Getting a new Hamster

[RubyDG]

I just feel like sharing so feel free to ignore my rambling

I was supposed to move house 10th February but that didn't happen, we pulled out at the last minute for various boring reasons I'll not go into. I had decided that I was going to wait until I moved house and settled before getting a new hamster, which I thought was pretty sensible . We are still on the lookout for another place but it may be some time before we do actually move. Therefore I have decided that there is no possible way I have enough patience to wait indefinitely so on Friday I am off to go pick up a new furry bundle.

I have some mixed feelings to be honest. I really really wanted a breeder hamster. Mostly because I want a healthy well tempered hamster that stands a good chance of living a long life. But I have had zero luck in finding any breeders here in Scotland, there were one or two listed breeders but after numerous attempts I have been unable to contact any of them so I've given up. I then decided that I would keep a lookout for an 'oops' litter, one where although the parents would be pet shop hamsters the babies would have been well handled and likely half tame already. No luck there either despite keeping an eye out for ages. I am dead set on another Syrian and it looks like most people in my area who do have hamsters have dwarfs. Then I decided to check rescues - there is only one local rescue centre and they have none, even the Pets at Home adoption section doesn't have any.

So my only option it seems is to buy a baby from my local Pets at Home. My local branch does not have the best reputation plus I am doubtful that they actually get their hamsters from what we would consider a reputable breeder. But I went and called them and they are getting a bunch of hamsters in on Thursday and they recommended that I go in on Friday. So that's the current plan. I am busy setting up my Detolf again and getting all my bits and pieces ready. Half of me thinks I should hold out but the sensible part of me thinks that I am unlikely to get a hamster any other way. I'm a little nervous and just hoping I can find the right little boy to bring home.

[flowerfairy]

Are there any small pet shops near you at all? They may have a small breeder supplying them. I got three of my hamsters from such a shop and they are all lovely and healthy.

Wherever you find one, I wish you the best of luck finding your next hamster friend.

[ladyntramp002]

I wish you the best of luck! Whatever you decide the hammie that does happen to go home with you will be extremely lucky!

[Cinnamon Bear]

That's a good idea FF suggested Have fun with your soon to be new hammy

[Drago]

I understand the struggle, there's so few breeders here in the US! Now though it's not the best thing to support chain pet stores, it's not the worst thing in the world either so don't get too down on yourself for thinking of getting a pet store ham or if in the end you decide to! Have you considered rescuing? A local shelter or a site like Scotland's version of Craigslist may have have hamsters in need of homes! I hope you do find a breeder as that sounds like it's your overall goal (unfortunately I'm not familiar with any in your area). Good luck in your search and if you do get a ham, make sure to share lots of pictures

[Pebbles82]

Ooh how exciting! I'm so glad you're getting another hammy. I also know how hard it is to find hammies in your area without going to a pet shop. A lot of private adverts are out of date. I noticed the RSPCA hardly seems to have any hamsters any more when I look - except in a couple of locations in the south of England.

I am sure your hamster will find you when you go to look

Sorry about the house move falling through - these things are so stressful - but sounds like it was meant to be.

[chesca_27]

I'm sorry you are having such bad luck finding a ham! If you don't have any other options, then there is nothing wrong with getting a pet shop ham. I am very fortunate to live extremely close to a well-respected breeder, but I understand it may be difficult (I spent months looking for single guinea pigs).

Smaller pet shops may treat their hams better, as FF said.

[InkyPen]

You could also have a look on Gumtree - there are often hamsters that are clearly in need of an upgrade to their present living situation ("kids have lost interest", tiny cages etc. etc.) on there.

[cypher]

Good luck with getting your new little man Ruby, I'm sure there's someone special just waiting for you

This reminded me a little of when I finally decided I was ready for a new Chinese & had to spend hours trawling the internet & making fruitless phone calls eventually thinking I would never find one anywhere again! If the pet shop is your only option I wouldn't stress over it just go for it & enjoy the one you find!

[AmityvilleHams]

What matters is providing the love and care that any animal needs,not necessarily where they come from!While some sources are better than others,that doesn't mean anyone should feel forced or guilty for not using a source they either can't use or don't feel comfortable using