29 replies to this topic

[TeacupHam]

such a good topic! i feel a bit bad right now though because currently chew is being housed in 2 ovos. that is only about 80cm of floor space. my parents got me her for christmas and they didn't really know alot about hamsters, so right now she is in this tiny cage, but i am talking to my parents an writing an essay of why i should connect a bin cage. dad seems to be on board with it but still gotta get mom to notice that she needs more room. currently doing the best i can, and giving her as much playpen time as i can so she can get some exercise and run around. hope situations will improve soon though!

[ilovescience]

Yes, yes, and a hundred times yes.

 

I waited until I was 25 to get my "first" pet - I didn't want to have to go through rehoming a pet again because I wasn't ready or qualified to be a pet owner (I was surprise gifted a puppy in high school). And even now, I sometimes wonder whether I should've waited a little longer. LOL.

 

Pet ownership is frighteningly much like parenting.

Edited by ilovescience, 07 March 2015 - 11:13 AM.

[~Lizzie~]

I know this is a little late, but I love and agree with this soooooooooooo...... much!

 

There is a person I know who wanted a hamster soooo badly, and her parents finally let her get one, but she still knows nothing about hamster care. Her poor hammie is kept in a small crittertrail, fed a high sugar diet (the hamster is also a chinese hamster and therefore prone to diabetes), and after 2 months she's lost interest in him, so her MOM takes care of the poor guy. I am seriously about ready to like steal the the little guy.

 

Back to the point, I think that everything you have said is valid, and to be taken into considertion BEFORE buying or (preferably) adopting an animal.

[Winged Star]

After reading this I know I could get a hamster! Thanks

[Jacy]

I pay rent to my parents, and i rent the main floor suite from them, because it is busy during the mornings and evenings I try to not let my kids stay down there too long, so rainbow can sleep. They to still believe the one cage is enough, and the exercise ball is enough.
I told them that when I was a teen, and maybe it is the incorrect information.Nobody knew much about how small animals like hamster lives. I did my research, and read books then as well but most of the books were like from the early 1990s. I am able to buy most of the stuff now with cash/Visa.It is an improvement from long time ago, I told them that they need space to move around. I guess they were surprised I mean coming from people who never rent from people with pets, even small animals included. My mom just yells at any cat that comes by or anything else. I feel bad for the kitties, that want attention from people.

Provided I just keep it clean, and the stuff out of reach from the kids. They ask me isn't it hard to clean? I just said no, they might not understand if I explain to much. My dad just think money should not be wasted on animals that only live 2 years, but i said they need vet care.

[Hamsterbobtail]

This is awesome information.Keep up the good work

[hamstersaregreay]

Hi, wow, very lengthy read! i couldn't agree more, i sometimes wish you needed a license to but a small animal. or any animal for that matter, i know there are sone licenses for dogs but that isn't relay enforce and it puts pets at risk!! :(

[RoboPaws]

Thank you so much tbiM20! Well written!

I agree well written.

Edited by JTK, 09 September 2015 - 07:15 AM.

[FredrickTheHamster]

This is amazingly well written, and really taught me a couple things. I used to rely on my parents for everything when they were ignorant to most hamster knowledge. I'm thankful I have a job now and can pay for Fredrick's supplies on my own. I just realize now how ignorant I was being. Thank you for this topic. 

[♥ 600Kibbles ♥]

This is great! Thank you for creating this!!

[CrazyDaisyHammy]

Thank you for posting this! I already did tons of research for my current hamster, Daisy, but this is really helpful for people considering taking on a little furry bundle of joy!

[Almi]

I loved this so much that I had to comment: GREAT article!  Very well-written and well-rounded. Nicely done.  

[FuzzBallHams]

This is great! I wish every hamster owner could read this before getting a hamster just to know what they are going into. I feel like a lot of people get a hamster just because they are so cute but in reality just keep them in critter trails and rarely play with them after the first week.

[SteveeTheHammee]

Yes yes and yes! :-) Thx tbiM20

[MisoMiso]

Hey all, loved this forum topic and couldn't agree more on all the great points. I'm passionate about my hamster and his care, and want the best for our furry loved ones. Sometimes it comes down to educating everyone that hamsters are not toy pets, have their own set of needs, and we need to absolutely respect that since they are trusting us with their life.

On a separate but related note, I'm getting educated on how to responsibly get a hamster (like adopting instead of buying from a pet shop). I recently saw a video showing what really goes on inside a hamster mill and my heart broke into a million pieces. Imagine if that was your hammy.

()

First, is this an accurate portrayal, and if so, has anyone looked into how we can stop this animal abuse and encourage people to adopt from ethical breeders? Would love some feedback and will work tirelessly to advocate for our furry friends.

Here's another video from Victoria Raechel on her recommendation on ethically sourcing hamsters ().