Hello and questions

[HammieRoo]

Hello from the USA.
Just decided to drop in and introduce myself. I currently do not have a hamster but have loved learning so much informations so i can be prepared beforehand. I've had a lot of animal experience including: cockatiels, parakeets, rabbits, mice, reptiles, guinea pigs. Fell in love with hamsters and want to get one soon.

Now this brings me to my question: I found a local ad for baby Syrians. They are about 4 weeks old. They've started to eat and drink but I was wondering if that age was too young to already be selling. I heard about 6 weeks was fine. Is this alright? They seem pretty small. I'm really looking forward to getting a long hair male all in all besides that, how are petshop hammies? I've always gotten my pets from breeders, ect. Are they just as healthy and sweet? What has been your experience? Thanks in advance.

[Tutu]

Got my Syrian girl(supposedly girl?!) aged supposedly about 5 weeks old from big bad chain pet store in the uk. And she came down with wet tail straight away! And never again I'm using that shop for sourcing animals! Even though i love my hamster to death using big chain store put me off for life! Perhaps I'll help their rescues but not buying from them.
I'd recommend rescue centres( believe me there are many homeless hamsters out there) or breeders.
Any case good luck with your search

[Gazmo]

welcome

[Munchalot]

Hey there, welcome to HC!

Hm. To be honest, it really depends on your area. I myself work in a pet shop, where all of my hams have come from, and they have always been perfectly healthy, good natured pets with beautiful colours and great personalities. But, some pet shops do have bad stock (*cough* Pets at Home *cough*) and as stated above, stress can cause many pet shop hams to contract wet tail and other ailments.

If you know good breeders, I would stick with them. Bare in mind though that some breeders can be just as bad as some pet shops, so it really depends on your area and what you can learn from your source. It's important to always ask questions.

And the normal age for selling on is 5 - 6 weeks in age.