Where to buy a Hamster?

[Itsallicanafford]

So, we have promised my 10 year old a pair of Russian dwarf hamsters for her birthday. But there appears to be a shortage of stock of animals due to lock down and the breeders not supplying . Pets at home do not have any.

Any ideas of where to purchase would be greatly appreciated. We are based in St Albans, Herts.

Many thanks in advance.

[airsafari87]

Freddie Star

[Itsallicanafford]

already tried him

[Amused2death]

Hamsterdam?

[loskie]

Hamsters are nocturnal animals are they not? If so they won't really make a good pet for kids. I know, I know they have been pets for decades but think about it.

[Mikebentley]

Richard Gere?

[Monkeylegend]

Make sure you get a well lubricated exercise wheel.

They only have a life expectancy of two years so don't let the kids get too attached

[Itsallicanafford]

...apparently, one of the lesser known side effects of a global human pandemic is that supplies of hamsters dries up. We are being quoted 4-6 weeks

[Itsallicanafford]

Just for the record, I really wanted a cat!

[Doofus]

So you start a thread entitled "Where to buy a Hamster?". So I'm in. I reckon I can help. I know people.

But now it turns out you want a pair? fk off.


Timewaster.

[Monkeylegend]

Itsallicanafford said:

Just for the record, I really wanted a cat!

But you could only afford a hamster.

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

loskie said:

Hamsters are nocturnal animals are they not? If so they won't really make a good pet for kids. I know, I know they have been pets for decades but think about it.

Great idea...

OP... buy a cage and all the other gear. Then tell the kids they only come out for exceptionally well behaved children...

Put your order in...

Enjoy a month of the best behaved kids.

[Itsallicanafford]

What I am really looking for is one of those happy ending PH threads, where after a few funny comments, somebody chimes on that they have a couple going spare, will throw in a cage and assortment of toys for free and they live around the corner. We make the exchange for a decent bottle of malt and everybody is happy. Come on chaps, Make it happen...

[Cyder]

How intelligent are your kids? I’ve got a couple of PITA cats you could have for free and pretend they’re hamsters if you like? The furry stbags.

[Monkeylegend]

I have a couple we buried about a year ago, I can dig them up for you if you like. We also have a cage and all the relevant bits and pieces but I doubt we live just around the corner.

They also stink if you don't clean them out every couple of days, they have a habit of peeing and pooing in their bedding.

[Doofus]

Itsallicanafford said:

What I am really looking for is one of those happy ending PH threads, where after a few funny comments, somebody chimes on that they have a couple going spare, will throw in a cage and assortment of toys for free and they live around the corner. We make the exchange for a decent bottle of malt and everybody is happy. Come on chaps, Make it happen...

I don't have a hamster immediately available, or a cage for that matter, but I've got some toys, and I could really do with a blue WKD, if that's any help.

How far are you from J11 on the M6?

[Turn7]

Hamsters dont make the best pets tbh...

Nocturnal and grumpy in the same breath.

Im sure a local Pet shop or even the cesspit that is Gumtree/Preloved will have one/some......

[moorx]

C4ME said:

Do. Not. Get. A. Pair.

Seriously, they fight and one will end up manky and bold. Having been through the small pet phase, Gerbils are by far the best small pet. They are also social animals (we had 3 together) and active in the daytime. Clean too.

I'd agree with that - gerbils or degus way better than hamsters.

Have you looked to see whether there are any small animal rescues in your area?

Other than that, as someone has suggested - local pet shops, garden centres with pet departments, Gumtree, Preloved, Pets4Homes.....

Edited by moorx on Friday 10th July 22:17

[Turn7]

moorx said:

C4ME said:

Do. Not. Get. A. Pair.

Seriously, they fight and one will end up manky and bold. Having been through the small pet phase, Gerbils are by far the best small pet. They are also social animals (we had 3 together) and active in the daytime. Clean too.

I'd agree with that - gerbils or degus way better than hamsters.

I do like a Degu.....

[Doofus]

C4ME said:

Do. Not. Get. A. Pair.

Seriously, they fight and one will end up manky and bold. Having been through the small pet phase, Gerbils are by far the best small pet. They are also social animals (we had 3 together) and active in the daytime. Clean too.

There are bold hamsters, and there are bald hamsters. But there are no bold, bald hamsters.