I just feel sick.

dainellemk · 04-06-2012, 01:46 PM

I wish I would have known it. PetsMart gets their rodents and small animals from Rainbow World Exotics in TX. Let me state that I am *NOT* a follower or supporter of PETA, but I cannot find anything good about this place. I want to go back now and buy all of the hamsters so they can have a good life, but I don't have the space or the free cash to do so.

OMG.

So far my boys seem to be going well. They are so gentle and easily handled. Why do they have to come from such a place? I am just sick.

Why is PetSmart still dealing with this place? Could it possibly be all that bad?

Kissa · 04-06-2012, 02:01 PM

It's cheap

gutterglitterxx · 04-06-2012, 02:19 PM

It's heartbreaking. I admit that I buy many supplies at PetSmart but I have to practically close my eyes when I walk by the little ones. I was in there the other day and one of the Russian dwarfs was pawing at the window and caught my attention. She looked thin and just not quite right. It killed me to leave without her but I just don't have the room for more.

Lynternette · 04-06-2012, 03:11 PM

I know P&H don't have a good reputation but ours seem to treat their pets very well. They always are clean, have food and clean water, and have toys to play with. I hate to choose one as I feel so sad for those I have to leave behind.

tjherman · 04-06-2012, 04:11 PM

It's a rodent mill the store's chosen to use because it is cheaper and easier logistically.

Even if you go and buy all the hamsters there, they'll just bring in more from the rodent mill. Here's a good example of why we American hamster lovers need to promote a strong fancy, responsible breeding, and buying from reputable breeders instead of rodent mills.

GemmasMom · 04-06-2012, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjherman

It's a rodent mill the store's chosen to use because it is cheaper and easier logistically.

Even if you go and buy all the hamsters there, they'll just bring in more from the rodent mill. Here's a good example of why we American hamster lovers need to promote a strong fancy, responsible breeding, and buying from reputable breeders instead of rodent mills.

I agree... the closest breeder to me is 8 hours away. I also traveled almost 4 hours away to ADOPT my latest additions. My Gem who was purchased from PetSmart passed away a mere year after I became her mommy. That's just sad

I will always adopt from now on. I love my Gemma so much, and it's not fair that her life was cut so short.

tjherman · 04-06-2012, 08:06 PM

I know what you mean. It is so painful when you get a new animal, and it has a lousy temperament or gets sick shortly after you bring it home. It shouldn't be that way!

Actually, there's a reputable breeder right there in Ohio (radiocricket/Holmden Hill Haven). She would be the closest. And from what I understand, she has plans for a hamster show down the road.

GemmasMom · 04-06-2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjherman

I know what you mean. It is so painful when you get a new animal, and it has a lousy temperament or gets sick shortly after you bring it home. It shouldn't be that way!

Actually, there's a reputable breeder right there in Ohio (radiocricket/Holmden Hill Haven). She would be the closest. And from what I understand, she has plans for a hamster show down the road.

No Way!!! Is she a member here???

Lougarry · 04-06-2012, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GemmasMom

No Way!!! Is she a member here???

Yes - her forum username is radiocricket x

dainellemk · 04-07-2012, 08:45 AM

Yeah, I looked up her website, it's pretty nice but hasn't been updated in a while (busy with the hamsters lol.) Unfortunately, that's still a pretty far haul for me (about four hours) but maybe someday we'll get to go that direction.

I'm still within my 2-week return, but there's no way in heck these guys are going back there--they are just two sweet.