We all have different perceptions about pet store hams and shelter hams. It would be natural to assume that pet store hamsters for sale are of better breed and quality, while hamsters who have been given up are in poor condition and untame. However, Hamster Hideout forum member rhapsody found out that the truth is far from it. She now finds so much joy in adopting and rescuing hamsters, that she will never again buy from a pet store.

Read the full inspiring story, written by rhapsody herself.

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“Be warned - the adoption bug is extremely contagious, and catching it will make you want to rescue every single hamster in need.”

I admit that I once had a prejudice against shelter hamsters.  Most I believed were either sickly, ancient, or had major behavioral problems.  I mean, these hamsters were abandoned for a good reason, right?  Why would I want someone’s rejects when I could purchase a young and healthy hamster from a pet store?

“I decided to give the whole adoption thing a try.  And in less than three months, my hamster family exploded from two fur-kids to a brood of seven.”

However, my assumptions about pet stores turned out to be far from the truth as I discovered after purchasing my first three hamsters: Sweet-Pea (R.I.P) suffered from chronic diabetes, Munchkin has a neurological condition that is most likely caused by severe inbreeding, and Nikki has extreme cage aggression.  And after some research, I discovered the ugly truth of the origin of many pet store hammies - breeding mills and irresponsible “backyard breeders.”  I vowed to never again purchase hamsters from a store.  Thanks to a certain Hamster Hideout member and her lovable yet wobbly dwarf, I decided to give the whole adoption thing a try.  And in less than three months, my hamster family exploded from two fur-kids to a brood of seven -

Robo sisters Itsy-bitsy and Teeny-weeny: The unwanted results of an accidental pet store pregnancy, dumped at a small animal rescue.  Found via Petfinder and adopted on Saturday, June 28.

RC dwarf boy Pippin: The only hamster in an enormous humane society, consistently overlooked by potential adopters for over a month.  Found via Petfinder and adopted on Friday, July 18.

RC dwarf boy Twip: A rambunctious yet unwelcome burden to his owner who no longer had time for him.  Found via Craigslist and adopted on Thursday, August 14.

Syrian girl Hazel: A large gal with patchy fur that was stuffed into a tiny filthy wire cage that had very little floor space and a 5’ wheel.  She had a deep mistrust of humans and a penchant for biting.  Found via Craigslist and adopted on Wednesday, August 20.

“Adopting a hammie is truly an experience like no other, and trust me, you’ll never regret it.”

With these new additions to my furry family, I learned just how rewarding adoption can be.  In all honesty, I feel that I have bonded with my five adoptees on a far deeper level than my two pet shop hamsters.  For me, there is a sense of greater responsibility on my part to make things better, to right all the wrongs these hamsters have experienced.  To prove to them that they are worthy of love, and that my home will be their forever home.

And they in turn respond to my love and care with an outpouring of affection.  None of the five have ever bitten me, not even the mistrustful Hazel.  The robo girls will affectionately head-butt my fingers every now and then.  Pippin and Twip are absolute love-bugs who enjoy being held, crawling all over me, licking my fingers, and hugging my nose.  And Hazel … well, the timid gal has fully blossomed into a cuddle monster who likes to take naps in the crook of my arm.

Be warned - the adoption bug is extremely contagious, and catching it will make you want to rescue every single hamster in need.  Adopting a hammie is truly an experience like no other, and trust me, you’ll never regret it.

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Read all the issues here.

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Hamster Hideout is pleased to present the winner of Oct 08’s ‘Hamster of the Month‘ award!

Entries: 20

Votes: 21 out of 110

Winner: Supermunchie’s Biscuit
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Here’s the exclusive interview with Biscuit!!

Hamster Hideout (HH): Hi Biscuit, congratulations for winning hamster of the month. How are you feeling now?

Biscuit: Thanks! I’m just so happy that I’ve won! I’ve been waiting for this for a long time now, I am so pleased and grateful. All the other hamsters did very well and it was a close call, thank you everyone for the votes!

HH: Tell us more about how you come to live with your owner, Supermunchie.
Biscuit: Well I had been sleeping in the corner of my tank in the pet shop. All my brothers had gone to new homes so I was the only one left. I heard some girls go past the tank, they said “awww!” but then they moved on. I opened one of my eyes and saw a blonde girl over by the rescue section looking at some dwarf hamsters, I thought I was never going to be adopted. But then, she came over to me and asked to see me, and before I knew it I was in my sparkling new cage with a brand new life!

HH: What do you spend your day (or night)?
Biscuit: In the day I sleep, like most other hamsters. But at night it is all so different! I love speeding around in my cage and chewing the bars, I also love to store all my food and make my bed a mess!

HH: Describe your likes and dislikes.
Biscuit: Well, I love food. Any kind, carrots, broccolli, hamster mix, but my favourite is mealworms. They are so delicious and crunchy!
I dislike loud noises, especially fireworks! They are so scary and noisy!

HH: What does your home look like?
Biscuit: At the moment I am living in a Rotastack Creep Castle, with a removed wheel (they are apparently to small, so Supermunchie has taken it off) but Supermunchie has ordered a Zoozone 2 and a Wodent Wheel which should arrive soon! Supermunchie also lets me out in my hamster ball every night so I get enough exercise.

Thanks everyone for all the votes! I am so pleased that I won!

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Credits: HH Designer Cloudpuff for making the award certificate

See past and present winners, at the HH Hall of Fame

Psst … Want to win? Check out the current contests at the forum

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Trick or Treat!

Did you celebrate Halloween with your hamster? Here are what some of our HH members did to dress up their hamster cages for this fun festive day.

Cricket’s cage by LunarFlame

Molly’s cage by Fudgehamster

Pumpkin’s cage by bezzyboo

Ollie’s cage by ArtsyWright

For more photos, please visit this topic at the forum.

Here are the winners’ certs (click for full size):

Thank you so much to the participants for sharing your creative ideas. We hope this will give you some tips on dressing up your hamster’s cage for Halloween! Happy Halloween!

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