Reading Your Unpopular Hamster Opinions

I asked you on Instagram to tell me your UNPOPULAR hamster opinions! It's nice to learn what others may think about a certain topic and to discuss/debate them in a friendly manner, because not all hamster care is always black & white, we usually form different opinions from our own experiences, morals, points of view etc At the end of the day the majority of us all have one thing in common and that is our love for hamsters
Hamster Care Playlist 🐹 • HAMSTER CARE 🐹
Find me on:
Instagram: / victoriaraechel
Twitter: / victoriaraechel
What I use in my videos 📸
Music: player.epidemi...
Cameras: Lumix GH5, Canon 70D & Canon G7X Mark II
Editor: Final Cut Pro X
Email for BUSINESS ENQUIRIES only
[e-mail]
Want to support us more?
/ @victoriaraechel

[@VictoriaRaechel]

yes I realize my brain exploded and confused 1/4 as being larger than 1/3rd 😂 my brain becomes filled with spaghetti when I film from anxiety 🥲 rest of my opinion still stands though.

[@hamandrats9424]

um i am 10 and i have a ham .................

[@leahrachelle942]

😂

[@kayskritters131]

Haha 😂 don’t worry it happens to the best of us 🤣

[@theyluvv_football]

lol

[@mollydieter4912]

Oh me too lol

[@skyedalene5773]

I don't think you understand how many hamsters you have given a better life so remember how appreciated you are ❤️

[@dominosia107]

I agree! I binged the channel before getting my Hammy and learned lots. Still have a few things to improve to make him live like a King, but I'm so glad I have the knowleadge on how to make him happy.

[@JustSoyy]

😘❤️😊🐹

[@miserablemoonlight]

Same she helped me out soooo much

[@adventuresarbitrary]

Totally agree! I did the same as a lot of people here. You helped me realize the poor hamster care of my youth and gave me loads of information to get it right this go around while helping my son with his hamster. My son loves your channel too by the way. ;-D

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I'm always happy to help in any way!

[@reverb78]

Thx a lot Victoria because now my hamster is living a better life because of you

[@maddiepierre527]

Same❤️

[@val-lb3mf]

@@maddiepierre527 wow 11 seconds

[@lifesimon9076]

Same

[@tiathomas3951]

Same!! My hamster went from a Katie cage she kept getting out so she went into a 10 gallon tank it was my old lizards and then she is in a 780 square inch bin cage!!

[@giuliana6602]

Same! Thanks Victoria!!

[@alyssawalker1847]

I’m 14 and I am getting Syrian hamster in 2 days!!!! I have done a ton of research (thanks to you Victoria!) and using my own money have bought everything a hamster needs. I spent almost $400 on hamster stuff and bought a 40 gal breeder. With every purchase it was so hard bc my parents just didn’t understand what a hamster needed and kept questioning whether a hamster needed certain things. I just hope that some day in the future good hamster care will be common knowledge and hamster won’t be thought of as a “cheap” or “easy” pet.

[@tehrinny7031]

I'm probably as old as your parents. All of the current care is mostly stuff seen online through social media, groups, and people caring for hamsters promoting it. When I was growing up (90's), hamsters were kept in small cages with tiny wheels. I had two as a kid. One in something that resembles the Prevue 1 story hamster cage (154 sq inches) with a 4-5" plastic rung wheel. I had a syrian male living in there. Then I had a syrian female living in a 10 gallon aquairum with a wire wheel. My father in law who is late 50's had hamsters growing up in 10 gallon aquairums and wire wheels. So there is literally generations of stereotypes, biases and cultural norms (so to speak) we're fighting when it comes to proper hamster care. A lot of adults will scoff at stuff their kids see online, even if there is scientific evidence backing it up. Sadly, not all of us get into research when getting a pet. A lot of elder millienials are not as tech-savvy as the media would claim. :/ I don't have kids and I'm a nerd who likes researching things, so owning them as an adult, I went right for appropriate care. I have friends who thought it was weird that I was filling huge enclosures with 8-10" of bedding, like "how much are you paying to clean all that bedding?" or "all that just for a hamster?".

[@yonit]

So exciting!!! I got my Russian Dwarf girl when I was 13 (I'm 15 rn) and it's really cool to see ppl researching b4 adopting/buying a pet like I did! They are totally worth it, believe me! Good luck ❤

[@alyssawalker1847]

I got my hamster! He is a super sweet Syrian and he already seems super tame! Thank you!

[@they.luv.jax.]

I’m 13 and trying to get a hamster and if you guys have tips I would love them. I am also using my own money and it’s cost almost 500 dollars

[@user-wl3xj1vt8v]

Yesss! My parents always question why I get things for my hamster so it’s always hard to tell them I need to buy something!

[@purplekitten3971]

My unpopular opinion: it is far more important to chose a species or breed (of any animal) that you can provide the best care for and keep the happiest, rather than one that you think is cuter or will be easier to tame. For example, if the price differences between an 8 and a 12 inch wheel add up and are an issue for you, it would be better to get a dwarf/robo than to force a syrian to run on a wheel too small

[@margalothegreat_hams]

I completely agree! although I do think that if someone can't pay the extra couple dollars for 12 inch wheel they shouldn't be owning a hamster if they cannot provide proper care in the future. But definitely agree that if someone for example really wanted a dog, and a certain breed, but they were not prepared to give that dog the 3 walks a day that is needed, they should get a different breed that requires less walking.

[@tarot-karma-online]

@@margalothegreat_hams Thats so true! I was foster mum this year at the same time for a Chihuahua and a Terrier for 3 months until they returned to their owners. I can state first hand, that having the Chi alone, who goes onto the cat litter box, would have been so much easier. The terrier wanted his 5 times walkies per day, coming up to me, looking into my eyes and if I did not move he would put his paw onto my knee, demanding his walks. So this is a dog for a sportloving outdoor person. The Chi always was with us in the woods, went through water, he really enjoyed the wilderness as well but the difference was, I could have slept longer with the Chi using the cat litter and of course I would have taken him several times out, every dog needs this, but when I was ready, after breakfast for example and not with a demanding terrier before my breakfast. So, think about your personal bio rhytm befor getting a dog.

[@thatradfailure5197]

Honestly? This shouldn't even been an unpopular opinion, it should just be part of how people choose ANY pets. For example: I would absolutely love a snake. But, I know I am too squeamish to handle feeding one. So what do I do? Knowing I'd be unable to properly care for one, I don't get one. Easy enough decision to make

[@margalothegreat_hams]

@@thatradfailure5197 Definitely true. People should first think of if they're able to give that animal what it needs, and if they are in no way able to, they shouldn't get that animal.

