The first place we tend to look for a pet is the pet shop. If you want to buy a hamster however, the best option is a hobbyist or private breeder.
Advantages of buying hamsters from a hobbyist or private breeder include -
- Buying from a breeder ensures that breeding of the hamster is planned in a careful manner and you can be sure of buying a pet that is healthy, robust and of a good temperament.
- Breeders’ offer buyers a guarantee contract which says you can return the hamster back if you are not satisfied with it, which may not be possible if purchased from a pet shop.
- Quality breeding is ensured as breeders breed their hamsters with a view of showcasing them at shows. They tend to keep a couple o
- f them and therefore ensure high quality and even temperament.
- As you buy a hamster from a breeder, you can see the parents and also know the exact date of birth of the pet you are purchasing.
Purchasing your hamster from a Rescue Home
Rescue homes offer hamsters for sale too. Here you can find numerous young and old hamsters abandoned by their owners. There are many pros and cons of buying hamsters from a rescue home.
You can be sure rescue home hamsters are perfect in health as they are thoroughly scrutinized for any health related problems by the rescue home before putting up on sale. However, if you buy a hamster from a rescue home, you may not actually have the detail of its age and background.
Before handing over the hamster to you, these homes require you to complete filling certain forms. You are also interviewed and assessed before the hamster is handed over to you.
Purchasing hamsters from pet shops
Hamsters sold in pet shops are usually bred in commercial farms. Hamsters are supplied to certain pet shops also as a surplus from breeders and pet owners. Here you cannot be sure if they are of good temperament and quality. There is no information usually provided on their date of birth and parentage.
It is highly recommended to buy a hamster from a reputed source as a weak and unhealthy pet is no fun to own.
Know all about hamsters before buying one
It is essential conducting a research on the various aspects of owning a hamster as a pet. Be equipped with the right cage and other accessories before bringing in the hamster. Be sure you are mentally prepared to deal with various aspects in raising a hamster including breeding and taking care of young ones.
If you are asked to choose from a litter, be sure to check for these facts –
- A healthy hamster has clear and sparkling eyes. Be sure the eyes are not watery or clouded.
- Check if the nose and ears are clean. Also make sure they respond to noise.
- Check if any of the limbs are broken and if the hamster walks with a limp.
- Ensure the hamster is neither too fat nor too thin.
- A well maintained and healthy hamster will have a shiny, soft and clean fur that is well combed and well groomed.
Choose the right hamster as your pet and take care of it with a lot of care, love and affection.