Dwarf hamster wanted

[kyrilliondaemon]

*shrugs*
I think/hope there was a misunderstanding somewhere. Your posts did start to come across as slightly rude or as if you were insisting you knew best. I may have got that wrong and if so I'm sorry for my post appearing as rude, it may have been the result of a false impression.

And yes people deserve to have as much information as possible, but that includes accurate information on how likely pairs are to live together happily and on if lone dwarf hamsters are happy alone or not. The experience of us in the UK seems to be different to the experience you have. I learnt everything I know from experienced dwarf hamster breeders and every breeder I know accepts that many do need to live alone.

I do think there must be different genetics involved in the UK and Swedish dwarf hams, as a law like that here would probably be dangerous
Does your info come from people in the UK or elsewhere? There've been reasons to wonder about differences in levels of sociability in hamsters before and I'm starting to think advice on pairs/groups should probably be country-specific.

[Silver]

I wonder if it would be a good idea if a mod took the debate on having one dwarf or two & put it in it's own thread?.

Poor Julie asked a question & it has gone in a totally different direction. Which means now people may not respond to the question asked.

Silver xxx

[Ren]

Those links are Swedish so no, I didn't have them from the UK but simply because they aren't British doesn't mean they should be disregarded (I did find many English sites saying that they may be housed together but may need to be housed alone, which is what I agree with; try first a pair and then if it doesn't work, separate them and either keep both or find the other another home). I get my information from breeders as well as various websites. I'm going to step back though and stick to Syrian forums because talking about keeping pairs or groups is oddly sensitive on this forum.

The breeders that have the odd numbered litters will often pair the remainders with another litters young or do a trial to see if they are accepted by the purchasers current hamster. They do not sell solo hamsters but try to find a hamsters that suit each other.

I had no intentions of taking over this thread or causing problems in it. I hope the poster finds a wonderful hamster and great cage. Take care. I really did not mean any harm.

[kyrilliondaemon]

But what if she only has the space for a single hamster?
I'm not saying they need to be disregarded but that in the UK most dwarf pairs do fall out. Its a simple fact and is why I still feel that your advice would have been better if it had included the risks of keeping pairs e.t.c.

Best of luck finding the ham though Julie and I am sorry for the debate but I didn't want you thinking it was bad to have one alone or getting a pair and regretting it.

[mangoandmimi]

Julie : Dwarves are fine alone. All species. If you have the time, space and money for 2, then cool, a pair isn't a problem if you're prepared for fights. Sounds like you've made up your decision on one though (which is what i'd also personally go for) so it's just a case of finding a rescue near you (preloved/gumtree) or finding a breeder or show near you. Unless you want one from a pet shop. May i ask whereabouts you are?

[Charley101]

Julie, from my experience I have found it a lot easier keeping lone dwarfs. I had a pair back in 2008 who lived happily together for about a year. Then I noticed Mint was getting picked on by Murray. This escalated and I separated them. They lived on to have long and happy lives

I know have 3 dwarfs (hybrid, WW and Robo) living alone and they couldn't be happy. I know Flynn (my robo), used to have a cage mate with his old owner but they and to be separated due to fighting. Flynn is bald near his tail and has a scar there from being attacked. I won't keep pairs now for these reasons.

I'm not saying you can't have a pair and that Ren is wrong, you just need to be fully aware of the risks of taking a pair on. She is right that dwarfs are more sociable but you have to consider the need for suitable housing, ideally two of everything, be able to monitor them and get to know their personalities and starting to see any signs of fighting etc. It isn't easy but can be rewarding

Like others have said, I would check your local Gumtree, Preloved, animal shelters, Pets at Home adoption centre to see if there are any rescues needing a home (which 9 out 10 times there are!). You said you wanted an unusual colour. I got Bella (my hybrid) from my local Pets at Home adoption centre as no one wanted to buy her. She is a Mottled and, although not uncommon, she is a nice colouring and people have said it looks like she is wearing a mask. She is more unusual then an Agouti by any means. Murray was also a Mottled and was from Pets at Home too (just be aware if you are getting a hybrid from Pets at Home that they come with the risk of diabetes. Having a low sugar diet can help lower the risk).

Here is a couple of photos of her for you to see her colouring I have found it hard finding a black hybrid. They don't seem to come along anywhere near me!





Good luck in finding your new hamster

[Ren]

Originally Posted by Charley101

I'm not saying you can't have a pair and that Ren is wrong, you just need to be fully aware of the risks of taking a pair on. He is right that dwarfs are more sociable but you have to consider the need for suitable housing, ideally two of everything, be able to monitor them and get to know their personalities and starting to see any signs of fighting etc. It isn't easy but can be rewarding

(She! )

I apologize everyone, I should have taken this on another thread. There are many single hamsters awaiting adoption and it is a bad idea to try and introduce new hamsters to those. So clearly it would be okay to get yourself a single hamster. I do think it is better for them to be kept in groups (siblings) but sometimes that is impossible and it is better to keep them alone.

[Lougarry]

I answered Julie's question - and am also happy to look for suitable adoptees on the sites I trawl regularly if she would like.

[Charley101]

Sorry Ren! I thought you was male I will correct it now!

[Lougarry]

I thought so too - I think when you said, 'I'm not a bad guy', Ren, I took it a bit too literally!