[@isabella9745]

Agree this is why i have dwarves i dont have space for aquariums but i have space in my bed for 2 large bincage

[@kacchankobra]

Hamsters👏deserve👏just as much👏care👏as any other👏animal👏😤

[@conaway1684]

👏🏻YES👏🏻

[@--asher--]

@@conaway1684 👏

[@PavlosB178]

So they don't deserve care? The sad truth

[@noodle-]

@@PavlosB178 that's not what they are saying-

[@PavlosB178]

@@noodle- Bruh you missed the fact

[@Allthingshamster]

SOOO true what you said abt some cages being $200-300 while a dog crate is used for only a short time at similar prices and the hamster utilizes that cage its entire life. I never thought abt it that way but terrific analogy!

[@Yeewen88]

Probably because hamsters are thought of maybe just above mice and not really worth or cared about much just for cuteness and maybe making their kids/ children happy for some. They’re intelligence isn’t as high and they aren’t as loved an like dogs and cats usually

[@Allthingshamster]

@@Yeewen88 Yeah. I think people think that hamsters are cheap animals just for kids so they shouldn't have money spent on them, but their lives are just as important as any other animal. Even if they only live for a short time, it's still totally essential to give them the care they need.

[@imnotcool2782]

All Things Hamster hiiii!!

[@Allthingshamster]

@@imnotcool2782 Who are you and what have you done with Bedrock Player?! 😂😂

[@imnotcool2782]

@@Allthingshamster 😂

[@teagan0136]

My Hamster is so lucky that you are helping me and Giving me more helpful tips for my hamster. Thank you so much Victoria! You are so kind! Edit: OMG thank you for all the love!

[@spacecheetah-xg9cl]

Your hamster looks like a chicken Nuggy! He is super cute😊💕

[@Lylamckee09]

Yes same I just got a hamster and she is helping me so much

[@wentworth7490]

OMG your hamster looks like mine

[@ItzNotSoCreativeKyleigh]

I see your hamster in your profile picture! And she/he is SOOO CUTE

[@teagan0136]

@@ItzNotSoCreativeKyleigh Thanks! That was my past Hamster

[@Im15cheese]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="818">13:38</a> Regarding the age of owners, I’ve seen cases where younger people have been better hamster owners than adults. Although I’m not under 13, I remember back when I was about 12 was when I started taking care of everything (after discovering this channel). Before that my parents weren’t doing many things right and never bothered to research. Our ways of thinking were different and it really showed in the difference of our hamster care.

[@fatimahabussaud9365]

most adults now a days don’t really care. it’s the kids ( and teens ) that will be willing to do there research. ‘they don’t hear u they are just animals, it doesn’t matter they are just stupid animals’ it’s acc getting sad

[@aubreyh1930]

@@fatimahabussaud9365 you have to keep in mind that they grew up not knowing about what animals like hamsters really need too. But they really should learn if they’re going to be buying an animal now

[@alicehind1041]

I’ve finally convinced my mum to get a bigger hamster cage!! You’re the reason my hamster is getting a bigger cage because you’ve educated me a lot 🥰

[@VictoriaRaechel]

That's wonderful to hear!!

[@mariademoakadudabracal7351]

If you don't live in first world countries having a hamster and providing them good care is extremely expensive. Here in Brazil, you can't find proper wheels without searching the internet like crazy :(

[@tezzanoia]

If you have access to crafting tools, there's great ideas on DIY wheels too! ErinsAnimals (who also lives in a place with not so great access to hamster care products) has some great videos on that!

[@mariademoakadudabracal7351]

@@tezzanoia yes!! I'm planning on doing a wheel by myself :)

[@proserpine3332]

If you know of any small pet or hamster rescues in Brazil I’d love to donate some supplies

[@mariademoakadudabracal7351]

@@proserpine3332 that's so nice of you! unfortunately I don't know any

[@mariademoakadudabracal7351]

@Death Omen exactly!! if they think north american petshops are bad, wait until they see latin america ones lol. I guess this is why I get lowkey pissed off when I see people from de US buying critter trails, cause they have access to so much stuff

[@Allthingshamster]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="313">5:13</a> that, I feel, is a really controversial subject. I totally agree with what you said, I think lots of people love those natural setups, myself included, and I think a reason why people choose them is because they provide enrichment for the hamster as well as they are sort of a way to break away from the misconception that hamsters are "kids pets" and that basically all items for hamsters are fun and colorful. But honestly, like you said, the hamster doesnt care if it lives in a natural theme setup or a super colorful one as long as care requirements are met and the hamster is enriched. Someone could make one of those awesome German hamster care setups with Carefresh colors bedding and maybe give a few colorful toys and hideouts, and the hamster would still be enriched with bedding depth, places to hide, and food to forage. All you need to do is make sure the enclosure is stimulating and big enough.

[@kittenmimi5326]

Natural setups is just, well anything you put in since it's natural colored it will look aesthethic. So it's easier. Trying to match color palettes when each company has their own idea of colors can be difficult sometimes. And might look messier after your ham digs througj everything. Also chew toys? If it's natural they likely can chew on everything in the cage so that's a cool added bonus. Also that wooden branches and stuff are often multipurpose. I think it isn't about one setup being better than the other but the added bonus for natural setups are cool.

[@Allthingshamster]

@@kittenmimi5326 Yes, totally agree with everything you just said. Very true that, as an added bonus, a hamster can chew on most anything you put a natural themed cage, never actually considered that! I like natural cages a lot, but I just cant stray away from a bit of colorful bedding and maybe a few colorful ceramic items here and there. They just look nice. But very true what you said. And it is a whole lot eaiser to make a natural cage than a color themed one! There are a lot of pros to natural cage themes I agree.

[@laceyluenelac]

I completely agree with Victoria’s statement that new hamster owners can grow there care and cage overtime. I personally am owning my first hamster right now, and just this month I was able to give my hamster bedding all over her cage, instead of it sloping down into a sand area with her wheel in it (this wasn’t a great setup for my ham and i definitely think she enjoys have bedding all over). My enclosure has grown a lot, all because of Victoria’s videos 😊

[@kittenmimi5326]

Why is sloping not ok?

[@cookiegamer538]

Hamsters are burowers so sloping is good.

