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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