Conflicted :'(

Edgar_Furrybutt · 02-22-2012, 09:22 PM

Okay, I'm laying it all out here. I currently I have 26 rats, 13 hamsters, 4 dogs, 3 rabbits, and a fish. I switched over to the dark side momentarily and bred my hamster and rat. I've learned not to do that again because of everything involved as far as genetics and care and whatnot. I realize that it was a stupid mistake, and it's one I don't plan on repeating intentionally. The BIGGEST problem is giving them away. I know I can't care for all of the rats. That much is certain. Twelve of them are my pets I had before the breeding, and I have homes lined up for 6 and am keeping 1-2 of the other ones (that leaves

. The pet store that was going to take my hamster babies also sells pet rats, and will decline a sale if they know it's going to be for food. I feel "fairly" comfortable sending them there (about as much as I do anywhere else). My problem is the longer the hammie babies stay here, the more I pick up on their individual personalities (not that I don't on the rats). I've been thinking that hamsters are fairly simple to keep and I didn't know if it would be a good idea for me to keep more than the two I was planning on keeping, or as long as the pet store will take them all, just give them to the pet store. Of course I WANT them all to stay, but I realize that the more I have, the less time I have to spend with them and the less money I'll have to buy them extras, buy food and bedding, and God forbid take them to the vet. But then, will whoever gets them take them to the vet? But if they stay, they're all going to have to be in 10 gallon aquariums, and if they go, the ones I have will be in 20L aquariums. Opinions? Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Recommendation of a therapist? lol

It's literally keeping me awake at this point.

**Hamtastic** · 02-22-2012, 09:29 PM

I think it's great that you recognize that there's a problem, and you know the right things to do--you can feel it in your heart and know in your mind. I think it's a good idea to find new homes for many of your pets, because they deserve to get individual attention.

It is going to be a difficult process, however, but I think you can start small and continue at your comfortable pace. I would contact a shelter nearby and see if they could help you as well. You might be more comfortable with that over going through strangers on Craigslist.

You might be feeling reluctant to let any go, but it will be for your benefit if they do and theirs. Even if you have, say, 5 pets total, that's already a lot to manage and give individual attention to. Without that attention and time out, the life of small animals in 10 gallon aquariums is going to be pretty dull and unfulfilling, in my opinion.

So be strong <3 Just keep up the positive thinking and take baby steps, in cliche-speak, but it's true though. One step at a time and know you're doing the right thing.

Edgar_Furrybutt · 02-22-2012, 09:48 PM

As it is, in order to give the animals I have personalized attention, when I'm home, at least one is out at all times. When I'm on the computer, I usually have a rat curled up on my shoulder, a hamster in a bed on my lap, and a dog (usually Mr. Muggles) in a bed on the floor by my feet (he knows his place among the critters). I know now I am able to give personalized attention, but I feel like that will drastically decline if I keep the babies like I want to. The reason I know I am giving them sufficient time is the ones who came to me terrified and often would bite (Lacey, Harvey, Bella, Ripley and Tarzan) now will let me hold them without fear. Lacey is the only one still a little iffy, but after everything that she's been through, that's fine with me. I'd be messed up too.

Okay... I will be strong for the wee ones. Like I said, I'm fairly confident in the pet store I've chosen. Waaay moreso than all the other stores in town.

Edgar_Furrybutt · 02-22-2012, 11:01 PM

I did post on Craigslist, just because I would do home visits, vet references, etc. and have a say of at least who a few of the babies went to. Already declined one person because she has a puppy, three rabbits and a hamster... but no vet reference?? At the very least, how does the puppy get shots?

**Pompompoms** · 02-23-2012, 06:15 AM

Ahhh it does get difficult, I had 21 Robos here at the end of last year, and as I'd bred them I wanted to keep every single one of them. The reality is though that it was better for them to go to lovely homes and safe healthy breeding programs, than stay with me and me not be able to give them the time and attention they deserve.

If you're going to breed it's the horrible part letting go of the babies, but it is an essential part. I kept one baby from each of the three litters and of course my original hams plus mum Lilly. I have eight robos here currently, and that's plenty

Amethyst_ice · 02-23-2012, 06:26 AM

It is brill you have realsied you can't manage...i personally know how hard it is to admit that but i think it shows what a brilliant, mature, RESPONSIBLE pet owner you are so please do not beat yourself up. The main thing is the animals, not our own selfish desires.

I had more hammies than rats at one time and now i have more rats than hammies...having seen both sides it is certainly easier to look after more rats than hamsters as they have less cages to clean but then they do need more play time than rats.

I would say ask for references and make up mini contracts that say the new owner agrees to give you 3 monthly updates and consult you with any health issues that arrise and if they need to rehome to come to you first.

It is hard becoming attached but like i said, you have to put their welfare first, and if you think it will make life harder for you, in time and financial aspects that isnt good.

you can usually tell when you meet a potential owner if they are right, go with your instincts good luck xxx

Lynternette · 02-23-2012, 06:44 AM

I feel so sorry for you having to make this decision. xxx That's why I could never breed. I'd want them all. Are there any hamster clubs or associations near to you who could help? Could your vet help with recommendations. I could only have my Yorkie on the understanding I would have to take him back to her if I didn't want him any more. Needless to say he's still here nine years later. Maybe offer a holiday home if they went on holiday.

Gibbs&JackBlack · 02-23-2012, 07:38 AM

While the decision is very hard, I think you will be happier in the long run if you give them up. It will be more likely that you will have time to really enjoy your current pets if you make the tough decision now to let the others go.
The last thing you want is to get stressed, financially burdened, or frustrated with the responsibility of so many when your main goal is to enjoy raising your pets, right?
Good luck!

Edgar_Furrybutt · 02-23-2012, 08:18 AM

Thanks guys. I appreciate the support.