[@laceyluenelac]

Sloping is totally ok, just for my ham being able to burrow all around her cage is better, she still has a sand bath but it’s enclosed with privacy so she feels more comfortable. 😊

[@Drew_2152]

My first hamster is now 9 months old... I have done everything right by the proper care guide but I still worry for my hamsters well being almost everyday. Idk she has had no sign of stress but I still worry.

[@hersheyhamsters]

im getting my second hamster soon and i have learned so much now, hoping to be a better owner for this one :)

[@tanishcaa1529]

She is so determined towards giving hamsters good life. I appreciate her hard work. She is trying to help hamsters from abt 11yrs.

[@recycledMilk]

when i got my first hamster when i was younger, i was also really shocked by the pricetag of bigger cages but the woman that was putting together the purchase made a very good (and maybe little morbid) point. a good cage is so expensive because its an investment. your hamster will most likely die in 1-2 years. while a good cage will house multiple "generations" of hamsters. its a one time big investment that will outlive many many hansters! so while the pricetag is high at first, imo is very fair! so i hope nobody feels bad when they spend big money on a great enclosure for their hammy! 🥰

[@kryziee]

I had two Syrian hamsters in the past they live in an aquarium and they were 2 in 1 cage because i didn't yet know that Syrians were solitary back then. Now my Campbell dwarf hamster is living it's best life in a large bin cage❤️❤️❤️

[@spacecheetah-xg9cl]

That's amazing! Thx for upgrading💕

[@audreyb5268]

Hi Victoria! I just wanted to say that you have helped me with my hamster journey in so many ways. I currently have a 75 gallon tank, 11 inches of bedding, toys, hideouts, wood and I need to get much more! Every video you have posted has helped me so much and I just wanted to say thank you so much and I hope to get my Syrian hamster from a recuse soon!

[@tiffany_1d]

I agree

[@len2489]

I agree, me too. I had my hamster in a petsmart store bough cage and since watching her videos, he's now in a IKEA detolf. Every video I watch of hers, I learn something new.

[@audreyb5268]

@@lilyjones4289 haha! I got it for 50% off at Petco. Unfortunately the sale is over but I am super glad I got it when it was on sale 😂

[@amerisartanimation]

My little Campbell’s dwarf Cookie was living in a critter trail when I got her. I always wondered why she acted crazy. I argued for 7 months to convince my parents to let me get a better cage. Now she lives in a huge tank with plenty of toys and bedding, a proper sized wheel, and a wonderful diet of herbs, mealworms, pellets, and seeds. Thank you for educating so many people!

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I hope you were able to see the change in her behaviour!

[@amerisartanimation]

@@VictoriaRaechel Yes, it was incredible! It’s like she’s a different hamster.

[@kittenmimi5326]

@@amerisartanimation wow congrats! Also I admire you persisting through all that. But 7 months man... I swear some parents are just, problematic. The problem people have with kids as pet owners is actually well, because they don't live alone and the parents are just.. welp.

[@Avery_Nona09]

Hey Victoria, I just heard about Lenny... I'm so sorry that that happened... and I know it must have hit you hard when you found out he had a tumor. He had an amazing life with what you have given him... He couldn't have been with a better owner. ❤🧡💛 Best wishes~

[@emilylauren6667]

I am 12 and I have a Syrian hamster and I do respect him and care for him as best as I can and I have spent all of my savings on him and from watching your videos you have showed me that’s hamsters are not just toys and they are very fragile pets and important to be cares for my hamster particularly does not like to be held or interacting with humans so every morning I gave him a treat and that’s as much as he likes to see me and that’s perfectly fine! :)

[@littlevanillasshorts8144]

I agree with the high price for a hamster one. When I was a kid I saw that they were really cheap and you know, who's mom doesn't like cheap stuff😂 so I begged my mom for a hamster without knowing the proper care. Luckily she said no or I would have tortured it.

[@kittenmimi5326]

Ah, my past hamster I had as a child... they're like 70 cents and even though I claim to love them very much I'm a terrible pet owner. Bc misinformation

[@Drew_2152]

Same man. 7 years ago I wanted a hamster and almost put it in a critter trail with everything wrong but luckily my mom said no and I waited until 7 years later and I got everything correct.

[@flxmkr]

So two thirds of these comments (not counting mine) disproves the high-cost/better-care theory. Two claimed that you could've had a hamster at a cheap price and would've tortured or neglected it...but you didn't or couldn't buy it. Price had nothing to do with your decision in buying a hamster. Only one claimed they bought a cheap hamster and gave it a poor home, but back before the internet, nobody knew the best way to care for the hamster. Personally, there are a lot of "new rules" I still don't agree with, but I'm not going to start any arguments. I will say, however, increasing a price does not weed out better carers any more than a low price increases them. The only exception in low cost effecting the care of the hamster is when snake owners buy the hamsters ... especially in bulk.

[@littlevanillasshorts8144]

@@flxmkr price acctually has something to do I my decision in. Buying something. For example, if I wanted to buy some food, and I saw that it was a lot of money, I would decide not to buy it even though I want it.

[@bubbakittle6999]

I don't agree with the price thing. I adore my baby boy and I will spend whatever I need to to keep him happy and healthy. If it costs hundreds, I'll spend hundreds. He means everything to me and I want him to live as long and happily as possible. However, I would not have bought him in the first place if he was $50 or something like that. He's a Russian dwarf hamster. They're average lifespan is a year. I don't want to spend that much to buy a pet that lives such a short amount of time. I am sorry the low price tag can give the wrong message, but you can get dogs and cats for free all over the place. Personally, I think if you're not willing to take proper care of a pet that's $15 (what I spent for Ivan) you probably aren't going to be more willing to do it if the same pet was $50.

