Pet stores

[BuddyBearHam]

What do you guys think about getting hams from the pet store? I am from hamster hideout.

[MaryRobinson]

Personally, not a fan. Depends if you mean adopting from a pet store or buying a baby. I have had a couple of adoptions from UK pet shops; one died of a rare cancer which I was told was the result of inbreeding and one had a genetic tooth abnormality from - you guessed it: inbreeding.

I would not buy a new baby hamster from a pet shop because of the ethics of pet shop rodent suppliers. Many pet shops buy their animals from rodent mills and/or breeders who supply both live rodents (for pets) and dead ones(for reptile food!) which is a fundamental conflict of interest. Anything where animals are bred for profit basically should ring alarm bells about their welfare, genetics and the ethics of the supply chain.

I have always adopted except for my current boy (who was a bit of a unique case from a well-respected hobby breeder) and would not buy a new ham from a pet shop.

[LunaTheHamster1]

I would never buy a hamster form a pet store. As Mary already stated, I do not want to support rodent mills in any way. Whilst people keep buying hamsters from pet stores the rodent mills will keep breeding and transporting them in horrific conditions, something I don't want any part of.

There are plenty of hamsters that need adopting/rescuing.

[AmityvilleHams]

While I don't personally think buying from pet stores is the best idea to say the least, I also don't think we should necessarily bash others or spread hate for their own personal choice. Not everyone is going to have the same access to excellent breeders or even rescue.

As a forum we've generally tended to stay closer to that sort of mentality in my experience - something that has ultimately lead to a healthier and more productive environment if you ask me. Bashing others, shaming, etc does not help especially when someone has already made the purchase. All we can do is try to share more knowledge and give alternatives if and when they do exist.

[Engel]

You'll get a lot of different responses to this question but here's my opinion.

I have a strict adopt not shop mentality. Animals aren't toys or breeding machines for us to exploit for our own pleasure so by not shopping for an animal means less demand. If there was an ethical standard for breeding hamsters in regards to pet shops and also for housing within the petshop then that's one thing, however it's typically very cruel and unethical.

By adopting you are providing a home for an unwanted animal which didn't ask to be brought into the world. You take it on to provide it with the best possible care, home and medical attention should it need it. You provide a safe place for said animal to live out the remained of its life naturally, with no fear.

Typically those who end up in rescues or need rehoming are because the animal is 'old' or no longer cute. Sure there are some with actual reasons like time commitments and such but some lie using that to get rid of the current older hamster in order to get a younger one. Or they simply get bored.

People are quickly drawn to the younger ones so the older ones are over looked.

You could argue that the ones in petshop didnt ask to be brought into the world and thus need a home too. But then we're back to consumer demand.

In short, myself, prefer adopting animals in general, but that's me. If you chose to get one from a pet shop that's nothing to do with anyone else. As long as you provide the best housing, care and any medical attention it'll need no one can say anything against you. Please be aware that when I say 'the best' in the statement above, know that this means the best in your area and budget as well as resources.

Don't think that just because you can't provide a 1m X 1m X 3m cage with rodipet food, 10 different substrates and loads of foraging and enrichment that youre a bad owner. As long as there's variety within the habitat you provide which differs around the world (UK 80x50cm, US 450sq" and Germany is 800sq" I believe) then it's ok

Have you got a hamster or thinking of getting on?

[Ria P]

I've bought hamsters from the pet shop, adopted from the adoption section and bought from small ads like Gumtree.

I don't care where a hamster comes from because its not their fault that they ended up in a pet shop or in the small ads.

In my view, every hamster deserves a good life.

Just to add. I fully understand and respect the reasons of people opposed to buying from pet shops.

[spookymulder]

Well, I guess if anything you're saving the hamster from a brawl by bringing it home and away from other hamsters.