Where do you buy a small pet? Gerbils or hamsters

[rrhuth]

Hi, we are considering a pet and I think a small pet would suit us best.

I feel happy looking after them as I had lots of animals as a child, and can read up on this to see if anything has changed, but I have no idea where to get them from - is it OK just to go to a pet shop and buy them? Is there anything I should look out for when purchasing? Are there any bad practices to be aware of?

I am thinking gerbils or hamsters.

I’m not sure that condemning a living creature to an unnatural life imprisoned alone in a cage, then dealing with your DC’s distress when it dies after 2 years (average lifespan for a hamster) is really a great idea, OP?
Would you consider a cat, with free access outside via a cat flap? Cats are naturally solitary hunters, and can express all their normal behaviour rather than being locked up like a gerbil.

I went to our local independent pet shop for my daughters guinea pigs.

Rehoming charities often have small animals, I would start by asking there. Do so much research on cage/den/hutch size beforehand. Small animals need A LOT more space than you think. The largest hamster cage sold at Pets@Home for example is smaller than the lowest EU guidelines.

Definitely start with rescue.

Pet shops, especially the big chains, get their rodent "stock" from large rodent mills - puppy farms but for small furries - bred for quantity and not long term health.

Rescues get lots of small furries in, including accidental litters (courtesy of said big chains usually). They should be able to advise on proper housing, but do research and join FB groups. I agree that 90% of the housing PAH sell is woefully inadequate and too small, so don't shop there.

Are you set on gerbils or hamsters? How old are DC?
Guinea pigs are far less likely to bite (I've been nipped once in 30+ years of ownership) & aren't nocturnal so are awake when kids usually want to interact with them.

I would try rescue centres first, our local ones always have piggies and rabbits, or you could look at gerbil and hamster rescue.

There are a couple of groups on Facebook, something like hamster rescue UK is one of them. If you say where you’re based they can recommend rescues near you. Or there are sites like pets4homes. As others have said, the pet shop cages are so unsuitable. Also some of the bedding they sell. Try YouTube for good animal care videos, Victoria Raechel is a great one for hamster care.

Gerbils and hamsters are incredibly different temperament and behaviour wise. Very different pets! Maybe you've had both before since you say you've had lots of animals, but if not definitely read up on them.
I wouldn't worry toooo much about where you get them from - a local home breeder would be ideal if you can find one but a pet shop will do if not.
I would say the most important thing is a monster sized cage. Hamsters are a bit easier in terms of cage type and materials, but gerbils need a deep filled tank at the bottom for digging and preferably a second storey / a raised platform for food bowl etc. Unlikely anything you find in pets at home type places will be enough for them.

We've had all of our hamsters from pet shop, and they've all been healthy, friendly and lived long (for hamsters!) lives.

What age are your dc? Hamsters aren't great for little children.

Having had both, I'd get gerbils. More of a spectator pet as they are quick and you need to be quite confident handling them. I would worry kids might accidentally hurt them. They are bright, inquisitive animals and can easily become tame enough to take food from you. Also awake during the day.
Get a big glass tank and get them lots of interesting habitat. We have bought from pet shops but a friend recently got a super colony group through a rescue.
Guinea pigs worth considering but they are a lot more in terms of looking after. Gerbils are very easy.

Thanks all, such a lot of helpful input, I did have both hamsters once as a youngster, but predominantly rabbits, dogs and gerbils, plus a cat. I have never had a guinea pig, maybe should look at that.

The cage aspect does concern me, that is why I don't already have a pet I think. But would never want a cat.

I am also leaning towards gerbils, because I know them better. Kids will be secondary owners, after me, but they are all in double digits so no youngsters handling.

Interesting about cage size, I will think about that.

I might see if there are any local breeders to talk to first.

I volunteer for a local rescue and specialise in Gerbils. Ironically I hate to see any pet in a cage, but at least by going to a rescue you are helping existing animals, instead of funding breeders or pet shops to breed more. You will get proper advice on housing and care from rescues. Pet shops rarely supply even minimum sized housing, especially for Gerbils.

Gerbils need a glass tank, 8inches+ of burrowing substrate (finacard, rimothy hay etc, never sawdust or shavings). Ideally 2 storeys to keep theirs and bath food, wheel etc separate. Junglepets do some good glass tanks, 36 and 48inches long, that could be adapted using, an old hamster cage wire top to make a 2nd story.

*their sand bath
*Timothy Hay
*storey

Would you consider a cat, with free access outside via a cat flap? Cats are naturally solitary hunters, and can express all their normal behaviour rather than being locked up like a gerbil.

The reason we opted for a hamster and not a cat was the fact we are overrun with cats in our area. They leave dead baby birds on the drive and DS gets upset when they catch mice and torture them.
A hamster seemed ideal and ours has a big enough cage. We have a tiny house and simply can't fit anything bigger which is why we can't have Guinea pigs as they can't be outside in cold weather.