[@tiffanykey4589]

I need to be more Insta savy 😂 because I always miss out 😂😂. Here is an opinion. People are not abusing their hamster if they don’t know the correct information.( just going off the “care guides”) Too many times I see the comments of people just screaming abuse when people are just showing their new pet. Nothing to add onto it or no information after saying it needs a big cage/wheel. Care , understand and educate is the way to go 🥰

[@tiffanykey4589]

@@Claireee1742 yeah it’s a few that let the team down. But we have all been there. I had a hamster in a rota stack back in the day but we didn’t have all this as a kid. Then went from a pets at home cage to a tank to an Alaska to a detolf. Now I have my gerbils in there with a high lid. If it wasn’t for the staff member at pets at home telling me I need to upgrade and people like Victoria. I would not be where I am today. 🥰

[@kittenmimi5326]

People are extreme about everything man esp on the internet. Terrifying rlly

[@ginnundso]

@@Claireee1742 Our last hamster, Yari, was sadly in a way to small cage. Idk the measurements of it and yes it was 2 levels but yk it was still too small, especially if I look at our new cage now that is like, idk, thrice as big. When we got Yari I was only 16, and my parents being abusive and also not wanting to spend much money I had no influence. I took great care of Yari despite that and she lived to be almost 3 and I genuinely think she loved me. I love her too. Now after she has died my mother and I both agreed that we want a new hamster and I said I'll only agree to a new hamster if we get a bigger cage and yeah that's where we are at right now. I don't feel ashamed anymore walking into the hamster room and seeing the cage. I see Mina and I reckon her ears and she seems to be interested and active. I'm taking her taming step-by-step and I'm only going as far as she wants to go! I want to give her a beautiful life! And whenever I'm gonna move out, I'll invest even more money for proper hamster care.

[@meatballthehammy7410]

@@lilyjones4289 i wouldn’t say abuse, it’s unintentional neglect

[@user-nr3dn3ls2q]

My old friend got their hamster from this “pet shop” It was locally owned by this couple who would rescue hamsters and guinea pigs from homes that didn’t want them any more. They only sold c&c cages for the guinea pigs and had a great selection of hay from a farm and pellets. Lots of great houses and toys. That was the only good experience I had in a pet shop.

[@nataliadoe7126]

You should share the name! I’m sure sharing this business would help the owners financially and allow people to shop more ethically if they’re in your area (and coincidentally read this comment)

[@user-nr3dn3ls2q]

@@nataliadoe7126 i don’t live there any more sadly but I think it’s called, “Pets right” or “Pets the right way” I have no idea if their even open since it’s been 4 years

[@samandthehams4496]

I know this is about hamsters, but you give such good life advice. We all need to listen to each other, unfortunately a lot of people are trying to divide us by our opinions and we should always listen to each other and listen to other people’s opinions, whether it be unpopular, widely considered false or the mainstream voices say it’s bad. We all need to see each others opinions and choose love & kindness over assumptions & yelling. Love you Victoria ❤️🐹

[@cutehammys2007]

my hamster is living a better life now because of you Thx VICTORIA

[@littlehamham4251]

The title *unpopular hamster opinions* just shrivels my heart haha! Can’t wait to watch this, also btw queen, u dropped your crown 👑

[@nicolerataj5761]

Thank you so much for your opinion on human interaction with hamsters. I used to think I was such a bad owner because my boy is not really interested in being around me, but I know I provide him with proper care, so I know he is living his ideal life.

[@alicesmith8561]

I am ten and have my own hamster. I do all the care for her, but she is happy and healthy. However, people have their own opinions and that is fine. Thank you for your time and effort, you have helped many hamsters and their owners! :D

[@kittenmimi5326]

I think the problem with kids is... not the kids but if their parents isn't responsible? I mean you may know everything about their care but if your parent says no it's over.

[@flxmkr]

But, Alice, look where you are. You’re spending your time researching how to care for him. When I was your age, we had to walk uphill in the blizzard to a building just to find an outdated book on hamsters. The internet wasn’t even thought as a possibility back then. My point is today kids are smarter and more responsible than we were (but our mothers were usually home to help take care of the pet, too). I personally believe today's kids are more responsible to care for a hamster. But I think the parent should buy them a stuffed toy to practice on, first; how to hold him, how to care for him, etc. Then when the parent can see the toy hamster is cared for responsibly, the parent can consider getting them a real hamster. But each child and each parent and each hamster is different. There are a lot of variables in this equation. I also believe child hamster carers don't bully other kids. Why do I think that? Because they want to take care of something small and vulnerable. It's part of their personality to care for others, not harm them. By teaching a child how to care for a hamster, they are teaching them to care for other kids. 🙂 Am I right?

[@_Somsnosa_]

Also when someone says "kids" they could mean a 2 year old or even a 14 year old so it's quite vague. Generally they aren't pets that should be marketed as being great for kids and very small children should not have hamsters unless they are being taught and supervised by an informed adult. So it depends on the individual child and how mature, knowledgeable and capable they are. Most caring, empathetic, animal loving, kids that are around 10 or older should be able to look after a hamster well, provided they have done the research etc like any other hamster owner should.

[@alicesmith8561]

@@_Somsnosa_ You are right, it is quite vague! And it really does depend on the type of child, for a 6 year old could be a great hamster owner. However, most young children are rough with the animal and they are unaware of the damage they could do to the animal. I remember my cousin once played with my past guinea pig and pinned her down (thankfully she was fine and he got told off!).

[@alicesmith8561]

@@flxmkr I like the idea of using a soft toy, and I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you having to walk through blizzards, only to get an outdated book!

[@whimsikel1]

I was so happy that you agreed that children can be good hamster owners! My girls are 6 and 7 and watch your videos on repeat EVERY DAY... They saw this before I did, and I'm glad you made them feel validated as hamster parents. While they certainly don't do all the work, or take financial responsibility, they DO always have great suggestions on how to better enrich our hamster's life. My 7 year old went as far as to point out loudly, to everyone at PetSmart that their cages are too small, and swayed a lady from purchasing a ball by telling her how they are not safe! (I'm pretty sure that PetSmart hates us now, lol... But my girls LOVE you!)

[@VictoriaRaechel]

They sound like such lovely girls! and thank you for also being a great parent!

[@ForMiSoft]

The only two things in my hamster's box that are from plastic are two toilets/sandbaths. A little one close to his house and another bigger one across the box. Everything else is from wood or cork, so he can bite it if he wants. Toilets from wood would be a nonsense because of their maintenance.

[@marjae6483]

I would add to the video the great option of ceramic items☺️ mine love flower pots! They are easy to clean like plastic but impossible to chew like plastic is. Cause they can easily destroy it and hamster is a chewer by nature

[@kittenmimi5326]

@@marjae6483 true. Definitely not as bad as gerbils but... yea, when they got chewed up it's a bit worrisome that my ham eats a bit of plastic and eventually plastic stuff looks all cloudy, if used as toilet pee seeps into it eventually

[@winnie5873]

Yep! I have a plastic litter box, plastic wheel and plastic container to hold sand for digging/sand bath. All because these are things that my hamster like to pee on, and it helps keep things more hygienic. I actually make my litter boxes out of food containers from the dollar store, so I can just toss them out and don’t have to deal with any germs from cleaning them out after they’ve been used up.

