Honest advice needed

[Merlina]

I recently bought a baby hamster from a pet shop as none were available to rehome. Normally mine have been older when i got them but having now got a very small timid little baby i would say they definitely need buying by people who will love and care for them so they don't end up as rescues later. A lot of these tiny little scared creatures will be put into unsuitable pet shop cages and given to kids as toys only to end up ignored when they are no fun to play with or bite from fear. Mine is tiny and shy but so sweet and gentle and would have had a terrible experience being a childs pet. Pet shops will always be there and so too will the people on websites breeding for profit. At least you can help one hamster have a good life regardless of where it comes from.

[EmmaAndChester]

I'm in Ireland too; if you have notifications turned on for adverts and done deal (i do haha), there are hamsters for adoption all the time - there's been a total of 7 syrian hamsters within the past 6 weeks. There's been numerous dwarf hamsters of all species (even a chinese!) pop up too. If there are hamsters being sold within your area, one is going to pop up eventually - some who are rehoming are sometimes even willing to meet you half way if you offer to compensate them for it. The good thing about living in Ireland is that we're a small country - even a 1 hour radius gives you a great chance of finding an adoptable ham, but you have to wait for that opportunity to arise (and it will, if you wait it out!).

If you want to go to a pet shop, that's up to you. I agree that all hamsters need homes, but all dogs need homes too - but we wouldn't use that excuse to support puppy mills. If it's something you want to support, i think it's important that you're not under any illusion as to what you're giving business too. I don't ever 'shame' people, but it's important that we don't make excuses for it. If you want a hamster and can't wait to adopt one, go to a pet shop if you wish - it is only a choice you can make.But if you want to adopt, you just have to have a lot of patience & be willing to wait.

[Pebbles82]

Just having a look at Done Deal ...........Even with private sellers though some are unethical breeders. There may be an unwanted pet or two on there. Actually it just upset me. A syrian looking sad in a tiny cage. Are you anywhere near Fermanagh?

[a680]

Originally Posted by EmmaAndChester

I'm in Ireland too; if you have notifications turned on for adverts and done deal (i do haha), there are hamsters for adoption all the time - there's been a total of 7 syrian hamsters within the past 6 weeks. There's been numerous dwarf hamsters of all species (even a chinese!) pop up too. If there are hamsters being sold within your area, one is going to pop up eventually - some who are rehoming are sometimes even willing to meet you half way if you offer to compensate them for it. The good thing about living in Ireland is that we're a small country - even a 1 hour radius gives you a great chance of finding an adoptable ham, but you have to wait for that opportunity to arise (and it will, if you wait it out!).

If you want to go to a pet shop, that's up to you. I agree that all hamsters need homes, but all dogs need homes too - but we wouldn't use that excuse to support puppy mills. If it's something you want to support, i think it's important that you're not under any illusion as to what you're giving business too. I don't ever 'shame' people, but it's important that we don't make excuses for it. If you want a hamster and can't wait to adopt one, go to a pet shop if you wish - it is only a choice you can make.But if you want to adopt, you just have to have a lot of patience & be willing to wait.

Yes I am going to wait for a rehoming opportunity I've found a few breeders that seem knowledgeable and ethical but they are very far away from my area. They sometimes travel up to sell. I'd have to still drive 3 hours which is very far but I'd be more than willing. Depends if they have a litter or if I see rehoming first

[a680]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Just having a look at Done Deal ...........Even with private sellers though some are unethical breeders. There may be an unwanted pet or two on there. Actually it just upset me. A syrian looking sad in a tiny cage. Are you anywhere near Fermanagh?

Oh my thank you I've scrolled past that add I thought it was just the cage for sale as you have to go in and swipe to see they are actually selling the hamster also! I could definitely travel that far! I've just messaged them! It is very very sad on Done Deal most of the time I seen an awfully sad one yesterday I can't even describe the state they had the poor hamster living in but by the time I messaged apparently she was booked already. I was willing to travel hours and hours to try save her

[Pebbles82]

Fingers crossed x But do take care also - if travelling is an issue - you need to stay safe too.

[a680]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Fingers crossed x But do take care also - if travelling is an issue - you need to stay safe too.

I'll definitely try be as safe as possible !!!

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by a680

I'll definitely try be as safe as possible !!!

That is exciting news!! I really really hope that the sad looking hamster is still available and keep us posted.

[a680]

Originally Posted by Ria P

That is exciting news!! I really really hope that the sad looking hamster is still available and keep us posted.

Unfortunately he isn't I'm so sad especially because they were selling him with the cage and the cage was sooooo tiny my heart's broken for the little dude gotta keep watching and waiting

[Pebbles82]

So sorry. I know how many emotional ups and downs there are trying to find one to adopt.

I still think adopting from the pets at home adoption centre is a good option as it can get gruelling waiting and disappointments and the stress of travel and logistics.