Oh Boy to do or not to do

[Nancy's Hamsters]

I just learned my local Petsmart has a Syrian in need of help. He(all male store) is up for adoption by the first employees knowledge because a daaaah he is aggressive to other hamsters. Well no shirt Sherlock he's a Syrian and they are Solitary what ever do you expect.

However I had no way to go look at him last night so I phoned them this morning and he is still there, BUT this employee says his reason for being in adoption is he is aggressive to PEOPLE. She claims every employee is afraid to touch him as he screams at them and lunges at their hands.

Now the big issue is I am not exactly full house here but it's a bit snuggly. I hate the thought of this young guy sitting in a literal shoe box size cage with not even a water bottle but a water bowl and no toys or anything to stimulate his mind. However if unadopted that is the life for the Hamsters at this store. They don't return them, and they don't euthanize them but they do keep them in the tiniest of cages their whole life, and one that is mean to people just exists, not lives their whole life out being dumped into a clean tiny cage to the next until one day he just gives up on living.

So do I sorta over flow my Hamstery and save him in the hopes he is just being this way cause he has no joys in life and is just cage raged or pray he finds a home for Christmas with someone else who may have more room and time for him to learn humans are not all nasty like he thinks?

I have to decide on which to do before 4PM today.

[mylittlefluffyhamster]

I would do it!
I mean some hamsters just don't want to be handled and if that is how they will keep him for the rest of his life then surely it must be worth it!

if he is in there for aggression no one will want him! I hope you follow your heart!
please let me know ASAP
as I love reading all abut hamster rescue missions!

[flowerfairy]

How would having him affect your other hamsters?

If they would not be unduely disturbed/given less attention then go for it.

Oh and how would it be for you time wise? It is all too easy to get overwhelmed.

I would find it very hard not to get him ...

[mylittlefluffyhamster]

I agree flowerfairy!
I would go for it if I have the time and room!! xx

[Nancy's Hamsters]

LOL most on here know me I'm the one who will buy the pregnant females and find loving homes for the eyeless white pups that result. I will most likely wait till 4PM and go get him if he is still there which if the 2nd employee is telling the truth I'm sure he will be.

My biggest issue is I have no way possible to quarantine him as the normal spare room I use in summer is way way too cold to safely keep him in during the winter. The farthest he can be housed is in a foyer which is right next to the other hamsters. Chances are he is healthy and fine but I don't like risking that not to be true with 2 more litters possibly on the way.

[mylittlefluffyhamster]

would a blanket be possible or in your room if allowed? xx

let me know as I'm desperate to see how he gets on! xx

[Nancy's Hamsters]

LOL no a blanket would not help in a unheated room sad to say and since I am a hobby breeder it is very important that I can keep this boy secluded from my show quality, pedigreed hamsters. My plans would be to hand tame him then find him a great caring pet home so he could be really spoiled for life.

Other half will not allow any pets in the room we sleep in.

[DrKMcK]

Nancy, oh Nancy. I know it's hard to see that. but you know there are always hamsters needing homes. What if he stays anxious and skittish? You've got babies possibly on the way. And they will need homes too. Only you can make the decision, but I'd put a lot of thought into this. :--(

[Vectis Hamstery]

Personally, I wouldn't put a pet shop hamster near my own hams without a quarantine period. Too costly in so many ways if it goes wrong. I've started getting a bit lax with hams from people I trust but never with one from an unknown source like a shop.

It does certainly bear thinking about.

[Coco61]

Is there anyone who would take him for you for the 2week period so he did not come near your hamstery until you are sure of his health?