[@avaginsberg227]

I’m 13 and I successfully own a rabbit, a hamster, and 2 leopard geckos with (I’d say) pretty dang good care. Plus I’m thinking about adopting a second rabbit! Age honestly doesn’t matter, responsibility and maturity does. Edit: And yes I take care of them by myself :)

[@happyhamster.x2874]

Cool!

[@Eliza_woods04]

Same I’m also 13 and have my guinea pigs in a 3x4 c&c cage

[@brittainyellis6670]

That's awesome! I have 2 hamsters and want guppies lol don't think ill get them anytime soon...I'm around your age as well...pay for everything on my own if I have the money if not my mom will buy it but most of the time I pay for the supplies. I definitely don't think age matters it's responsibility and maturity 100% Now don't get a hamster for a toddler or someone who just started Elementary school...I would say maybe around 4th grade it may be OK...but again it is all about responsibility and maturity

[@Casidilla]

I don’t own as much but I’m younger. I just have a hamster in a 600+ square inch bin cage, with lots of enrichment. I do have to pay for my own stuff so it’s kinda hard but love my hammy.

[@froggy8306]

Deffinetly get that second rabbit! They need a friend 99% of the time!

[@hamham7402]

Can we see all the pets soon :( I haven't seen the rabbits in a while

[@Apple-mm9ml]

Follow their Instagram they have a lot of pet photos!

[@alainabenedict]

I CLICKED THE NOTIFICATION RIGHT AS IT POPPED UP LMFAO

[@Apple-mm9ml]

I LOVE YOUR NENE PFP

[@alainabenedict]

@@Apple-mm9ml TYY I LIKE UR PFP

[@Apple-mm9ml]

@@alainabenedict OFC AND TYMS

[@flvffette]

Hahaha lmfao so funny and comedic

[@annaswordsandmore1379]

Same me too!

[@clairelarson9741]

My mom is so awesome! My hamster had seven babies (accidentally), and my mom did not sell them to a pet store! She has literally spent a thousand dollars and not slept all weekend to help these babies go to good homes!

[@eriathwen1320]

I think the whole "bigger is better" is very hamster dependant too. My current 2 dwarf hamsters have a lovely big cage each, however my last Syrian was incredibly skittish and would spend a lot of time screaming at me. His cage was crammed with enrichment but it made no difference. He felt much more secure and therefore happier in a smaller cage. Although by smaller, I dont mean below minimum still!

[@sandrapokhaipapachristos9825]

I got a pet rabbit when I was 4 years old but when I was 9 I started being more responsible and to this day I still take care of her.

[@tezzanoia]

Not a Hamster owner, but I have a group of mice and I honestly think, having a combination of bottle and bowl is a good way to go regarding water sources. This way, the animal can choose what they prefer to drink from and if one doesn't work (ball in the bottle gut stuck, bedding thrown in the bowl, water evaporated from the bowl cuz its hot etc) there's still the other option. Plus having a bottle as backup in case they poo and pee in their bowl or get dirt in there any other way is beneficial as well (not sure how good hamsters are at getting their water bowls dirty, but my myce do it a lot) Also addition to plastic items: I started out without using any plastic in my cage, but at this point actually decided to go with plastic wheels instead of the wooden ones, as the mice just love to sit in their wheel and pee on it, so it's just easier to maintain and keep it clean and from smelling awfully

[@NKC228]

I agree with the water. My water bottle sometimes doesnt work, so my hamster has both bottle and bowl just in case

[@donnarn2727]

I use both too. I think they use whichever is closest at the time they want a drink because I see both of them use the bottle and the next day the bowl will be almost empty because they drink out of that too. One tends to get more bedding in her bowl than the other.

[@skunkshine028]

Can we appreciate How many hamsters Victoria's saved from liveing in critter trails ?😊💞🥺🌻

[@cheese_breeze]

Defo

[@hibiscuspetal1026]

She saved mine

[@skunkshine028]

@@hibiscuspetal1026 awww!💞🥺🌈 well you seem like a amazing owner to take Victoria's GREAT advice !⭐☺️

[@skunkshine028]

@@cheese_breeze 🙂 yeeeepserz ! She has helped alot of hams!🎀

[@cheese_breeze]

My hamster used to live in a tiny cage with a 6 inch wheel then I listened to her and then he got a detolf with a 12 inch wheel and a natural theme 🐹🐹🐹

[@pamelamolina5623]

Very diplomatic responses. You are a natural leader. Kind and communicative. Nice

[@LumeanTV]

Any time I hear someone wanting to put a hamster pair together my brain just-- "Are you trying to start a gladiator colosseum?"

[@dragonli1y]

I like water dishes because they encourage me to clean it every day (unlike bottles) and I don’t have to worry about clogging. Also she drank much more, which is great.

[@meganversteeg61]

bottles are also just a pain to clean. a dish is sooooo much easier

[@emmam3819]

Same! And I once had a hamster who didn't understand the bottle for some reason...

[@dragonli1y]

@@emmam3819 if I were a hamster who only had a bottle, i think I would die of dehydration before figuring out where the water is lol. At least most hamsters understand them. Edit: accidentally sent before finishing the sentence

[@myjourney9269]

Rip lenny

[@anniebernat7343]

I love your content and you got me to convince my parents to get a bigger cage a while ago. My hamster Pumpkin was in a cage under 100sq and now has a cage greater than 800sq

[@christopherlee3026]

"Bloopers" I and sure many others would love to see a collection of bloopers , there must be some classics hidden on your hard-drive.

[@VictoriaRaechel]

hahaha I don't keep any clips from my videos besides pet ones that go on another hard drive or else I'll run out of computer space :c

[@shamekaclayton1573]

You're very knowledgeable about hamsters, which is why I stuck around. I became a hamster gma lol earlier this year & you hve been VERY helpful.

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I'm happy to hear i could help!

[@wickedwest89]

Rather than a question and answer, watchers were able to explore different opinions on hamster care. Great video! Happy Saturday!

[@rhino1876]

Watching your videos made me realize how little good information there was when I owned a hamster 20 years ago 😭 I owned a galaxy themed critter trail cage with 100’s of dollars worth of tubes and accessories. My pet hamster Muddy was $5 at some random store and while he lived to be full grown I feel bad I didn’t provide him the best care. He ended up having a tumour and I got him on cancer treatment but it didn’t help. I felt so bad for him being in pain so we put him down. Now that I know so much more about hamsters once I move into my new house I’m going to be getting one to remedy my past care and give a new little baby an amazing life that they deserve.

