dwarf hamster availability uk

[pinkpink33]

hiya

currently doing some research on pet supplies and pet stores (thinking of opening a pet supply store in a few years).
anyway, for those of you in the uk who like hamsters, how often do you find the less common types, like siberians (ww), chinese and robos?
i have seen one robo ever around my area, and it seems that all dwarves in stores are the russian (campbells). does anyone else find this?
i was considering opening a pet store with mainly supplies but maybe with a small number of small rodents, and would be interested in whether these less common dwarf hams would be popular or not?
i myself would love to have a ww or robo (or pairs of), but they're really hard to find in shops or shelters etc.

[pixibubbles]

to most good owners it matters less about the breed and more about the breeder.

i've seen dwarves a few times but wouldnt buy coz i wont support bad breeders / shops. where i got all my hams from (apart from the rescues obviously) you could arrange to meet mom and dad if you asked and were able to handle and examine the hammies closely (after cleaning your hands well).

i would honestly be mo0re interested in seeing somewhere that only supports the best breeders x

[pinkpink33]

so as long as the breeder is responsible you wouldn't object to dwarf hams in a pet store?
i would love to breed a pair one day, obviously i would buy an unrelated breeding pair or two from a reputable breeder and keep family trees and info on every ham. i've been doing some research on health, care and genetics of campbells, and maybe one day if i were to open a pet store i would have a couple of breeding pairs at home. i wouldn't breed a female more than twice in her life, and after this they would stay and live with me with all the treats and spoiltness she can take!
obviously this would mean i wouldn't always have dwarves in my shop for sale, but it's better to have a small number of happy healthy friendly hams that you have time to care for than a giant hamster mill where the hams dont get played with or cared for. that's my opinion anyway :)

[Moosley]

To be honest, the only species of hamster in the trade that is nearly impossible to get hold of is the Mouse Like Hamster, that is because its an exotics species LOL. All the others can be picked up just about anywhere.

There is also a good network of hamster owners/breeders/showers all over the country and breed and can deliver hamsters easily enough.

It would be a nice to have a pet store that sold hamsters and knew what they were talking about but you wouldnt catch me buying from a pet store again over a breeder that is known in the showing circles.

[pinkpink33]

do you have a website for one of these breeders or show-goers maybe? i know i have a lot to learn, and im not sure if i would do it or not yet, but im interested in learning about animals and their care, they're fascinating.
i've looked at the uk hamster society and some others in my research, but havent found anything especially useful! found lotsa info on breeding and genetics, am mainly looking at campbells russian dwarfs at the moment. so any info links etc would be great :)

[Moosley]

Of course! :) hammy people are generally very lovely people and very happy to giveo ut information! If you do a search for Peter & Chris Logsdail (Towy Vale Hamster) or Sue at Pendragon Hams! Or even PJ at Wellington Hams, Kat at Thames Valley Rodents (is a member here!).

I have nothing against petshops selling decent well bred hamsters, would be nice to see for a change! Especially in my local shop! grr!

[pinkpink33]

ok thats great thanks :) will have a look in a bit, just got home and am starving!!!
i never know if there are actual circuits as most of the people here are american, and seem to be (sorry if it seems like im stereotyping) more indulgent with pet showing and breeding etc.