Importing Syrian Hamsters

[Iridescent Hamstery]

Ive been thinking lately about the possibility of importing some syrian hamsters from breeders abroad. Ive looked into Defra's rules and hams coming in from other EU countries dont need a quarantine period (thank goodness!) but was wondering if anybody else has ever done this, and for advice?

Ive already got some lovely hammies, but I would love to get some 'new lines' as most of the hams I come across seem to be realted to eachother at some point in their pedigrees, as everyone goes to the main breeders for stock.

Can anyone help? Thanks!

[Tammy22]

Hiya

I think we have been to the same shows a few times - i remember seeing you anyway, especially at Kingswinford? Anyway, Welcome to the forum

I have had hamsters from Holland and the Netherlands and i know of quite a lot of breeders who have had hamsters from different countries too.

I exchanged hamsters with a breeder from the Netherlands in September as we both attended the London Show - so that is a possiblilty at the bigger shows. I also met people at the London Show who had arranged to meet me there to buy hamsters from me.

A few british breeders attend shows in Holland and other countries too, either for jusging or showing etc. - so that is also a possiblilty.

Physically getting the hamsters to and rom different countires isnt really a problem, especially if you or the other person is driving as there are not restrictions - but animals are not allowed on planes (or not in the passenger bit anyway) so that isnt really possible, and some ferry companies have certain restrictions too - but it is possible and does get sone quite often.

The first thing you need to sort out is getting in touch with breeders with good hamsters and then arranging to meet them, or to get the hamster over her.

Tammy x

[Iridescent Hamstery]

Hi Tammy! I do go to the Kingswinford show every year, never realised we lived so close! (im not far from dudley)

Thanks for the info, i'll be giving that some serious thought and making plans! i remember a hamstery website called Citadellets? They had gorgeous hammies but their site doesnt appear to work anymore, so will have to find another breeder if I can.

See you at Kingswinford if you're going this year!