PetSmart/Petco hamster ages. - Page 2

mommyzoo · 07-03-2012, 08:55 AM

I am glad they got it fixed. I hate when I see them not being cared for. It makes my 5 year old get mad everytime she sees the hermit crabs because they have painted shells and we found out that the paint while non toxic can make the hermits sick. Plus they force these poor hamsters into the painted shells. It is not fun listening to her complain to the associates everytime. But it is not going to change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poetgonemad

I talked to them about the flies and they said they were calling about it and had no idea. I gave them the benifit of the doubt that they were atleast trying to fix it. I lived right around the corner and go there sometimes because they have good deals on tanks. And the flies were still all over the place. Again i asked them and they gave me the same run around. So i called the number that are on the tanks where they are held that say call if the animals arent being treated well or something along those lines. And the next week i came back and the problem was fixed. I was alittle upset for being lied to but atleast it got fixed. And the animals are clean and healthy

Poetgonemad · 07-03-2012, 09:08 AM

I didnt even know they sold actual live hermits at my store. I thought it was just the shells. Because it just looked like a display shelf for the shells for you to buy. They were on little plastic steps about five high with no light or food just some sand. I know nothing about hermit crabs so i just thought this was normal. I will stop in tommorow when i am home to make sure that there is heat and food but im pretty certain i didnt see either.

mommyzoo · 07-03-2012, 09:46 AM

Some do just have shells but if there is a tank there are probably crabs. Thier temp and humidity should both be pretty close to 80. It is hard explaining it to people and if I had my way the hermit crab trade would end and only those in captivity would be sold since they can not bread them in captivity and keep them alive to adulthood. But it probably will never happen.

Mikayla · 07-04-2012, 09:28 AM

I still stand by small pet stores are worse. Most small pet stores have three or four syrians in a 30 by 50 cm cage. And 10+ mice in the same size. I've been in pet stores with up to 16 rats in a ten gallon aquarium. Petsmart and Petco do have standards that they must meet. Saying that small pet stores don't inbreed is a lie. They do and are just as guilty as larger chains.

Ren · 07-04-2012, 11:16 AM

I have found terrible small stores and terrible chain stores. It's hit and miss really. I don't think I'd ever buy an animal from a pet store again in the U.S.-- especially when there are so many that need to be adopted.

Hamsters can be together up till 8 weeks. At 4 weeks they need gender separation.
I bought my hamster from a breeder and he's 5 weeks and was still living with his brothers before he came to me.

Trixafena2 · 07-04-2012, 03:09 PM

^^;; My local Petco and PetSmart are both really good stores. No flies and the cages are very clean looking, even with the reptiles. Most of the employees always tell me about how my hamsters act before I actually get them. Some of the employees were sad when I bought the hamster they grew attached to because they play with them to get the more handle-able for selling.

I agree that it varies between places/stores though. Some petshops I've been in are..awful to say the least.

My local Petco and Petsmart are really good though, so I stick with them.

tjherman · 07-05-2012, 02:44 PM

Like others have said, some are worse than others. Overcrowding, both genders kept together, newborn pups in with adults, wet tail, dirty cages, little to no quarantine... I've had bad experiences with mom and pop stores and chain stores.

The problem with the age of hamsters in US pet stores is that they purposefully breed the Syrians smaller. The smaller size makes them look like babies longer. Plus, the stores don't always seem to know how old the hamsters are either or are reluctant to tell you. The only way to know the actual age is to get your hamster from a reputable breeder, which the US is severely lacking!!

My local chain stores are hit or miss. I keep disinfectant right inside the house to spray down everything that comes in from a pet store.

The best thing I can suggest to do is ask who they use for a vet and check them out. I asked my local Petco which vet they use -- I found a very good vet for all my animals.

Pearl Hamletry · 07-05-2012, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjherman

Like others have said, some are worse than others. Overcrowding, both genders kept together, newborn pups in with adults, wet tail, dirty cages, little to no quarantine... I've had bad experiences with mom and pop stores and chain stores.

The problem with the age of hamsters in US pet stores is that they purposefully breed the Syrians smaller. The smaller size makes them look like babies longer. Plus, the stores don't always seem to know how old the hamsters are either or are reluctant to tell you. The only way to know the actual age is to get your hamster from a reputable breeder, which the US is severely lacking!!

My local chain stores are hit or miss. I keep disinfectant right inside the house to spray down everything that comes in from a pet store.

The best thing I can suggest to do is ask who they use for a vet and check them out. I asked my local Petco which vet they use -- I found a very good vet for all my animals.

Hi Tamara -

I was just about to reply to this thread saying the same things you said, lol! I agree both small and commercial pet stores are not good places to get hamsters and the U.S. is certainly lack in breeders... I am glad our lil group is breeding healthy hams!