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Old 06-04-2018, 02:20 PM   #1
sharonc
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Default Pet shop or breeder

Where do people get their hamsters from, a pet shop or a breeder? I know pet shops can have bad reviews but my hamster lived until nearly 2 from one. I really love long haired Syrians and pet shops never seem to have any, are they quite rare?

Last edited by Fluffagrams; 06-04-2018 at 03:03 PM. Reason: Removed store names
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Old 06-04-2018, 03:24 PM   #2
Fluffagrams
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

Breeders will be breeding with optimum health in mind whereas pet shops, due to the nature of the business are not able to invest the same amount of time it takes but even that is not a guarantee that your hamster will necessarily live longer than one from a pet shop. Long haired hamsters aren’t rare but pet shops will usually sell whatever they have in from their suppliers so if you’re looking for something specific then going to a breeder may be a better option. Hamsters from breeders will usually have been given a head-start on taming too as many breeders will handle them from an early age to help them in their interactions with humans.

The downside to this is that breeders will often have waiting lists and unless you can get to a show where several breeders are selling excess hamsters from litters, or are prepared to travel then you may be limited to what is available in your area.
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Old 06-04-2018, 08:23 PM   #3
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

I always recommend you choose a breeder first. Buying from a breeder helps to support them, promotes the ethical breeding of hamsters, and forwards genetic studies and knowledge. It also doesn’t support the inhumane practices that most chain pet stores exercise. If you can’t buy from a breeder, a rescue would be my second recommendation. Check local ads and classifieds, there’s usually a surprising number of people who no longer wish to care for their rodents, and will give them away to a loving home.

Of course, sometimes we have no choice other than a pet shop. In which case, don’t beat yourself up over it. As long as you provide your ham with love, and a good home, that’s all that really matters.

Best of luck with whatever you do end up doing!
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Old 06-04-2018, 10:37 PM   #4
sharonc
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

Thank you, I will look for breeders in my area in the first instance.
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Old 06-05-2018, 12:59 PM   #5
flowerfairy
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

I have bought from both and realised that I feel better about buying from a breeder. I am already on a breeders waiting list for when my darling long haired cream syrian comes to the end of his days. He is over 2 and going strong.

Good luck finding a hamster.
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Old 06-05-2018, 01:41 PM   #6
Nancy's Hamsters
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

If you must use a pet store then try to find a smaller independent owned one as often they buy pups from pet owner unplanned litters or a Breeder may sell them some nice but not quality enough to use as a breeder Hamsters. I believe these stores are referred to as "Mom and Pop" Stores in the UK and "Independently owned" stores in the USA.

One store I know of in my city only sells Breeder bred pocket pets which includes Chinchillas and Fancy Rats, and mice. They also have a list of breeders of reptiles which they offer to any customer seeking a Reptile.

It's really nice as when they sell a breeder raised pet they also send the animal home with a card with the e-mail to the breeder so you can actually contact the breeder to gain more information on the animal purchased and on some you get a pedigree or can e-mail for a pedigree.
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Old 06-06-2018, 12:40 AM   #7
sharonc
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

I can't find any breeders close by so I'll look at independent shops, it's not easy trying to do the right thing.
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Old 06-06-2018, 04:56 AM   #8
Burakki
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

I personally prefer breeders because their hamsters are usually bigger and healthier, and are not as skittish due to being treated with care,unlike what happens in pet stores.

But! Though I totally support the idea that pet shops should either not sell pets or care for them MUCH better, I don’t think that buying a hamster there is such a big problem. The price you’d pay for a hammy is nonexistent for a pet shore’s economical situation. But, if you get a ham from there, you will most likely save his life and give him a home he deserves. Whenever I enter a pet shore, my heart hurts for all the pets there and I really want to give them all a home.

So, don’t feel bad about buying from a pet store. It won’t change anything for the store, but it will change everything for the hamster.
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Old 06-06-2018, 05:44 AM   #9
astridhammys
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Default Re: Pet shop or breeder

I think you should always try and adopt a hamster, this way you save a lot of money and you are rescuing a hamster.
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