What would you do?

Mollz · 03-08-2008, 08:19 AM

I was in pets at home today, just browsing for nothing in particular, and wandered over to the adoption centre section (always a bad move!). There was a hamster there. He is 10 weeks old and has not found a home because he only has one eye. I know all the controversy around the p@h adoption scheme, but he has really tugged on my heartstrings. I am just really worried that nobody is going to want to buy him and he will be there so long that they just say "sod it" and put him to sleep - whether humanely or inhumanely.

I just don't know what to do - my heart is telling me to go back and get him, but my head is saying don't support p@h. However I have to admit that my heart is winning at the moment. So my question is, what would you do? Should I go back and get him?

I just feel so bad, what if he gets put to sleep when I have the time, space, cage, wheel etc. and could easily have given him a home?

I would really appreciate your opinions ....

Matty Day · 03-08-2008, 08:26 AM

Mollz ethically from a utilitarian point of view you have to look what what would create the most happiness, he is not happy at pets at home and I am sure he would bring you happiness
But take into account do you have the space and funds to care for him?
And take into account that he is likely to be hit over the head

I would recommend giving a donation as low as possible donate 1p if you can therefore you have supported pets at home to a minimal extent one which is unlikely to make a difference to them

souffle · 03-08-2008, 08:27 AM

Go and get him Mollz. You have said you have the time and facilities to offer a great home. If you are getting him from the adoption centre the money goes to an animal charity anyway so you are not exactly supporting the store. He will be a challange and require special care I imagine and I cannot think of anyone better to give it. I look forward to meeting him

At least they pup him in the adoption centre and did not right him off straight away. I really think there is nothing wrong with the conditions P&H animals are kept in. They are very good in our area, much better than most pet shops. The fault lies in the breeders where the obtain the animals from who are not supplying hamsters in full health who may have been bred from rsiky stock. As long as he is healthy just now and you make the move as stress free as possible he should live a normal life

Holly · 03-08-2008, 08:28 AM

I think you know what I'd do - and what most of us here would do as well, I suspect. If he's tugging at your heartstrings - and you've got the space/facilities/time for him - go get him. You'll be doing him the biggest favour anyone could because, unless someone else like you comes along which isn't likley, no one will home him and I'd hate to think what will happen to him then.

I'm ine of the biggest critics of P@H and their adoption scheme there is - look at me, I've got Aero

I don't think anyone would think badly of you - and if they do, do you really care (that little guy certainly won't care!).

Good luck whatever you decide!

Basia · 03-08-2008, 08:28 AM

Well I have bought 4 hamsters from P@H. I know people have issues about buying petshop hamsters but as they have already been born surely they deserve someone to love and care for them. I know all about rodent farms but I feel that if htere is a demand there will always be a supply and small breeders like us will never fill it.
I am not the best person to advise you Molz, but after the last few days I've had I would probably go and buy him.

Mollz · 03-08-2008, 08:34 AM

Well, I think that's pretty much helped me to make the decision, I really wanted him and just needed some reassurance. I've even picked out a name!

Has anyone had a one-eyed hamster before? Will he need any special care and should I get him special/different toys?

Souffle, I do agree in a way about p@h; they keep their animals in better conditions than 2 other pet shops around here.

And Gill, of course you are the right person to give me advice - I value everyone's opinion, especially yours.

PinkEmily · 03-08-2008, 08:35 AM

I think you would give him a great home. Do what you think is right, if you have enough space go for it.

Matty Day · 03-08-2008, 08:38 AM

i think it verys from store to store the one round here if awful

souffle · 03-08-2008, 08:55 AM

I know that Gizmo has a one eyed hammie Izzie so she may of some help. I would say he would need a flat cage and it would be best to keep all his toys etc in the same positions so that if the other eye is also poor in sight he would learn his way around. Apart from that he should be normal. Does he appear to have been born without the eye or is there an injury. Maybe it never opened like spuds mums Chip? What colour is he? If he is white I would have a good check over him as he may have tooth problems but by then you will have fallen in love and taken him home regardless

Well done Mollz and cant wait now!

Mollz · 03-08-2008, 09:02 AM

Thanks Souff, I will pm Gizmo and see whether he/she has any suggestions.

I could only see a bit of him - so not sure on colour, but as you say I will have already have fallen in love with him by the time I know.

I can't go and get him until 5:30, so am praying that he will still be there as I have my hopes up now! I am going to put him in a bin cage (what I was going to use to split my babies up into), it's just a bit smaller than the rex and will be flat.