Thinking about getting another hamster?

MeganAndMisty · 03-16-2017, 01:19 PM

Hello everyone, how are you today?

The last few days have been really stressful for us because one of our cats Pebbles has been sick

Thankfully, she's better now though!!!

I've been thinking for the last few days and I think I might want to get another hamster maybe? I know that we have Bambi but technically he's my cousins hamster. In a few weeks we'll be getting Bambs a new cage and I'm thinking since we're ordering one cage now would be a good time to consider getting another hammy so we can order the cages together?

It's been 3 months (Ish) Since Misty died and as much as I miss her I really miss having a hamster... I'm not sure what I want to do, I guess I have a few weeks to figure it out. If I do end up getting another hammy I'll probably be getting it from a breeder or a rescue I really don't want to buy one from a pet store again.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-16-2017, 03:57 PM

Heaven came from a rescue & is a wonderful pet

Pebbles82 · 03-16-2017, 05:24 PM

There's a lovely rescue in your neck of the woods

I've been looking on there myself. Some lovely hammies of all species. They're a little bit far away from me. Better get that cage ordered!

FOR ADOPTION - HAMSTER HAVEN RESCUE

ladyntramp002 · 03-16-2017, 05:25 PM

I think adoption/rescues are an amazing route. I personally love adopting my babies. I think they make wonderful pets, however getting them from a breeder is great too. There are a lot of fantastic breeders out there especially on this site. If you are thinking of going the breeder route, I would see if there is a breeder that is on HC near you. If not, PM them and ask who they would recommend that is near you. Most of the breeders have there friends(other breeders) all over.

Hope this helps you a bit.

I am so sorry about your cat, by the way. It is always hard when your beloved pet finally crosses over onto the Rainbow Bridge.

worldturns · 03-17-2017, 01:07 AM

sorry to hear about your cat.glad pebbles is ok now.

I would agree adopting or going for a breeder is a better way then from the pet shops. before I had penny i had a hamster called dotty (she had dots on her back) and when she went the thing I missed the most was the noise. I did wait a few months and then penny found me. she quite literally jumped out of the cage at me. that is how I knew we were ment to be. so what I am trying to say is the right hamster will find you at the right time.....or at least that is what I believe.

AmityvilleHams · 03-17-2017, 05:57 AM

I think any animal will just come into your life when it is meant to be

I know that's how it went with my Syrian(okay,part of that was pressure from HC but I have no regrets there),my dog,and my cat at the very least!

As for where you get a pet,to me it matters most whether or not they're given appropriate care and are loved.While some sources are better in some ways,you don't need to feel bad if you do get attached to a hamster from a pet shop for example rather than buying one from a breeder or adopting!The whole adopt don't shop thing is heavily pushed,but there is never going to be one perfect source for every single person.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-17-2017, 06:31 AM

That's well put Amity

Serendipity, that's a long list of hammys up for adoption.

I don't know about the SPCA tho, they are larger organization of course but they are moving to another part of the area. Much less convenient to go there for me. But I don't need to be going there right now anyways

Drago · 03-17-2017, 07:00 AM

Everyone here made great points! Most of my hamsters have been rescues (with the exception of my lovely boy Duncan who was a gift) and I know that there's a special bond you have with a ham who you've given a second chance. However, buying from a breeder supports the continuation of the health of hamsters as a whole (granted they're responsible) and hamsters from breeders tend to be overall healthier and have better temperaments. Besides the fact that their breeder will be there to help you every step of the way! However, like amity said, as long as you love and care for you hamster, in the end it doesn't really matter where it is they came from.

I always encourage rescue before anything else as being someone who has fostered shelter pets and worked in shelters, I know how bad the homeless crisis is with animals and it's such a shame that multimillion dollar businesses like petsmart can sell their hamsters with no problem at all and benefit, while there are still abused, neglected, and homeless hamsters in shelters waiting for someone to show them love! However, breeders work so hard to improve the health and care quality of hamsters as a whole and thus deserve respect and support as welll, besides many people seem to forget the fact that most breeders will rescue hams as well. Overall if you're ready for another hamster, then by all means, welcome one into your life! After I lost my first ham Remington (granted I had Duncan then) it took me a long time before I felt somewhat ready for another ham and that's when I brought home Spider (who unfortunately has now passed on due to illness). Hamsters are lovely friends to have around and I hope you're ready to welcome another one into your life

MeganAndMisty · 03-17-2017, 10:43 AM

One thing that worries me about breeders is finding a good one, I've never adopted from a breeder before so I'd probably have a hard time finding one that's relatively good. I've had lot of problems with my hamsters being unhealthy in the past that I feel that a breeder is probably the best option for me, as much as i'd love to rescue a hammy. So I guess I'm gonna have fun looking, haha.

We've decided that if we do get another one we'll be getting them around June since that will be around my birthday, also that will give me time to get the cge and stuff ready and sort out Bambi's cage

chesca_27 · 03-17-2017, 03:32 PM

I'd make sure any breeder is part of an NHC club, or you could go off forum recommendations. There is a list of UK breeders on here somewhere, although I don't know how updates it is. It would be worth contacting the Northern Hamster Club show sec for advice. You could also buy off the sales table at a show, if that's more convenient.