Hamsters were first discovered by a Jerusalem naturalist in 1930 and have since become one of the most popular first pets among young people. However, many people buy hamsters without understanding what to look for. In this post, we will look at some pitfalls to avoid when buying a hamster for yourself or your child.
Impulse buying should be avoided
Hamsters are very difficult to resist. They are small, fuzzy creatures with lovely faces and lovely feet. If you like hairy pets, you'll fall in love with your hamster. But before you go out and get one, consider all your options. Do not buy a hamster in the moment. You may regret it later.
It is important not to buy a hamster in the moment. Consider all the consequences of owning a hamster. Someone has to take care of him, clean the cage, buy and feed him, and play with him. If your hamster gets sick, you will likely have to pay a vet. Are you ready to take on the responsibilities that come with raising a hamster? Do you really want to take responsibility?
Avoid buying from pet stores.
It's easy to walk into a pet store and buy a hamster, but that's one mistake you don't want to make. Instead, find a reputable hamster breeder and buy a hamster. Before placing hamsters together, professional breeders consider several aspects (parental temperament, genetics, etc.). If you trade with a reputable breeder, you are more likely to get a healthy, laid-back hamster.
Another way to get a pet hamster is to contact a hamster rescue organization. Owners transfer hamsters to these rescue groups for a variety of reasons. The need for a good home is usually always present. You will give the hamster a second chance. This will feel good even if the hamster's background is not known at all.
Pet stores should not be used to purchase any animals, including hamsters. The majority of pets sold in pet retailers are the result of unethical breeding practices. The animals in these pet factories are often managed in disastrous conditions and are considered only breeding machines for supplying pets to pet retailers. Buying a pet from a pet store increases your chances of getting a poorly bred and bad-tempered hamster.
It may seem irrational, but don't buy it in the morning
Because hamsters are nocturnal animals, most hamsters go to the breeder first in the morning and go to sleep when they find the breeder. Pick a hamster late in the afternoon. You can see that they are awake and active at this time of day.
You should not buy a sick hamster.
Don't buy an unwell hamster unless you're ready to spend the money to visit the vet to treat your hamster's disease. A damp floor and runny or hard eyes are signs of illness. Healthy hamsters are active with dry hair and bright eyes.
Do not buy if you are too young or too old.
Hamsters must stay with their mother for at least 3 weeks after birth. If separated from the mother before this, there is a very high chance that the baby hamster will die. Until at least three weeks, young hamsters cannot feed themselves enough to survive without a mother.
Do not buy female hamsters over 2 months old unless you want to endanger your baby hamsters. She may already be expecting her child. Each hamster needs its own enclosure. They cannot share a room once they are weaned from their mother.
Summary
In conclusion, most mistakes to avoid when buying a hamster are common sense. These include avoiding impulse buying, buying from a pet store rather than a pet store, buying in the afternoon rather than in the morning, avoiding sick hamsters, and avoiding hamsters that are too young or too old. Stick to this list and you'll get a decent hamster.