Adopting a hamster

[Retrievemysanity]

Thinking of getting a hamster for DD but was wondering about going to a rescue rather than a pet shop. I’ve looked online and there doesn’t seem to be many local options available. Has anyone had any luck adopting, we’re in the West Mids? Also, we have cats, will a rescue allow us to adopt with cats-they can be kept well away from where hammy would be?

I've never heard of rescue hamsters although they may exist. In my experience they don't tend to live very long (2 or 3 years) so it might be better to get a baby one.

I have seen them on rescue sites and they’re often quite young just not many and not many in our area! Wasn’t sure if there are places I don’t know about!

Thank you rescuing, there's so many animals needing loving homes. I realise you're in West Mids and I don't know about rescues there. I've rescued from Gerbil and Rodent Rescue before and they're very good, but in SE25, prob about 2-3 hours from you. They have Caramel, female Syrian Hamster down page www.gerbilandrodentrescue.co.uk/animals-looking-for-new-homes

Otherwise, if you can bear it, Gumtree (sadly) will have animals being given away / needing rehoming.

@SilentHedges ah thanks for this. I wasn’t sure if we were too far away from them to do home checks (seen some in the SW too but discounted for the same reason). Might look into that further. I have found a couple of rescues round here but they either don’t have anything atm or they have the Russian dwarfs and I think a Syrian would be better. Our cats are both rescue ones and I’d prefer a rescue hamster if possible too.

@Retrievemysanity Jay at Gerbil & Rodent Rescue does homechecks remotely, the same for my Rescue. I.e. they will ask for email proof that you have the right sized housing (usually 80cm minimum for a Hamster), bedding, substrate, food, receipts etc, rather than physically visit which isn't possible generally over longer distances with volunteers.

I've checked and we have a couple of young female Syrian Hamsters for adoption too, Betty and Rose animalrescueandcare.org.uk/adopt-a-small-animal/

Correction 100cm minimum housing for Hamsters with ARC - Animal Rescue & Care. I'd be in trouble with the Hamster department for getting that wrong!

@SilentHedges thank you so much for your reply. I had seen Betty and Rose during my search-very sweet! While looking for housing, I discovered that our local independent pet shop also rescues and rehomes animals. They have a Syrian from an accidental litter so I’m going to
visit later this week…

@Retrievemysanity All the best with your search. Let us know how you get on and who the lucky Hamster is!

Will do and thanks for your help 🐹

@SilentHedges Tikka has arrived 😍

@Retrievemysanity She's adorable and a lucky girl. I'm so pleased it all worked out 🙂