sorry the last two replies didn't show untill I posted my response - don't want to sound ignorant. I would love to rescue or adopt a hamster however I can't find anywhere near me that I could do that ?

Awww and that is super cute that you have waited all that time for your dream hamster xx

Fluffagrams · 06-07-2016, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis1d1million

Sorry the last two replies didn't show untill I posted my response - don't want to sound ignorant. I would love to rescue or adopt a hamster however I can't find anywhere near me that I could do that ?

Where abouts do you live? Just a rough area should give us a starting point of where we might be able to suggest.

Louis1d1million · 06-08-2016, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffagrams

Where abouts do you live? Just a rough area should give us a starting point of where we might be able to suggest.

i live in milton keynes, uk

Fluffagrams · 06-08-2016, 10:58 AM

There's an RSPCA centre in Buckinghamshire and there's also an Animal Rescue called HULA Animal Rescue that rehomes various animals as do BARKS that might be worth bearing in mind too.

I think someone has already mentioned the adoption centres in Pets at Home too, they usually have hamsters. Some of which will be returns, others may be there because they haven't sold from the store stock.

Hopefully that'll give you an idea on where to start.

Rodent Fan · 06-08-2016, 01:08 PM

Not sure if you've thought about this, but there is also the option of looking on websites such as gumtree, preloved or pets4homes. There are often people selling hamsters there, either babies from casual breeders (or accidental litters) or older hamsters needing rehoming (often free to a good home).

I keep mice, and as they are rarely sold in pet shops, this is usually the route I have to use. Compared to pet shop pets, these pets have usually been handled more regularly (and from a young age if babies), meaning that they are less likely to be skittish or bitey. They probably won't be as well bred as hamsters from "proper breeders", but then neither are pet shop hamsters. Just something to consider

RachK · 06-09-2016, 05:30 AM

All my current hams & ones in the past are/were from a variety...breeders, rescues, pet shops. It's always a hard decision...three of my current ones, George, Bill & Ted are from Austin's Hamster Haven. Rescues do get babies in & this one currently does. My current three WW's however the breeder has stopped now.

michyLS · 06-09-2016, 12:55 PM

We got our hamster from Gumtree. I was on there looking for a second hand cage and saw an advert for a russian dwarf hamster & cage that were free to a good home. We went to look and brought him home with us and he's lovely! He was being rehomed because the lady's daughter had lost interest in him. So its always worth looking on Gumtree too, I'm so glad we rehomed him!

Louis1d1million · 06-10-2016, 09:41 AM

thanks all

ive done my best to find a local breeder but all seem to not be having any babies untill next month and so i will keep a eye on gumtree etc but if not will probably stick to pet shop x

**Bec** · 06-10-2016, 11:35 AM

Hi, just caught eye of this thread. My previous two Syrians were from breeders, bread for temperament and colours and usually tame as they have been used to being handled.

We have just got a new addition, Pluto who was from a hamster rescue. It might be a consideration if any in your area. He was rescued as a pup and we've had him 2 weeks, he's smaller in size but last weigh was 132g so a good size for his age, but in terms of taming he seems quite a gentle ham. Very rewarding too.

Hope this helps in your search

**ImoT** · 06-10-2016, 02:20 PM

I would say neither pet shop nor breeder...go to a rescue. I got my ham Shirley from the RSPCA and apart from some bar chewing issues she's been great. She's now in a ferplast Duna maxi with the water bottle holes covered up and we've had no more chewing issues. She was also tame as soon as she arrived and loves being handled.

The RSPCA got her checked by a vet and made sure she was healthy enough to be rehomed so it's a much safer option than going to a pet shop.

I was considering a breeder originally but I am so glad I didn't get a breeder ham in the end!