why arent they more popular as pets? - Page 3

Debbie · 03-14-2011, 03:17 AM

I adopted my chinese from the RSPCA about 4 weeks ago and I am so totally and absolutely in love with them now! I hadn't intended to adopt a chinese, I just saw her online and fell in love. I think for me the fact that she is mouse like and has that adorable tiny tail is what makes her so appealing, plus the fact she is a cutie pie! And it's been great doing her cage up, it's so different from doing the syrian's Fred. It's wonderful to watch how she actually uses her space, all the tunnels and hidey holes, the digging and climbing, makes me feel I've done a good job!
Pets@Home are notorious for getting animal sexes wrong - my 2 'male' dwarfs ending up having 6 pups!! - but then my local pet shop told me Fred was a boy, and he came from a breeder who I'm assuming told them! It also makes me cring when I hear them offering the wrong advice or pointing to a cage that is far too small. I also make a point of pointing out to them any animals that appear sick.
I have to admit if I could only have one breed of hamster I would probably choose chinese, and I've had syrains, dwarfs and Robos in the past, though the Robos didn't last very long, another reason not to buy from P@H.

**LocoRocoPanda** · 03-14-2011, 09:40 AM

My first hamster, Toshiro-Gin, was a chinese hamster. He was the most amazing pet I've ever had. He was lovely, calm, quiet. He was insane if you didn't let him out to watch TV (weird thing he was) but he absolutely adored everyone.
My next hamster was another Chinese hamster named Aizen, he left quite an impression on me as well. I've had a Robo, Luppi, since then and I thought he was fantastic and now I have a Syrian named Rin but of all the hamsters, cats, dogs and spiders I've owned my Chinese Hamsters will ALWAYS have been my favourites.
I think part of the reason they aren't popular as pets is because they look like mice, my mum saw Aizen (who was brown whereas Toshiro-Gin was silvery) and she actually asked me why I bought a mouse instead of a hamster. Thankfully my local P@H are really good, never seen a sick animal and all of them offer great advice. XD

Luther · 03-21-2011, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocoRocoPanda

.... Thankfully my local P@H are really good, never seen a sick animal and all of them offer great advice. XD

Sorry to jump in but can you clarify which store you use? I've visited several P@H stores around west and north London with varying degrees of success but was at the Brentford branch last week and they had two Chinese boys I was very tempted with...

luvcats22 · 03-22-2011, 12:19 AM

mine came from the macclesfield branch, luckily they know my knowledge is quite good so dont bother trying to give me advice.
Billy will now come and take food from me and scramble on my hands, he will also bang his wheel if he thinks he isnt getting any attention

**LocoRocoPanda** · 03-23-2011, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luther

Sorry to jump in but can you clarify which store you use? I've visited several P@H stores around west and north London with varying degrees of success but was at the Brentford branch last week and they had two Chinese boys I was very tempted with...

The one I used is in East London. In Beckton actually. I've been to one in west London I wasn't happy with but I can't for the life of me remember why that was XD

Gizmodo ^_^ · 03-23-2011, 05:57 AM

Id love to get a chinese hamster one day, but id have no idea were to get one from, other than P@H Which i wouldnt buy from lol xD

alisont · 03-23-2011, 03:47 PM

I have seen some in the past I'm sure in an RSPCA rescue centre online. I'd not buy from pet shops/PAH as I only rehome via rescues.

I'm amazed how friendly and laid back Dudley is - they seem to have such a nice nature the Chinese hammys

fluffymunchkins · 03-24-2011, 12:00 PM

Your best bet for a chinese would be to contact a breeder.

I must say I adore Bacardis laid back nature, hes such an entertainer too

Christmas_hamster · 03-26-2011, 08:50 AM

I would think that due to their rat/mouse like features that people tend to shy away from them. I however find that part just awesome! I would love to get a Chjinese hamster though there are none in the entire province. If i want one I have to drive 5-6 hours away and meet a fellow hamster lover at the border of Canada and the US so she can grab me one from the States. :P