Winter whites.

Goatie · 09-18-2012, 01:43 AM

Hi can anyone help me. I have posted before about wanting a WW. I have tried e-mailing a few breeders on the Northern Hamster Club list, but alas know one has replied. I live in Newcastle upon Tyne and would love a Normal colour WW. Does anyone know of a breeder near to me please.

Catherine Spark · 09-19-2012, 08:42 AM

Heya Goatie - I'm sorry I can't help you, but I hope you find your Winter White soon. Is rescuing one an option? You could try looking on sites like preloved or pets4homes, Craiglist or gumtree and see what happens - although often it's heartbreaking to do so because of all the other little faces you see! A rescue one would almost certainly be hybrid though, I suppose.

souffle · 09-19-2012, 09:43 AM

There are not many breeders of WW in the Northern Area at the moment I'm afraid. The only one I know is Nooboo hamstery in Manchester.
It's a shame that you didn't get to Rotherham show as there was a Southern breeder there and loads for sale

Goatie · 09-20-2012, 03:11 AM

Thanks Catherine and Souffle, I have tried rescue centers but had know luck. I have been told of a pet shop in Darlington which sells WWs, apparently the owner breeds them so sometimes has them for sale. So far that seems my best bet, but he has none at present. I am determent to get one so would still like it if anyone else can help. This may sound stupid, but why are WWs so hard to get hold of. I did not think they were that new to the market.

Bekki2308 · 09-20-2012, 03:53 AM

I am pretty sure teh breeder in darlington has stopped breeding.

RachK · 09-20-2012, 06:01 AM

Bekki, yes the home breeder packed in but Dave who runs the Pet Shop took on a few from him. He gave me one of the little girls Peggy a few weeks ago as she had already had two litters. At the moment nothing is happening but he paired up a Pearl boy & Agouti girl when I was in the other day. So fingers crossed there will be some babies soon.

Although I know that WW's tend to not breed through the Autumn/Winter.

I don't know how l much longer he can do it though, as with having such a small group he can't keep breeding them.

Bekki2308 · 09-20-2012, 07:00 AM

Rach K can you give me the address of the shop I might snap me up a little WW

before they end up getting stock from elsewhere and hybridising their lines (it may well happen!)

RachK · 09-20-2012, 07:41 AM

Sent you a pm Bekki.

Goatie · 09-21-2012, 02:56 AM

I have been in touch with the pet shop. He tells me he has someone else who also supplies him with WWs. Which could be good news as if I get two so as to breed I would need to get them from different lines. I must say I have been very pleased with all the help and advice I have had from this forum. Thanks everyone x

souffle · 09-21-2012, 03:06 AM

Goatie if you get them from a pet shop even from one who breeds them themselves then they are very very likely to be hybrids.
With breeding WW you MUST get a pedigree and from a reliable source. An NHC registered member breeding WW to show and to better the lines will not let you breed their animals to pet shop lines because of the hybridisation issues. Hamsters with a hybrid background can suffer all sorts of problems like diabetes, glaucoma and birthing difficulties and it is never worth the risk.
If the pet shop does have pure lines though and can provide a pedigree then that would be excellent.