Persuading Parents

HamsterNewbie · 07-28-2016, 11:20 AM

Good evening!
I really want a hamster for many reasons, but I am having issues believing that my parents will agree to it . In the past (when I was a little younger) I had fish who I failed to look after due to the fact that they became infested with snails (my only phobia). Because of this, I know that my parents don't trust me which is delaying my continunious flow of heafty research and reducing my moral. If anyone has had any similar problem or advise, please help me.

Thank you x

pinkneon · 07-28-2016, 11:50 AM

Do you have any friends with hamsters? If so you could ask your parents if they would allow you to look after the friend's hamster for a few days to prove you can now maybe?

freyashamsters · 07-28-2016, 03:37 PM

It took me some time to convince my parents for Willow & my robos. I'd say the two major things are to show your parents how responsible you are (taking care of family pets, maybe looking after a friends hamster if they have one, making sure general chores get finished etc) and be willing to contribute to most or all of the cost as having to pay lots may put them off. Hope this helps

AmityvilleHams · 07-28-2016, 03:45 PM

One of the biggest tips I can give is be persistent but don't be necessarily overly pushy!Give it time and eventually it should work out,but don't put all the care information and cost and other things like that into their minds all in one day

Along the same lines,it is good to gradually educate your parents on at least the basic care and things like that but do small bits of these things over a few months or more.Don't give up though,as being persistent can be very convincing as well

Another idea would be showing how much space the cage will take up,your planned cleaning schedule,making your own schedule for routine care things,etc.Show that you can provide structure and show that you are going to hold yourself accountable and that you aren't taking a life lightly,that does tend to be extremely helpful!

Something I've personally done is ask if my parents had any questions about care or just hamsters in general.Do this,it allows your parents to learn with you and get more involved and it can also be comforting to them to know that you will be capable of taking care of the hamster if you get one.This can also be accompanied by little facts about hamsters and it can make the process more fun and less like a lecture,which parents in general will prefer

HamsterNewbie · 07-30-2016, 05:08 AM

Thank you all for your advice! I have just begun to slowly introduce my parents to the idea and so far they seem receptive (I have a reputation for mad research on most topics so they don't seem suprised).

Thanks again!

Oonaghspets · 07-30-2016, 05:17 AM

I would just keep trying! It took me a while to convice my parents for my first hamster but I was persisent with my research and I showed them I was responsable.
If I were you I'd tell them that you've grown since having your fish and you are more ready than ever to take on a little hamster companian.

C h l o e · 08-10-2016, 03:17 PM

Hi! If you're still looking for help on this topic, I got my hamsters by making a huge presentation for each one. The second hamster took a lot more persuasion, but my parents let me have one after a while.

Pebbles82 · 08-11-2016, 05:47 AM

A presentation sounds great! I also like the idea of looking after someone else's hamster for a while. At the end of the day your parents probably want to be sure you will keep up with the care and not lose interest and them have to look after the hammy

And also that you can save for any costs (putting a small amount into a vet fund each month is a good idea in case any vet bills are needed). We've been lucky - our hammy never needed a vet visit until very recently after he turned 2.

Having said that, doing research and showing it to them shows enthusiasm! And if you're enthusiastic they will be more persuaded that you are keen to take on the care. Have you got info on cage sizes, bedding and so on?

Do you think they would like a detolf cage

Some people think they make good room decor as well as being an economical and amazing tank/habitat for a hamster. They look especially nice sitting on kallax storage units (with the bonus of extra storage underneath.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ha...NRA6IQ_AUIBigB

DETOLF Glass-door cabinet - black-brown - IKEA

Does your Dad like diy? The detolf needs two lids making out of strips of wood and mesh. Also you could maybe show him info on how some people have made diy hamster wheels.

This one uses a computer fan to make a wheel silent with the option of measuring how far/fast the hamster runs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxRpYPITq8I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgFCgC9e184

Erin's Hamsters diy wheel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeuJ66PWsks

Is your Mum worried about the house getting messed up? A detolf or a cage with 7mm bar spacing like the Barney or Alexander stops the bedding falling out