Where are the hamsters?

[sushi_78]

Originally Posted by Celestial

And why shouldn't people be buying pets now? What if your hamster died and you want another furry friend to comfort you in these trying times!?
Do they think people will hoard rodents as food?

The issue is that in the UK people are being told to only go out for essential shopping and a few other reasons, and everyone that goes out to buy a hamster is another person out that doesn't need to be. Every animal we own results in trips outside for food and vet care, and while that can't be neglected for the animals we already have, there's no need to be buying new animals. Families are also more likely to all go out together to buy a pet, which is a lot of people in one store.

[Fluffagrams]

Originally Posted by Celestial

Poor hamsters! I hope they're getting attention! Pet stores don't usually have the best of accommodations...
And why shouldn't people be buying pets now? What if your hamster died and you want another furry friend to comfort you in these trying times!?
Do they think people will hoard rodents as food?

I think it's down to the fact that in the UK we are pretty much in a case of lockdown so only essential trips (to buy food and medication, access medical facilities etc) are permitted. Essential trips includes purchasing pet food and bedding but does not include purchasing new pets so I guess to be responsible, they have removed the option.

As a breeder and Publicity Officer for The National Hamster Council, I have seen an increase in the amount of people asking for availabe hamsters however many club breeders are also not willing to rehome until this lockdown has lifted.

[Corbeens]

Does anyone know if P@h do long-haired syrians? I really want to adopt a syrian and as a lot of them will be put up for adoption due to their age I think after this lockdown would be a good time. Also I have my heart set on a long-haired syrian male but I could always be swayed.

[Pebbles82]

Its a bit of an unknown what will happen with pet stores etc after lockdown periods end but when hamster shows start up again, maybe you could go along to one as there are often hamsters available

I think the rush to get pets was as soon as the lockdown was announced, so as to get sorted before they couldn't go out any more. There may be some rare exceptions in a case of emergency possibly if rescue places ask for help.

[Jadetooth]

I tried my hardest to get a rescue but at 4pm before lockdown I had a premonition (just kidding) and tang all the pet shops around, an independent one had three left and now I have a hamster.

They were also a great shop so I’d definitely it rly go back after lockdown. I did all the payment and questionnaire over the phone so I just turned up, pointed, signed and left in my mask and gloves. They thought I was crazy.

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by Jadetooth

and now I have a hamster.

Well done you for getting in there before they disappeared. I'd love to see a photo of your hamster once she/he is settled, please.

I can't find any information regarding rescue animals, specifically hamsters and don't know what rules apply in a Lockdown situation.
They are no longer in the pet shops but they are still for sale or going free in the small ads.
It's permitted to walk a dog so would it be ok to collect an unwanted hamster?
If anyone knows where to find an answer please let me know. I think the government guidelines regarding the Lockdown are a bit vague and need to be more detailed. Its almost like they've forgotten about the smaller animals

[AmityvilleHams]

Walking dogs and collecting hamsters are two very different things Ria P. One is unavoidable and absolutely essential for the welfare of current pets - the other involves an unnecessary and dangerous choice to go out and buy or adopt a new pet who you a) do not need(not the nice way to put it but this is just me being realistic and blunt), b) are putting the entire society at risk for by taking an unnecessary non-essential trip for, and c) you also cannot necessarily guarantee reliable future supplies or even current supplies in many cases for.

I know a lot of people might get offended when I put it this way, but we have to consider society above our wants(not needs). I understand that there are hamsters in need of homes, but at the end of the day countless human lives have to be put before that even if it is incredibly painful. I can speak to that personally as I really did want to get more pets, but it would be incredibly irresponsible of me to get more pets who cannot have guaranteed species appropriate care with proper supplies.

Those trying to sell or rehome hamsters are also being irresponsible if I'm being honest. I've said it before and I'll say it again - now is not the time to be getting new pets of any species.

[Vierville]

http://https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2020-03-25-no-dog-walking-no-alcohol-sold-during-lockdown/

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

Walking dogs and collecting hamsters are two very different things Ria P. One is unavoidable and absolutely essential for the welfare of current pets - the other involves an unnecessary and dangerous choice to go out and buy or adopt a new pet who you a) do not need(not the nice way to put it but this is just me being realistic and blunt), b) are putting the entire society at risk for by taking an unnecessary non-essential trip for, and c) you also cannot necessarily guarantee reliable future supplies or even current supplies in many cases for.

I know a lot of people might get offended when I put it this way, but we have to consider society above our wants(not needs). I understand that there are hamsters in need of homes, but at the end of the day countless human lives have to be put before that even if it is incredibly painful. I can speak to that personally as I really did want to get more pets, but it would be incredibly irresponsible of me to get more pets who cannot have guaranteed species appropriate care with proper supplies.

Those trying to sell or rehome hamsters are also being irresponsible if I'm being honest. I've said it before and I'll say it again - now is not the time to be getting new pets of any species.

I have a slightly different viewpoint AmityvilleHams. I respect your view and I understand your concerns but I think that to be quite honest things are being taken a bit too far with the fear being drummed up throughout the world.

Actively going and seeking out a new pet is, I agree with you, unnecessary right now. In my country all pet stores are closed anyway so no supplies are available and ALL delivery services of every kind have been banned for an initial 21 days so getting supplies would be impossible.

Picking up an unwanted or neglected hamster as a person involved in hamster rescue in a prearranged pickup, however, where both parties have no direct contact, wear the appropriate masks and gloves and sanitise the carrier handle etc poses far less danger than going to perform an essential task like getting groceries or medication which thousands of people are doing every day. There is no need for ascetic self-denial "for the greater good" when realistically there is no extra danger to anyone involved.

In my opinion, we have a non-negociable duty as decent human beings to never forget our responsibility to care for the animals we as a species have placed in a position of total dependence on us. Their wellbeing if they are in need or distress is just as important to me as the wellbeing of another person.

Here in South Africa, we are in day three of our initial 21 day lockdown. All animal welfare organisations have been shut and ALL dog walking has been banned by the government. This, in my opinion is cruel and a complete overreaction.

I realise the seriousness of this virus but at the same time if I needed to help a hamster in need at this time, I definitely would. I know that it can be done without any danger being posed to anybody.

Just my two cents worth.

[peculiarplanets]

Yesterday I adopted a little hamster from a breeder who is in isolation bc of her son. We arranged that I'd ring the doorbell, step away, and she'd place a box with the hamster on the doorstep and close the door, to which I could pick up the box. She told me she had a litter that she couldn't house atm but no one was getting hamsters anymore, so she was grateful I took at least one off her hands.

Same with the cage I picked up: I rang the doorbell, stepped aside, and picked up the cage once it was set outside.

As for supplies, I always buy all my hamster supplies online because the nearest pet store here has very limited rodent supplies. We're not in lockdown yet though and we are allowed to be around people in groups of max 3 persons, as long as we keep 1.5 meter distance from each other, so I'm sticking to that rule.

[Vierville]

I wish you and your new hamster lots of great times and good health peculiarplanets! You took all the sensible precautions necessary. I'd love to see a picture of your new arrival!