Gulp.

[m00nbeam]

Just do what you think best. May is a long way away so you can have time to think things through but if its really that bad why not ask to visit them ? You could see the true condition and maybe just refer them to hamster books and your own knowledge

[Clairealex]

Colby this is so sad I also read your other thread about it and it made my stomach turn.

I know the exact feeling. When you just can't stop thinking about them, helpless, entirely at the mercy of someone who couldn't care less about them. And how that's all they know, and you just want to take them in and show them that some people are good, and that they are safe, and loved. I've felt like this a million times. I've literally sobbed over gumtree adverts, knowing I can't change anything about the situation.

These idiots are out there, and they'll continue to do what they're doing regardless. By reading these ads, all that happens is we make ourselves ill and feel terrible that we can't change the world and fill it with people who are compassionate and caring to all animals, no matter their size.

In saying that, I think your plan to wait until May is best for you. If you're sure you can handle them, and have all the resources you need, then definitely give her a call when you're ready. Until then, try not to read about it or look at it. It'll just force a decision based on sheer panic and empathy, rather than really thinking it through fully.

I'm so sad these people even exist :'(

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

You are amazingly right.

These babies think humans are mean creatures to be feared, I just want them to know that they are loved and people care about them. I'm not going to let them suffer. The second I can take them, I'm taking ALL of them. I just hope and pray they make it till then.

[fluffydd]

It will be great if you can take them in and show them what life should be like. But you have to make sure it's not going to be too big a burden for you. We're all going to be watching this space to see what happens.

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

I've got a plan

IF, she still has them in May, which I assume she will, I mean, even if she sells all but a few, those few are going to multiply, fast.

-First, I'll have to meet with her. Honestly, I don't want to look her in the eyes, but I might have to.

-Once I get them back, I'll probably let them rest for the night in 3 huge bin cages. NOTE: these hams will go nowhere near mine for a while, who knows what they carry:/

-the next day, I'll call my friend and we will separate males and females, and take any females that are huge or nesting in separate cages.

-We'll separate any troublemakers or sick-looking ones. If we only get a few we may separate them into pairs, but if we get more than 15 or so we might have to keep some trios.

-I will get any sick-looking ones some vet attention.

-Start giving the gals protein.

-Handling time! I assume they will be bitey, so my friend and I will be holding them daily and taming them. We don't mind doing this! Haha, holding hammies all day...how fun does that sound? Not to bring light to the situation though.

-We'll start looking at homes for any healthy males. The unhealthy ones will be staying until they are healthy, and the girls will be staying until they are declared non-pregnant or the little ones are weaned. The pet store I know the owners of will take some healthy males for me to show in their store for me(no worries, it's a great pet store).

-Babies. I know we'll have some. If any live, they will be handled from 2–3 weeks depending on the tenseness of the mom, but I will make sure they're tame for the new owners

-Who knows? Maybe I'll keep a few...haha, who am I kidding? I know I'll fall in love with them

How does the plan sound? I'm begging you, if you have any suggestions/tips/info/questions/comments please share!

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

They're all I can think about. Sigh.

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

So, what do you think are the chances she'll still have them in May? I mean, she'll have babies by then, so she'll have more... So far the ad has been on for a day and she's sold five. Ugh.

Is it bad I hope she still has some come May? I feel guilty now...

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

Originally Posted by ANGELBABIES

If you can, can you just take the males away to avoid future pregnancies.

I guess so, good idea, but I hate to leave the moms and babies there though As SinNyx said, they may repopulate

[SinNyx]

I think just taking the males would be worse...if the females were pregnant...and had male pups...the cycle may just continue, and pregnant females fall into wrong hands.

[BrainGirl]

Do you get the impression that this person even has a clue about why her hamsters are multiplying? Perhaps it would be helpful to offer to separate them for her and teach her how to care for the ones who are pregnant to try to prevent any more pregnancies. Poor little things