I'm not as worried about money since I have a stable part-time job but I'm really worried about a hamster dying randomly again. I took my girl to the vet almost three times and they weren't able to give me any definite answers T^T. I'm thinking about getting a syrian since they are a little bigger and are hopefully easier to take care of medically in case anything happens. idk i'm just feeling really lost and confused i guess... my vet said my cage was fine and I had enough enrichment so I'm not sure what else to change T^TI'm so sorry to hear that. There isn't really a right or wrong thing to do, but if you're debating it then deep down it is something you would like to do but perhaps have some fears or reservations. Sometimes that is a feeling of - 1) am I replacing my loved pet and making his life less meaningful. Or 2) if the hamster died young, fears of, will this happen again? Or fears of - 3) will I be able to show affection and bonding to a new hamster if I loved my previous hamster, and would that be fair?
Whatever the little niggling doubts are, I think it sounds like it might be the right time for you to get another hamster. And if any of those above are fears or worries, we can maybe help reassure some of them.
1) Nothing will ever replace a loved hamster, but you have room in your heart to love another one too.
2) If a hamster has had an untimely death it is essentially bad luck - just as it is with humans. But be conscious of where you find the hamster from - some pet shop breeding is the issue. I think it sounds a bit like this one for you and it is heartbreaking if a hamster passes young. It is not that likely to happen again but I wouldn't get a hamster from the same place. Whereabouts are you? There may be some rescues with litters. Hamsters from rescues are well looked after, receive vet treatment if needed and will be healthy when adopted.
3) What is a good idea is to get a hamster that is either a different colour, a different sex or a different species - so they are totally "their own" hamster and unique. They are all unique anyway and all have different personalities, but perhaps a hamster that looks very similar may trigger feelings. But in my opinion you can always bond with a hamster and if it doesn't happen straight away - hamsters can be patient
A new baby hamster will make you laugh and smile again with their antics and sweetness.
Having said all that, there are practical things as well. Is the cage or enclosure suitable, and the contents, and could you afford to put a small amount away each month towards a vet fund in case it's ever needed. Eg £15 a month. Unless you have alternative savings you could use for example.
I'm so sorry. It wouldn't be anything to do with the cage. Sadly some hamsters are born with genetic issues and it's from the breeding usually. Also some have picked up an illness before they come to you. Where did you get her from?
I'm probably going to get a new one this week then....
that makes me feel a little better i think... i got her from a pet store! i think it was a pet supplies plus! i tried to see if there are any adoptions/ethical breeders near me but there are none in my state from what i've seen (GA). I was thinking a male syrian as well! idk i dont want another russian dwarf/campbell especially now knowing their medical issues due to their cross breeding and everything
Make sure the cage is all set up and ready before you get the hamster so the hamster can go straight in and be left to settle for a couple of weeks without any upheaval. Avoiding stress in the early days is important with baby hamsters.
I would strongly suggest not going to the same store. There is a place on FB that does occasional rescues in Georgia called Hammie's Hamster Haven. What other options do you have? Are there any small local pet shops or just big stores like Petco?
Yes got rid of all the wooden hides and deepcleaned the acrylic cage and ceramic pieces/wheels and got rid of all the food and bedding!Sorry just edited my post above about disinfecting everything first
First two or three days just leave the hamster alone to adjust. If you see them you could talk through the cage a bit so he/she gets familiar with your voice and smell. After a few days you could try offering the odd treat, like a pumpkin seed or two, through the bars if there are any, or between finger and thumb. It can take them a good 10 days to two weeks to fully adjust to the new home, new environment, and to get themselves sorted, deciding where to sleep etc. After that you could see if the hamster will walk into a "taxi" (large tube eg) so you can transfer them to a hamstersafe area for some socialising and gradual hand taming.
Is train an option? It's usually quicker. They tend to just go to sleep in the pet carrier.