[@Lilz_xo]

I’d just like to thank you so much Victoria because thanks to you my hamster is able to live in a detolf rather than a critter trails I’m ten years old and a first time hamie owner and I had ordered enrichments from Etsy! Thank you again

[@annaswordsandmore1379]

I'm 11 and my hamster has a 11 inch Woden wheel

[@eliiseliminated]

Thank you for posting these videos! I am collecting proof to show my neighbor how to properly take care of her dwarf. The hamsters as sweet as can be but keeps escaping and trying to leave his small and improper cage. These videos are going to show them the proper way to keep your hammy busy and happy in a large enclosure properly suited for a dwarf.

[@VictoriaRaechel]

If you need more sources these are all wonderful! ~ www.thehamingway.com/ ~ fivelittlehams.wixsite.com/correcthamstercare ~ hamstergehege.blogspot.com/?m=1 ~ www.hamsterwelfare.com ~ strongbrew.ca/care ~ cheeksandsqueakshamsters.com/hamster-cage-101 ~ ontariohamsters.ca ~ californiahamsterassociation.com/ ~ www.hamstersociety.sg/ ~ www.diebrain.de/hi-index1.html (needs translation) ~ www.hamstercentral.com ~ www.das-hamsterforum.de (needs translation) ~ m.facebook.com/groups/301704600892567b

[@eliiseliminated]

Oh my goodness thank you!

[@viktoria9952]

Video recomendation: Why you need to upgrade your bin cage. A video made special for children, why hamster is not a good pet for them. and a funny video of types of hamster owner.

[@TrystaTaylor]

The girl who said people under 13 shouldn’t on hamsters probably just turned 13 lmao. I have owners Hamsters since I was 10 with correct care without my parents help so I don’t like when people associate age other than small children.

[@thejoshowd6418]

Same but I'm 11, I believe it you can do these you can own a hamster at any age Have the money: Have the time: Have proper research done: Then yes

[@kittenmimi5326]

@@thejoshowd6418 have an understanding parent is the most important part. The problem with kid pet owners is often "but my parents won't let me" and there's not much the poor kid can do about it ;-;

[@thejoshowd6418]

@@kittenmimi5326 I said " have proper research" so it should have proper care to begin with

[@littlehamham4251]

You have already gained 3K subs in the matter of a week! Wow! That is so great! I LOVE how educational your channel is and it is so inspirational! Also do you think we could also have plant updates 😂

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Thank you!!! I might make a plant video as an extra upload if people want 😂

[@littlehamham4251]

@@VictoriaRaechel yay! That will be awesome! That’s a BIG yes from me! 🥰💛

[@amandakruger4686]

@Victoria Raechel yes! That would be great!

[@abseurde]

@@VictoriaRaechel please do!! I love your plant updates on Instagram!

[@gwendownie423]

when I was ten years old I took care of my first hamster to get the hamster I made a power point presentation about why should get a hamster payed for all of the things required and gave care up to victorias standards by my self

[@anniematthew2608]

Wow! That’s impressive! Whenever I have the inclination for a new pet, I research the heck out of it until information is oozing out of my ears because my brain is so FULL! & even then there’s more to learn! 🙌🏼. It irks me 🤯 when I read a post saying - I just got a hamster, can you give me tips on cage, food, etc! Uuughhh 🤯

[@gwendownie423]

@@anniematthew2608 lol so true it makes me so mad when people get an animal that depends on them and they don't even know how to take care of it!

[@Starz1110]

Ty for helping improve my hamsters life because when I first got my hammy we got a cage off of Amazon. I forget what it was called but it was somewhere around 300 square inches. Then I watched your videos and I improved by creating a bin house with 2 350 square inch bins, that connected with a tube. Then I added on to it with another bin that was around 500 square inches. Then I wasn’t happy with it, so I saved up my money and got the IKEA detolf,I bought a few things from niteangle like the wheel, a tunnel,sand bath,the 6 room chamber. At first I had a sand bath powder,with a tiny little sand bath holder, then I stopped using it cause I found out they were both bad. So thanks for introducing me to the proper sand for sand baths,the right size houses for them, and some hamster brands like niteangle,and Redwoodgove, and the IKEA detolf!!! P.s my profile picture is my hammy Rocket (he’s named after Rocket the raccoon from guardians of the galaxy.)

[@VictoriaRaechel]

It's awesome you've been making improvements to your care!

[@sm8634]

My first hamster died almost two weeks ago. He was sorta a rescue, and was originally from a pet store. He lived to be two and 9 months. He was a robo. He lived in a DIY 1100 sq inch cage. He was so happy, and I miss him. There is no rescues, in my area, and I've searched Craigslist, with no luck. But there is an ethical breeder, about 3 hours from me. I'm thinking about getting on the waitlist soon. They breed Syrians, and I've always wanted one. They are called Poppy Bee Hamstery! I'm really excited for when I get another hamster. But I kind of hate putting another hamster in the cage I built originally for my robo.

[@guineapiggy9492]

I'm 12 so under thirteen and my option in that: I've owned 9 hamsters and 12 guinea pigs ( i know their firstly different btw) but I think a lot of children work really well with small animals

[@tinaanduzi]

That's really true but i think a hamster is for kids at 10 or 11+....my sister is 4 and can't always handle my 3 hamsters..i think we just have to make them understand to not squeeze them etc.. My sister learned a bit.. 👍👍

[@sadiealbrecht0324]

Hi you've helped me alot with hamster care and things like that! My hamster recently got sick and we brought her to the vet and she getting alot better! She has an upper respiratory infection :( we got her some medication and she getting but I know this has nothing to do with this video just wanted to say how much you've helped me (your past hamster bumble looks like my hamster cheese!)

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I’m glad she’s getting better ❤️

[@CocoAndOreosAdventures]

I clicked faster than Lenny can make me smile(that’s quick!)

[@CupcakeBrianna]

I've gotten rude comments about the plastic thing on IG. I use a large bubble chinchilla bath for the sand bath because the natural ones she kicks sand out or pees up and out it. She doesn't chew the plastic, acts more comfortable going into a large dark hide filled with sand, and can't kick out sand easily or pee out of it. Unfortunately you can explain that but people will still not care and harass you.

