New hamster??

[ratbrat21]

Ok well as you all know I have been thinking about getting a syrian hamster. Well my plans were put on hold as I wasnt sure. And I really didn't wanna buy one from a pet store cuz all the pet store hams are really mean. So last nighth hubby and I went shopping. I looked on the wall where they let people put ads. Anyways i see this ad that said "Free Teddy Bear Hamsters" I was so shocked. Hubby said to get the number that was on there. So early today i called and she still has baby syrians. They are 5 weeks old and all girls she says. Anyways saturday around noon we are going to her house and check out the hams and possibly take one home :) I am so happy. Plus i get to help her out. It was an accidental litter too. So anyways, just wanted to let you all know!!

[Orbett]

Congratz = ) Good luck with your new hammy. And for the record, petstore hamsters 'aint mean, their just not breeder hamsters = )

[ratbrat21]

oh when i said mean i meant...seriously at this pet store they jump and try to bite you. But im sure with regular handling they might become nice. But this way i get to help someone out. Cuz i know how hard it is to find homes for an unexpected litter. I had baby rats and thats even harder....many people dont like rats. Anyways i was in such a hurry and glad she still had some left....8 to be exact...I forgot to ask her what colors....but im sure it doesnt matter! I'm just so happy I will finally be getting a syrian ham.

[ratbrat21]

oh i have a question....being as the ham will be a baby.....5 weeks old! I was wondering if i could use a 10 gallon tank for now? Also i plan on getting a tank topper for it....will i need something bigger or will the tank with the topper be ok??

[Punkygirl0101]

A 10 gallon with a tank topper will be fine for an adult. Preferably a 3 level tank topper! :)

Good Luck with your new hamster.

[KOKKINIKLOSTI]

I think a 10 galon will be okay! And congrats for the new girl(possibly)! And i know what you mean by the word "mean"! There are no hamster breeders or resques in Greece, so the only way to find a hamster is to buy it from a pet store! But some times these stores are so noisy and have the lights on day and night! Imagine being a nocturnal animal that sees no nighttime! All my girls are from pet-stores, they were really nervous at first, but now they are as easygoing as it gets!

[pixibubbles]

When you do meet the hammies (if you havent already) see if you can meet mom and dad hamsters. it will give you a better idea of temperment and any problems that you could get later.

If either parent hamster is quite pale in colour (especially if they are older) ruffle the fur gently and check for skin discolouration and stuff. Good luck! x

[ratbrat21]

ok everyone. Yeah tomorrow around noon is when I go see the hams. When i called the lady said that all 8 were girls...so i dunno. Anyways i am very busy this weekend so no pics till monday. But i will definatly have plenty to talk about!! Thanks for all the advice!!

[jackie158]

You guys are funny. Wheather the hampster comes from a private breeder or Petstore, the petstore hampster is still from a breeder. A breeder sells them to the pet store.

[ratbrat21]

You guys are funny. Wheather the hampster comes from a private breeder or Petstore, the petstore hampster is still from a breeder. A breeder sells them to the pet store.


no what we mean is usually rodents come from a small animal mill. Its usually not breeders. although i do know a few GOOD breeders to sell to pet stores. But i think thats rare

[TiaMaria]

You guys are funny. Wheather the hampster comes from a private breeder or Petstore, the petstore hampster is still from a breeder. A breeder sells them to the pet store.

This really annoys me it's spelt HAMSTER! There is NO 'P' in it!

[KOKKINIKLOSTI]

And a large number of pet-store hamsters are "products" of inbreedeing! A good breeders always keeps track of the hamsters' genetics, but this is very difficult to be done by a pet store! For example i definately know that 2 of my girls are Cambel's-ww hybrids!

[Punkygirl0101]

Jackie, pet store hamsters come from MILLS. They overbreed tons of hamsters, and don't have healthy hamsters or anything. Actual RESPONSIBLE breeders only breed healthy hamsters. There is a difference.

And Tia, lol, it annoys me too when people put a P in hamster. :)