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Old 05-10-2017, 10:52 AM   #1
lorrapaw
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Default P @ H hamsters

Has anyone had trouble with their hams from pets at home? My past three hamsters were from them. My last ham had skin problems from when i got him and now dexter has started to have pronlems with weight loss, crusty eyes and general ill health. Think hes on the mend now but it makes me wonder.
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Old 05-10-2017, 01:54 PM   #2
JLPrairie
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

Unfortunately, it's quite common for pet shop hamsters to have a variety of issues and genetic problems. This is because of poor care, little to no socialization with humans, constant bright lights, poor breeding practices, etc.
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Old 05-10-2017, 02:15 PM   #3
lorrapaw
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

Where is the best place to buy hams from?
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Old 05-10-2017, 02:28 PM   #4
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

Personally I always get rescued animals, with hamsters in particular many end up needing a new home after children get bored of looking after them. Sites like Preloved and Gumtree can be a good place to look or you can go to a re-homing organisation like the RSPCA or a local rodent rescue.
If however you really want a young hamster it is best to go with a respected breeder, one where you can go and see the conditions the animals are bred in.
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Old 05-10-2017, 02:42 PM   #5
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

I don't believe in one perfect place to get an animal.You should never feel guilty for getting a pet shop hamster rather than adopting or buying one from an ethical breeder,as while these situations are preferred they're not always the right way for every person.

While the odds are more likely a hamster from a pet shop will have some problem,it isn't a guarantee one way or another.Just as any pet shop hamster can be unhealthy or have some sort of defect or any other potential problem,the same can come from adopted hamsters(which also has its own set of problems and in some cases may be equally unethical depending on where you adopt,considering even so called no kill shelters may not be as perfect as they seem!)or hamsters from any breeder.
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Old 05-10-2017, 06:04 PM   #6
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

It's tough to say whether this a problem with P@H, the mill they come from, or the care within the individual store (or perhaps even a mix of all three!). Obviously, it's best to rescue a hamster or adopt from an ethical breeder as both go towards the betterment of the hamster species as a whole, but there's no reason to feel bad over purchasing a pet shop ham. Pet shops should be a last resort in my opinion, but again, this is just my opinion and isn't fact or what should or shouldn't be done. I personally enjoy rescuing my hamsters as I feel there's just a special connection there knowing your hamster was saved by you. With rescues and shops, it's hit and miss to be honest. Sometimes you'll get a super docile and healthy hamster, while other times you'll get an aggressive or sickly one. You're really flipping a coin in all honesty. The only way to guarantee a healthy hamster, is to find an ethical breeder who has tracks their lines, has high quality pairs, and an intense love for the animals. Even getting from the best breeder though does not guarantee your hamster will be 100% healthy or tame. It's all down to environmental factors, genetics, and the bond you make with them
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Old 05-10-2017, 07:25 PM   #7
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

I've always gotten mine from my local petshop and have been for over 16 years.
I've never bought a ham from P@H due to things I've heard, them being ill, suddenly dying.
A lot of people are quick to judge pet shops, each one I've had from mine have lived long lifes. Not everyone has the option to go to a breeder.
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Old 05-12-2017, 02:28 AM   #8
lorrapaw
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

How do you know if a breeder is ethical or not?
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Old 05-12-2017, 02:57 AM   #9
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

If you want to find a good breeder it would be best to look for one registered with the national hamster council, it's divided into hamster clubs for the various regions of the UK so just find the one closest to you & look for a list of breeders or if you can go to a show & meet some.
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Old 05-12-2017, 03:46 AM   #10
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Default Re: P @ H hamsters

Ethical breeders are kind of obvious when you find them!Try and get to know the breeder at least a little bit if you can,and get a feel for why exactly they're into hamster breeding.The aim should be to improve the species they breed,and they should have a passion for what they do.It should never be about money,but you can definitely tell the difference
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