To tell my friend I don't want her "birthday gift"?

[harrietbarrier33]

Three weeks ago my friend asked me to look after her 2 hamsters whilst her house was being decorated.
I have never had hamsters and I don't really like them but she was desperate for someone to look after them so I said yes.
When she has asked how they are I have been positive "oh they are fine don't worry we are getting on great" etc etc
Today is my birthday ..she rings me
As my gift to you I'm letting you keep the hamsters ...
So I said "oh no don't be silly,I've enjoyed having them but they belong to you"
She replied .."no no I insist ..."
I don't want them
Aibu to say no ?
I think she just can't be arsed with them anymore tbh

Ok so they only live about 3 years. Ask how old they are........

I don't think you need to try and justify with your working/not fair comment. You did her a favour. Favour done . You don't want them, come pick them up.

What?!!!!

but then she might say you gave them away without her consent

She's trying to palm them off onto the OP offering them to the OP as a birthday present. So if the OP accepts the 'gift' they are then hers to rehome as she likes.

Take them back to her and tell her to stop taking the piss. When you get there open the cage so they run free around the house

LOL she can’t be being serious?

Maybe you could give them back to her on her birthday 😂

YANBU

[quote LookItsMeAgain]@acatcalledjohn - why should it be up to the OP to find a suitable home for these hamsters? The CF friend should be the one to find a new suitable home for these hamsters or return them to a pet store (I don't know if this is something that pet shops can facilitate)...

@harrietbarrier33 - I hope you manage to return these hamsters to the CF.[/quote]
It shouldn't be up to the OP to find homes for them, but she's proven herself far more responsible than the idiot who dumped them. For myself, I'd far rather that OP find a good home for them. I have a feeling they could be left in their cage out by a dustbin, otherwise.

Wow. She's being ridiculous. That is not a friendly thing to do, and no way would I keep those hamsters. They'd be going right back to her, and I wouldn't care if I offended her in the process. Tbh, she sounds like someone I'd want less of in my life!

Why are you making excuses? You don’t have to lie to her either. Just be plain straight forward with her and tell her to come and get them. Seems like you’re regularly far too soft with her, which is why she’s putting onto you.

Cheeky mare! No no no

@Merryweather80

If you are in or near Worcestershire I would gladly re-home them for you. I was a vet nurse until I had an accident which has left me disabled. I’m happy to take in any waifs and strays. I can collect them if it makes it easier for you.

Happy birthday.

What a lovely offer. I wish you a long and happy life with your waifs and strays.

Hope you have a happy birthday, despite this CF friend

Tell her she either picks them up asap or they'll be served in a sarnie for next doors cat...

@harrietbarrier33 OMG, what a nightmare! She obviously left them with you hoping that you'd agree to keep them! I would definitely refuse, particularly as you don't like hamsters. If she won't have them back, maybe try to rehome them? I don't know if shelters take in hamsters...

Tell her you do not want them. If she wishes to relinquish her pets would she please collect them for animal rescue within three days or you will have to and would rather not.

Please don't give them back to her. I know they aren't your problem but she clearly doesn't want them and there is every chance (based on her behaviour to you) that she will neglect them. Can you please give them to an animal sanctuary? They should easily be able to rehome them (especially as they'll be coming with their cage, etc.) as hamsters are very popular and they'll at least try to check out the future home.

I'd rehome them then bill her for your time.

Don't give them back please take them to a rescue. She obviously doesn't want them or she wouldn't so easily have dumped them. They're an animal in need of looking after not some plastic toy to be dumped 😡

@harrietbarrier33 - how did you get on OP?

The OP seems to be long gone. maybe she did leave them at the door, and doesn't want to face those of us - including me - who said please don't.

So let me tell you abut my dream last night. We were on holiday, staying in a flat in a converted large old house. Lots of separate flats, an unfamiliar place. At the same time I was looking after a little boy's hamster and had brought it with me. It escaped and I couldn't find it anywhere, went in all the flats, looked in all the corridors, and I was distraught. Distraught I tell you.

The power of Mumsnet

Reiterate that you agreed to look after them as a favour and long-term you are unable to look after them. You will therefore be returning them to her in the next few days.

Happy belated birthday OP! If you’re near Kent then they can come and live with me

I had a lovely, elderly rescue hamster who crossed the bridge a few weeks ago and I miss his fat, happy little face so I don’t think I’d mind taking these two off your hands

Leave them back and claim to be allergic

Hi everyone sorry for taking ages to get back to you.
Well good news..the hamsters have returned home.
She actually apologised for springing that on me and blamed the stress of home schooling /job commitments.
Said a fond farewell to my furry friends and locked the door incase she changed her mind