[@VictoriaRaechel]

It sucks you’ve gotten rude comments about something so simple and unless chewing on it really doesn’t hurt them, which I assume you know their habits and whether they’re a chewer or not. Though if you do ever want a replacement that won’t have angry people those cookie jar type glass containers a lot of people use for other substrates! Like this; www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/foervar-jar-with-lid-glass-aluminium-colour-00030262/

[@CupcakeBrianna]

@@VictoriaRaechel She's a little bit of a chewer but a picky one. Toy wise the only materials she likes are seagrass, corn husk, & cardboard. Only wood she'll chew is her chamber houses. 😅 Whimzees are a must. Thanks for the suggestion! I use a flat succulent vase for her coconut dirt so I may swap to something like this for the sand.

[@soph4850]

I use a hamster bottle and bowl, because I prefer bowls but if they ever filled it with bedding they still had water in the bottle. My Robo actually prefers her bottle, but I offer both. My Syrian prefers her bowl, but I offer both. Especially when I go away on holiday for a few days I definitely give a bottle.

[@teagan0136]

My hamster right now looks exactly the same as your past hamster, Bumble! My hamsters name is Butter Scotch.

[@vdez836]

Such a cute name!!

[@teagan0136]

@@vdez836 Thank you so much!

[@jesshuddleston9650]

I disagree about the 13 year old limit because I am 10 years old and I have a 578 sq inc cage and a bunch of enrichment for my pet. All because of Victoria Raechel. Thank you Victoria Raechel.

[@frappethehamster8517]

Victoria: 100 $ people consider a height price Me: yes 100 is more than 20 dollars

[@kittenmimi5326]

High if the hams only $1. Also mayve it dont have to be $100 unless one's being extra. $20 for the cage (bin) and maybe the rest is $30

[@frappethehamster8517]

@@kittenmimi5326 well, the bedding needs to be changed 1 time every month and a half, and the rest is pretty expensive like the mesh for the bin and the food, etc.

[@monikastawska2759]

When I got my hamster it took me months to finally get the perfect cage with as much enrichment as I could provide, I started of small and my care eventually got better 😌 and it was all thanks to you!!

[@katjune]

My robo was literally feral. I owned her 3 years ago, kept her in a 40 gallon breeder with all the enrichment, she was content and showed no signs of stress even when I needed to change her water and food, but she HATED interacting with me. She’d take treats but any type of holding ended in her biting me, so I loved her from afar😂

[@K0choTheArtist]

Robos are vere skittish 😂

[@scarlettkarwoski2383]

Hi, are they’re any updates on the new hamster (Syrian)

[@mestarihiisaaja]

The new hamster is chinese dwarf

[@daisymaerabbitry]

@@mestarihiisaaja they meant the other new hamster that she will be getting and was originally supposed to get in April

[@scarlettkarwoski2383]

@@daisymaerabbitry you’re correct

[@alixtaylor9717]

@@scarlettkarwoski2383 Just in case you didn't know, the @ for the breeder she's from is @strongbrewhamstery so you can see some updates of her on there :)

[@scarlettkarwoski2383]

@@alixtaylor9717 thank you!

[@bayleyannvlogs]

When Victoria means : my opinion she means the right opinion😂😂😂

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Nope! Just what I personally think on a topic

[@chula8653]

You have had a great impact on me and drove me into getting a hamster and now I cant stop spoiling her she has not bitten me or anyone else my hamster has a healthy happy life because of you thank you 😊 ☺

[@ibiubuok]

Thanks for making this video. I believe we've been able to give our hamsters much better care because of the information you've provided. There are a lot of hamsters that have you to thank!

[@annaswordsandmore1379]

I'm 11 years old and I have my Syrian hamster, Picklez. I adopted him from a family who couldn't take care of him when he was 6 months old. Now his cage has 8inches of bedding and has a 500sq inch cage. He loves to be handled and I take care of him myself and rude my bike to the store to buy him supplies. I used the bathtub to bond with him and he learned to come on my hand in 3 days. I think you should be at LEAST 11 to own a hamster.

[@lolaeley4854]

as long as you do your research you can get a hamster. if an 8 year old wants a hamster and does their research it is completely fine

[@teqcup5739]

Hi tori! I’d just like to thank you because my hamster turns 2 today and I know he wouldn’t have lived such a long and amazing life without your videos :)

[@peaches50]

Aw congratz!

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Happy birthday to them!! 🥳

[@mimie3081]

I took all of you recommendation and my hamster is now living better. Thank you! ❤️

[@VictoriaRaechel]

I'm glad to hear they've got a great owner!

[@Theblahajcult]

👏

[@scarlettlouisefox9351]

I know this is so old now but in some places it’s so hard to find hamsters outside of a pet store. In the UK ethical breeders are so hard to find. Some pet stores are very ethical and the hamsters live a long happy healthy life. I think it depends on the pet shop and you have to do a lot of research. Buying rescue hamsters from pet shops I think is super important :( as in returned ones

[@smievil]

i think snake expos are a thing in my country where people meet and sell/buy snakes, or maybe reptiles. maybe there are similar things for other small pets. dog/cats usually seem way more popular and accessible than other smaller pets, but like other animals seem like they'd make great pets if they were a bit more accessible.

[@jenniferlefevre3313]

Heyy Victoria im 11 and I have 3 hamsters i provide my hamsters with 8in of bedding and I have BIG cages i made the Longmont enclosure today with my dad and its so nice and now I have to linnmon enclosures bc I had one before, but ya I watch your videos all the time and their the best before I got my hamster I watched your videos so I knew what to expect and that helped me alot! Just wanted to tell u so u know bc I think you should know u help lots of people!😊☺☺

[@onlyonesadgeorge]

My lil cousin was like "she knows so much about hamsters" plus I love the bloopers part. She's so adorable hahaha

[@rebeccawhite7811]

i adopted my Hamster because his old perants had treated in terribly he was in a 100 inch cage [He is now in a 800 inch] He was also only 20 weeks when i adopted him and he is now nearly 3 because you have helped me so much with my care! thank you.

