Where can I source a Chinese ham?

[Bertiebobbins]

Are they hard to come by? I've never seen one in any pet shop round here.

[cypher]

I got mine from P@H they often seem to have them in the adoption centre there, seems a bit odd if yours doesn't, I've seen quite a few looking for new homes on various sites (never close to me sadly) but if there's nothing locally to you why not check out breeders in your area, the national hamster council probably has a list.

[Artisans_uk]

Originally Posted by cypher

I got mine from P@H they often seem to have them in the adoption centre there, seems a bit odd if yours doesn't, I've seen quite a few looking for new homes on various sites (never close to me sadly) but if there's nothing locally to you why not check out breeders in your area, the national hamster council probably has a list.

I was going to say the same as cypher. My P@H also have Chinese fluffs. Even if some of the breeders aren't close to you, you may be able to arrange to meet at a hamster show at some stage.

[Bertiebobbins]

I've not seen one in P@h here, maybe I'll ask next time we're in there. There's a few branches within reasonable distance aswell.

I'd rather get one from a breeder tho, there aren't any round here unfortunately but going to a hamster show is a good idea, thanks. I'm in no hurry! I'd rather wait to get a nicely bred animal.

[Artisans_uk]

Originally Posted by Bertiebobbins

I'd rather get one from a breeder tho, there aren't any round here unfortunately but going to a hamster show is a good idea, thanks. I'm in no hurry! I'd rather wait to get a nicely bred animal.

I totally agree with you, BB. When I got Elynor, I arranged to meet Charlie, who breeds gorgeous WW, at one of the shows and it is great to get along to the shows. There are also hamsters for sale at the shows, including Chinese but it is hit and miss what is there each time but even if there aren't any Chinese, it's an opportunity to make contact with breeders.

[Fluffagrams]

My local Pets at Home stopped selling Chinese4 Hamsters after I got Stitch and Meat well over three years ago now due to the issues they were having with fighting both with pairs of hamsters that had already gone to new homes and were being returned and also within the stock. I also notice that since the litter that May came from were sold/rehomed, that pet shop aren't selling them either.

You might find them in adoption centres at Pets at Home or you might occasionally find them for adoption at some of the rescues. If you're looking for young stock then it's worth considering visiting a show where they'll have hamsters for sale or looking at sourcing one from a breeder. Breeders usually have waiting lists but it'll be worth waiting for.

[Thin Lizzy]

It's weird, but my local pet shop doesn't sell dwarf Chinese hamsters either. My local P@H sometimes has them in but not for a while.
Cypher - I've not seen any in the adoption area at mine, it's the first place I look whenever I'm in.