Emma Jones
Before you walk into a pet store, important questions should be answered. “Do I have enough time?” And: “What happens to the hamster when I go on vacation?”
These are just two of many fundamental questions that must be discussed with the family members beforehand. Since hamsters are naturally active at dusk and at night and are not otherwise “cuddly toys”, they are only conditionally suitable as pets for children. In any case, they should be at least ten years old.
Do you have a suitable location for the hamster home in your apartment or house? It must not draught, nor may the sunshine directly into it. Smoking in the same room can also harm the little rodent. In addition to the cage, the hamster must have an outlet. This must be designed “hamster-safe”, which means that no cables may lie around there and nothing else maybe nibbled on.
Even if the googly-eyed rodent is a solitary animal, it needs your attention. You should have at least an hour a day for the little one. Is there someone in your family or circle of acquaintances who can do this for you if you ever travel? Also, make sure none of your family members have an allergy to hamsters. If the rodent falls ill, you should be prepared to pay high veterinary costs if necessary.
Where do you get a hamster from?
If you have been able to clarify all these questions, there is nothing more to say against buying a hamster. But where do you get a hamster from – and one that is also healthy? Nowadays there are plenty of hobby breeders who breed cute rodents in a wide variety of variants. Hamsters are not only available in pet shops or from special breeders. Take a look at the animal market in the daily newspaper or in the newspapers, where there are hamster offspring in your region. Classified portals on the Internet often have their own section for animals. In our marketplace, for example, you can also browse around and see if you can find a suitable hamster for you. But you can also go to a small animal exhibition. Or look at the bulletin boards in schools, supermarkets, or veterinary surgeries. There, too, offspring hamsters are often offered. Don’t forget the animal shelter. Here mostly hamsters are waiting for a new owner.
The hamster from the breeder
What speaks for a breeder and what for a pet shop, an animal shelter, or the cute little hamster boys from the neighbor? Getting a hamster from a professional breeder is a very good choice. Often you will not only get good advice there, but you also often have a good selection of different breeding forms, so that you can choose exactly the hamster you want. You will also find out the exact date of birth of the little rodent and can celebrate the birthday of your new roommate. If you know a good breeder, then don’t be afraid to travel far. It is always better to see the animal for yourself first. So you can see how the breeder treats his hamsters, whether they are well cared for and have a clean home and whether the little ones are already reacting a little trustingly.
What makes a good pet shop?
If you’ve decided to get a hamster from a pet store, don’t go for the first one that comes your way. First, check that the animals are well cared for and that the staff is knowledgeable. Can you really be given the sex of the hamster and are you given adequate advice on the right food and equipment? The dealer should take the necessary time with you that you need. The animals should be kept in their cages appropriate to their species. This means that the enclosures are equipped with houses, water bottles, food bowls various toys, and climbing equipment and, most importantly, are clean. Also, the hamster home should not be placed under a neon lamp or even in the shop window.
The animal shelter or privately?
The advantage of having pets you know is that you know how the hamsters are kept. Similar to hamsters from a breeder, you will find out the exact date of birth of the cute rodent. But many hamster lovers also offer young through classified ads. Drive personally to the provider and take your time to look at the little ones. Please take some time to do this. Here, too, a look should be taken at the facility and the condition of the hamster facility. Is the cage clean and do the rodents have plenty to eat? Normally, the animals should be about four to six weeks old before they are released. If you do not attach great importance to getting a particularly young hamster, then visit nearby animal shelters to see if they have the little rodents available. Many of the sweet sniffing noses are often waiting there for a new home. Many of the sweet sniffing noses are often waiting there for a new home. The advantage is that the hamsters are already used to humans and no longer need to be tamed. However, you should first inquire about the character, any quirks, or special features. Feel free to ask why the hamster was given away.