Buying a hamster
Pet stores are often the first place consumers consider buying a hamster. Potential buyers may be impressed by the hamster's adorable color or delight in his antics, and sooner or later, a cute kid will take them home.
Disadvantages of buying a hamster from a pet store
However, there are some downsides to buying a hamster from a pet store. First of all, pet store hamsters are often sourced from hamster farms where the health and well-being of the animal is of the second importance to benefit. Not all hamster farms or pet stores have been negligent, but there have been enough cases of abuse that have made ethical shoppers reluctant to support these businesses until stricter restrictions are put in place.
Moreover, his ancestry is unknown. This is important if you need a purebred breed. When buying a hamster, such as a Russian Winter White Dwarf, pedigree is very important. Winter Whites are a hybrid descendant of Campbell's Dwarf Hamsters that are rarely found in pet stores in North America. Hybrid hamsters are prone to disease and careless breeding contaminates the integrity of the breed.
The inbreeding and bad environment on hamster farms can lead to animals with hidden health problems that aren't obvious under the bright lights of a pet store. Dealing with serious hamster health problems can be emotionally unpleasant and costly after owners bond with their pets.
Buying a hamster from a professional breeder or hobbyist has several advantages.
On the other hand, buying a hamster from a professional breeder ensures that the hamster is healthy and well cared for throughout its life. Most professional breeders offer a satisfaction guarantee, allowing customers to return their hamsters within a certain period of time if they are not satisfied with their new pet.
A hamster bought from a hobbyist will be well cared for and healthy, and will be less expensive than buying from a professional breeder.
Consider adopting rather than buying a hamster.
Adopting hamsters from local animal rescue organizations is another possibility. A quick web search will find plenty of young and old hamsters in need of an adorable home. In most cases, you will need to fill out an application and pay a small fee.
The thrill of becoming a home for an abandoned animal is a motivator to adopt a hamster rather than buy it.
Many rescue animals come from buyers who have allowed hamsters to breed recklessly. The owner was so startled that he took the newborn hamster to the local animal shelter. This should be taken into account when placing male and female hamsters in the same cage.
Before adopting a hamster, an animal rescue organization thoroughly examines the hamster's health. We also purchased hamsters from hamster farms so that their new owners did not contribute to animal cruelty.
Do some research before buying a hamster.
Knowing which breeds are available can help prevent hamster guilt. You may regret buying a simple brown hamster if you find out that there are hamsters in colors like "champagne" and "lilac". Additionally, different breeds have unique personalities and housing requirements. Doing your homework ahead of time will help you match your hamster's activity level and housing needs to your budget. Hamsters should not be bought impulsively.
Buy a house and supplies before buying a hamster.
It's time to buy after deciding on the habitat your pet will live in and the breed before buying toys for your pet to play with. Do not force hamsters into temporary cages while determining cages for hamsters.
Before buying a hamster, make sure it is healthy.
- A healthy hamster's eyes are clear and dazzling. Wet or cloudy eyes should be avoided.
- Make sure your nose and ears are clean. Examine your ears for signs of ear mites.
- Make sure your hamster is not deaf and reacts to sounds.
- Look for damaged limbs and make sure the hamster is not limping.
- Hamsters must not be overweight or underweight.
- A healthy coat should be silky and well maintained.
Investing a little time and money in your hamsters will not only create a good relationship between the owner and your pet, but will also reduce the number of abandoned hamsters in animal shelters and rescue organizations.