hamster hobbyist

[Ku'uipo]

I think that becoming a hamster hobbyist would be fun because you get to breed them, put them in hamster shows just like dog shows and you can sell them if you want. That sounds like a pretty easy way to get money!

[Aina Kintsu]

remember, becoming a hobbyist is a lot of work, so it is not an easy way to make money. If you plan on breeding do not breed pet store hamsters because you do not have they're breeding history. People by from breeders because they know the back ground, can see the parents temperament and size, and for the most part, the hamsters are more socialized then a petstore hamster. Pet store hamsters tend to come from breeding mills (those who are in it for the money rather then the well being of the animal) and for the most part, don't always have the greatset immune systems, ans sometimes (not all the time) can have rotten temperaments. (again with temperament it is not always the case, but in my one year of working as a small animal specialist for a pet store, I have come across a few hamsters that we just could not socialize. :( )

If you plan on breeding you need to have a plan for the babies. The best way, is to find homes before you start breeding, or else be prepared to keep any of the babies that do not find homes. It would also appear that you like Syrian hamsters and you must realize that Syrians can have up to 20 babies. Syrian hamsters must be house alone, because they are territorial, so if you are unable to find homes for 20 babies, will you be able to house 20 babies in 20 separate cages (the smallest being a 10 gal, but 15 gal long is the smallest I would personally go with a Syrian).

If you do not plan on keeping babies who cant find homes and you think dumping them at a petstore or rescue will be ok, it is not. Petstores and rescues are overcrowded as it is, and if this is your back up plan, then I suggest you not breed.

If I come of rude, it is not my intention, I just want to let you and anyone who reads this forum realize that it is not an easy way to make money. You need to take time to do research, don't just jump right in thinking theres nothing to it. You also need to make sure you have time and space for multiple hamsters.

Anyhow, here are some great hamster websites:
hamsterhideout.com
hamstercentral.com
hamsterific.com
hamsterland.com
hamsters.co.uk
petwebsites.com

:3

[Aina Kintsu]

oh! also, if you plan on showing hamsters, you should get them from a breeder, not a pet store. When I showed rabbits, you had to have a certificate with the names of the parents and the breeder the rabbit was from, and I am more then positive it will be the same for hamsters. Also, you'll find a better color variety and a larger variety in breeds from breeders. :3

[Ku'uipo]

Thank-you so much!! I know that it will take a lot of time and consideration, but I really didn't plan on breeding them or becoming a hobbyist yet because I'm still in school and I barely have time to take care of myself because of all of the homework they give us. I also want to thank you for taking the time and thought to leave a mesage, and no, you didn't come across rude! Your information was very helpful! I'm going to save what you typed because when I do decide to become a hamster hobbyist, I will want to look back at what you said. In conclusion, I will keep this in my mind!!

[Aina Kintsu]

I am glade I could be of some help. I understand the school thing, its finals time for me and my poor ratties haven't been getting as much attention because of essays and reports and studying -_- They still get some attention, but not as much when I'm less busy. Good luck on finals!

:3

[Ku'uipo]

Thanks! Good luck to you too!