How many times have you made wrong decisions by making unwanted purchases? How did you handle the situation? If you purchase something that you don’t know much about, you end up frustrated. Pet shops usually sell different types of hamsters like the Russian hamsters, Syrian hamsters, Chinese dwarf hamsters, and many others. If you’re planning to have a hamster as a pet, there are certain mistakes that you should avoid so that you can get a pet that will suit your needs and requirements.

For first time hamster owners, you need to avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake #1 – Buying a hamster without first knowing about its temperament and health requirements

It is very important that you purchase the hamsters from a reputable pet shop or breeder in your area. This is because the temperament of the hamsters is dependent on how they were bred. When it comes to health requirements, you can ask the pet shop owner or the breeder for advice. It would also help if you conduct some form of research online to get valuable information.

Mistake #2 – Not holding the hamster prior to purchase

Don’t be satisfied by simply gazing at the hamster from the window or cage. It would help if you hold the hamster in your hands. By doing so, you will know if the creature has temperament issues. If the hamster bites you, this means that the breeder is not that good. When this happens, it’s much better to look for another hamster. Also, by holding the hamster, you will be able to tell if it’s healthy! Check the ears first to see if it’s upright. When the ears are flat, it means that the creature is not well. You can also examine the coat by holding the hamster in your hands. The coat should be well groomed, thick, and clean. Check the eyes for any discharge. If you can find eye discharge, look for another hamster.

Mistake #3 – Not looking around the store or breeder’s place

Don’t be overly concerned at the physical appearance of the hamster. You also need to check the cages and the surroundings. An area that is not that clean should serve as a warning sign. Health problems are not always visible and can surface later on. If the surroundings are not clean, your hamster might suffer from health problems in the future.

Mistake #4 – Not asking about the hamster’s age

When you buy a hamster, you have to ensure that the hamster is already 4 to 5 weeks old. Any hamster that is sold younger than that may not be an ideal pet as they may die later on because it is not ready to be separated from its mother. Also, check the cage where the babies are placed. At this point, the hamsters should now be separated by sex. Only a responsible breeder or seller can provide you with the best and healthiest pets.

Why don’t you get your own hamster now? Now that you know more about them, you can now make an informed purchase.