FAQs

Do you have shorthaired hamsters?

Typically not! I primarily work with longhaired Syrian hamsters, although female longhaired Syrian hamsters are more similar to shorthaired Syrian hamsters than the males so I would recommend them for anyone willing to compromise. Otherwise, the wait time for shorthaired Syrian hamsters may be quite long!

6-6-26 edit: short hair is being implemented here in 2027.

What colors/patterns do you work with?

I primarily deal in rust and black based colors, with a special interest in combination colors such as chocolate or silver pearl chocolate/silver chocolate tortoiseshell. However, I deal with a wide variety of colors. Pattern-wise, I tend to only work with banded hamsters but this could change with time. I also have satin hamsters.

6-6-26 edit: dominant spot is being implemented here in 2027.

Do you transport or ship your hamsters?

No, I do not work with any transporters or shipping companies. You will need to be able to travel to Monongahela, PA to pick up your hamster. You can find more on my stance on this here.

What is an ethical breeder?

The California Hamster Association defines an ethical breeder as someone “who breeds hamsters for the right reasons, and does so with the necessary knowledge and support. Their hamsters are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect at all stages of life. They uphold their obligations to the animals they create throughout the entirety of their lives.”

There is a code of ethics here with more information.

What this means to me is that I will always prioritize the wellbeing of my hamsters over profits or exploring genes that have been proven to impede quality of life. My females will not be overbred, my hamsters are kept in enclosures that I would feel comfortable with “pet owners” using, I will always seek guidance if I’m unsure so I don’t accidentally breed deleterious genes together, I have no interest in hairless or chushy genes, etc. I highly value transparency as well and am open to any questions posed in good faith.

How do I know if a breeder is ethical?

The California Hamster Association poses this question on their website as well, and I’m going to link it here as I feel like they worded it best.

Are there other ethical breeders?

Yes! I am just one hamstery out of an ethical breeding community of 13+ hamsteries in North America, with hopes of adding other breeding mentees like myself to the official breeder listings soon.

Can I keep two Syrian hamsters together?

No! Syrian hamsters must be kept solitary beyond 6-8 weeks old or else you risk injury or death. You will only ever see Syrian hamsters kept together here if they are pups younger than 8 weeks old.

Why should I purchase from a breeder? I can find hamsters at the pet store.

You CAN find hamsters at the pet store, but they are produced in rodent mills in deplorable conditions and given little or no regard other than whether they can be exploited for profit. You can find more information here.

Ethical breeders on the other hand, have the best interests of the hamsters in mind and they are given every advantage from even before day one. Consideration is given when planning a litter to breed for health/longevity, temperament, and conformation. The mother is properly supported during her pregnancy, and following birth both mother and pups are closely monitored to make sure everyone is healthy and the pups are developing well.

Hamsters from ethical breeders are also typically better socialized and less predisposed to health defects than a rodent mill hamster from the pet store.