I'm very proactive when in a bad mood!

shawniyatwain · 03-24-2016, 03:08 PM

So found myself in a bad mood this evening and so to vent I decided to write a rather long email to customer services at a large pet shop chain to complain about hamster cage sizes and fluffy bedding (highlighting the issues and why they are wrong).
Wonder if they will reply to me.
Hmm now to wait...

Does anyone else do things like this when they are feeling down? Or is it just silly me...

Rsclio197 · 03-24-2016, 03:16 PM

Nope I don't. But good on you!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-24-2016, 04:00 PM

Have to write letters to the CEO'S
I wanted to do that in US but never did, yet anyways
Don't know if it would do any good
Think all the companies know they are doing hamsters wrong with cage sizes, one example...but they don't care
They care more about making money than hammies having a good life

pinkneon · 03-24-2016, 07:39 PM

I wonder if pet shops sell cages that are too small because they know that most people will buy a cage at the same time as a hamster, especially if it is their first hamster, and most people are less likely to buy bigger cages for various reasons, such as if the hamster is for a child they might not be able to clean out a massive cage, big cages are more expensive - usually! - so many parents wouldn't buy it and neither would people who don't have much money, bigger cages are hard to lift or carry - so if someone doesn't drive and the shop don't deliver then they would have to carry it home, and a lot of people think hamsters are only small therefore don't need a lot of space ... Can't think of any other reasons, but I am sure there are more! So by selling smaller, cheaper cages, the pet shop makes more money that selling larger ones that most people are unlikely to buy maybe? Especially if people are buying ones that have tubes and extra attachments as each attachment usually costs a lot too ...

shawniyatwain · 03-25-2016, 01:23 AM

That's an interesting theory, I guess it makes sense.
It's kinda sad really, I pointed out to them that they have the opportunity to educate people and they should use it. Now I've emailed I'm gonna pursue, as far as it takes to try and get through to them, watch this space haha

BeautyandtheBeast · 03-25-2016, 01:26 AM

I'm more proactive when I'm in a good mood, I get sudden urges to organise everything. This probably isn't a good thing though as it gives me an excuse to buy new things

When I'm in a bad mood I tend to sink into a hot bubble bath and devour a big bar of chocolate -

As for the cages, I agree. I think Pets at Home and other pet shops sell smaller hamster cages as they appear more appealing to customers, especially first time owners. I myself have been guilty of this

I got my first hamster when I was about eleven. I got her for my birthday and was given a limit of something like £50 to buy the hamster, cage, accessories etc. At the time both myself and my parents didn't have the foggiest about caring for hamsters and I always feel very guilty when I look back. However, she did live for two years one month so we must have been doing something right, it's just a shame she could've been happier with a bigger cage..

shawniyatwain · 03-25-2016, 01:40 AM

I think we have all done it with our first, I wouldn't feel guilty about it. You tried the best with the knowledge you had

that's the issue I have with stores is they are teaching people it's ok when they don't know better

hopefully one day it will be better, but for now all of us on here give our hammies great care, I try with people I meet to advise them and that's all we can really do

BeautyandtheBeast · 03-25-2016, 02:02 AM

That's true, it's awful that even the pet stores with the best reputations give misleading information to pet owners. Hopefully one day things will change but like you said, for now all we can do is inform others about hamster care and give advice

CMB · 03-25-2016, 06:52 AM

I have advised people discretely in pet shops and outside pet shops when I see they are getting or have just bought a hamster cage/new hamster. Especially about unsuitable and suitable cages and toys etc.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-25-2016, 08:02 AM

One thing they could do in pet stores is require new hammie owners to purchase 360 Sq in by getting a 20 gal long tank or critter cage minimum (they are still saying 10 gal is good enough) If the critter trails go out of business then other companies would step in with better cages? Just a thought?