Hello from Stalybridge

humfry · 03-22-2014, 04:07 AM

Hello hamster people! I've been looking around here for a few days & you seem a friendly & helpful group so here I am.

I don't have a hamster at the mo - been some 9 years since I lost the last of a series of 8 (Button, Harris, Hamish, Hofman, Muffin, Pickle, Harry & Wallis) & I am now longing to get a new one, as I am approaching retirement & will have the time to care & play. Also am very keen to use my DIY skills to build one of those wonderful tub cages that have taken over from the sometimes nasty wire efforts.

I am hoping to get a new furry friend in late May/June but first of all need some help on two main points.

1. Can anyone recommend where I can get a Syrian (short haired) - I live Stalybridge, Cheshire - can access Manchester, Stockport, Glossop, Ashton, Oldham, Holmfirth areas. So far visited one pet shop & not overly impressed with level of cleanliness of the tanks I saw hamster babies confined in. Would prefer to buy from a breeder, but am only looking for a pet not a show hamster so perhaps one whose colouring is not up to the mark or the runt of a litter.

2. (actually main priority) I have no-one who can care for a hammy when I go on holiday (twice a year) so before taking on a new one I HAVE to find another hamster enthusiast who will provide B & B - & I could do the same in return. I have transport so again any of the above areas are OK for me.

Hope that you can help me.

souffle · 03-22-2014, 04:12 AM

Hi and welcome.
There are a few folk in Manchester - Nooboo hamstery and also Scorpio syrians. If you were willing to take one earlier there is a show at Lymm on 30th March and you could check with the rehome manager if any babies were booked for sale. I think Nooboo may do holiday sitting so you could ask via her website.

humfry · 03-22-2014, 04:55 AM

oops - I thought I posted a thanks for the welcome but it's not appeared!

I saw the Lymm date but am away that weekend & due to other already fixed plans cannot offer a home to a hammy until after mid May. Want to have the time to give him/her full attention whilst they settle in. I'll contact the people you suggested - thanks. But also maybe by the time I'm ready someone else with the same holiday issue might come forward.

souffle · 03-22-2014, 05:00 AM

Nooboo Hamstery

**Hamsterz4Life** · 03-22-2014, 05:31 AM

Prefix Registered Breeders are always the best option and souffle has shown you some of the best breeders in the area. I always recommend preloved if nothing comes from the breeder and I have just checked hamsters in your area and there is a fair few baby syrians, but they would be no use as your going to get your furry friend in may/june so they would not be available then. x

humfry · 03-22-2014, 05:50 AM

I can already see I have come to the best place for advice. Yes - a pre-loved would be OK with me, but I do want a very young pet. I once adopted a discarded school hamster & whilst she was a real character she was manic!! But tough & lived almost another 2 years after I got her at approx 6 months.

In fact I saw a little pre-loved the other day & she was sooooooooo appealing but I had to tell myself I would not be doing the little hammy a real favour by impulse buying.

As said my priority is sorting the logistics first. Once holiday cover is sorted I have plenty of time & can get on with creating living/playing quarters whilst waiting for a hammy to be available.

**Hamsterz4Life** · 03-22-2014, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humfry

I can already see I have come to the best place for advice. Yes - a pre-loved would be OK with me, but I do want a very young pet. I once adopted a discarded school hamster & whilst she was a real character she was manic!! But tough & lived almost another 2 years after I got her at approx 6 months.

In fact I saw a little pre-loved the other day & she was sooooooooo appealing but I had to tell myself I would not be doing the little hammy a real favour by impulse buying.

As said my priority is sorting the logistics first. Once holiday cover is sorted I have plenty of time & can get on with creating living/playing quarters whilst waiting for a hammy to be available.

Oh I meant they do sell baby syrian litters on preloved, sorry if I confused you... Come back and ask for more advice once you have sorted that out. It may sound mean but I don't like buying hamsters that aren't babies from preloved as it can be dodgy, the rspca, pets at home adoption centre and local rescues are the best place if you want a rescue. But getting a baby Syrian from a litter is fine from preloved. I will talk you through one in your area:

link removed.

This seems like a genuine good advert for baby syrians. The seller has been on preloved since 2007, so that is a good sign that they are genuine(but don't rule out newer members as they can be just as good). But they are selling the starter packs with far too small cages and fluffy bedding(the hamster world nightmare) so this makes me think they haven't done the research about the hamster, to offer the best possible life. Hope I Helped x

humfry · 03-22-2014, 06:37 AM

Ah! Preloved - sorry only vaguely known to me! As opposed to pre-loved! LOL!!

I think those starter packs should be outlawed. Poor little hammies are so cute when babies & may be in proportion to the cage but of course adult Syrians end up as prisoners in them. I still have my previous cage - plastic tray with 3 storey shelving & ladders, but still minimum I would put a Syrian in. Planning to build a tub home, with much more stimulation and safe play space, as I have nowhere suitable to locate a wire cage away from draughts or direct sun/radiator heat.

Yes - you helped!

**DrKMcK** · 03-22-2014, 07:03 AM

Hello and Welcome to Hamster Central humfry

. I can understand you wanting to wait until you are retired and have more time to get your hammy. I've always had gerbils and hammies but, since I retired, it is much easier, and more fun, with all my pets. I'm looking forward to seeing your little furry when s/he arrives

humfry · 03-22-2014, 07:31 AM

Cheers DrKMcK! I lost my last hammy just before I moved jobs, houses & lifestyles & somehow the time has flown by & I have not had the time nor inclination to have the responsibility of a pet. It will also be fun now we have these online communities to be able to share the hammy adventures with others!