[@pascalandtia4276]

I got my first hamster (robo) when I just turned 13, and your channel was one of the things that helped majorly. Now, I’m 14 and have two hamsters (a female Syrian and robo) and both cages are 800+ square inches and both very natural and enriching. :) thank you so much for helping with my care from your channel ❤️

[@donnarn2727]

I had hamsters when I was a child in the 70's and the care recommendations were having a cage, wheel, water bottle, pine shavings, seed mix with nutrition pellets. I did free roam my hamsters a few times a week. I had the orange and yellow Habitrails of that decade. Hamsters chewed up their cages, the wheel I think was 8 inches, but I had Syrians. The tower and hide built into the wheel were the only things that fit in the cage. I didn't know they needed chews/toys. They never got to burrow and I didn't know they needed to, so they only had 2 inches of shavings and enough to make one pile for a bird like nest. My 3rd grade class had a Syrian in a wire cage (10x14 inches?} with wire wheel, so I thought the Habitrail (10x18 inches?} was a mansion in comparison. Had brother and sister hamsters who had two litters; the first litter died shortly after birth and the other was sold to the pet store I got my hamsters from. I later mated a different female with my 5th grade class hamster. It was considered a life learning experience by the adults to mate the hamsters. I will not being doing that now! In 1999 I had Syrian hamsters again and tried to keep two females together in the same cage, not a good idea. Bought a Nature's Playland Grand Estate with 14x8 inch pan space since I had only one of the Habitrails, so I could separate them. I did buy a plastic hamster maze to connect to the cages and would alternate connecting each cage to the maze or attaching a tube that sloped into a 10 gallon tank from the sky hide; doubled their floor space but still way under 450 inches. After those two Syrians passed, I bought a dwarf who lasted less than a year so I gave up on hamsters until 2021. Now I have momma hamster in 75 gallon tank and her daughter in 40 gallon tank. Syrians I found on Craig's List. Also have large play area using two guinea pig cage canvasses and wire fence for free roaming but they keep climbing over the wire fence so I have plastic cube shelving on order to DIY a new fence. I have a different perspective on hamster care thanks to you, Victoria, and other You Tubers who share your views on hamster care. Thank you for your videos and research on best care. (I used the 10 gallon tank last night when cleaning one of the tanks, and my girl was so frustrated with the small space despite placing water, food, sand bath and chews. I can't believe I used to think it was okay keeping a hamster in a space that was even smaller than that tank full time. Hopefully I will have the new plastic fence for the play area when I clean the other tank next week.)

[@weedluvrr3361]

10x14 inches? that seems so small! im glad theres more bigger cages to choose from now. i couldn’t imagine either of my hamsters living in that cramped of a cage!

[@lightningdexter9964]

I am currently 11 and getting my first hamster BUT have done a lot or research and and very calm and gentle. I’m not loud and will try to be the best I can for my new hamster💜 You have helped me learn a lot so thanks! 🙂

[@write_read7583]

I'm on holiday rn, I have a pet sitter who checks him every day. I miss my hammy so much!

[@courtneypalmer2331]

I've had my hamster about a year now. Maybe slightly over that. She is wonderful. My care has improved slowly. Even now I am still learning. I'm going to buy some alternate substrates so I can make the enclosure more diverse.

[@karenolivia311]

i am 12 years old with a dwarf hamster in a 850 sq inch enclosure, a natural german styled setup and good care and i do think that kids can have responsibilities as long as the parents make sure that the hamster isnt neglected and that the hamster is being taken care of

[@kittenmimi5326]

Whoa congrats! Thwt sounds awesome. Anyway kids, from what I have seen actually is more affectonate towards their pet. The problem with child as pet owners often lies with their parents. Because they can't live alone yet, so even if you know you need some german enclosure if your parent says no it's over

[@gemmaryan5095]

I’m prepping to adopt a new hamster, and I’ve been buying everything I can on Facebook marketplace, eBay, Etsy, etc, and DIYing a lot too, and I’m still spending almost $400 on all the supplies. They are DEFINITELY not cheap pets!

[@gioaffe8]

my random three opinions are, bottle caps are a great use for water bowls if your on a limit or something, kids could have hamsters/pets if their parent has done research so it’s just basically on the parent’s choice and decision and my last one is if you just learned about proper care and you want to upgrade everything then I would recommend to actually slowly introduce them into different things like sprays since I’ve seen hamsters get stressed with everything new in there cage and freaking out.

[@Drew_2152]

My hamster is hitting the 9 month mark which is kinda old and no matter what I have always tried to be able to give her the best life possible. I give her sunburst seed mix, she has 3 hide outs 2 being multi chambered, with an 8 inch wheel, a water bottle, and about 7 inches of bedding but she never has been a digger like maybe every once in a while and stops for a bit. Though I enjoy her company her well being has been a stressful concern for me. She's a robo hamster so her being shy and skittish and sometimes barely seeing her makes me think about her happiness.

[@picashlio3361]

I paid a whole $15 for my little No-noh so I one hundred percent agree they are sold too cheap. Also pet store employees tend to be balefully ignorant of what is right for a hamster. I was told a 20gal long (because I prefer tanks) was plenty large enough for a Syrian. Thankfully I got a second opinion from you because that is less than have of the bare minimum required size. Her 55gal is on its way now, along with her larger wheel, 3 times the amount of bedding, sprays, and a better sand bath. She'll be a much happier camper next week so thank you for all your videos on proper care.

[@kaylaisbigswag]

I am 12 years old I got my hamster right before covid while I was 11 I have a cage that is 500 Square inches and my hamster is a Syrian hamster with a 12 inch wheel. My parents let me get a hamster because I did my research and I watched your videos and I payed for it all. I learned a lot every since and I’m planning on upgrading my hamsters cage size this week and buying new foods, treats, toys, hides, and enrichment supplies. You have taught me a lot and I thank you!! ❤❤

[@hamsterofthenight5414]

im sorry for your loss with little Lenny fly high little Lenny

[@rainbowchicken5574]

i found your channel when i was 10 & i’m 17 now, and have my second hamster. Your videos have allowed me to give my hamsters the best care! Thank you your videos are helping so many people!!

[@InfinityOnHannah]

I definitely believe in trying to handle them daily or at least a few times a week, I’ve bonded heavily with most of mine for this reason. It’s cute though because some of them are definitely grumpy and less social but I’ve had a few who literally beg to be held and come out at the sound of my voice 🥰

[@donnarn2727]

You still have to respect a hamster who chooses not to be handled very much. My hamsters have been okay with being handled to different extents. I had one who was not crazy about being handled. She would tolerate it to get floor time, but did not like to climb on me like some of my other hamsters and would squirm if I did not put her down soon enough. The hamster I had at the same time as her would race up my arm to my shoulder as soon as I put my hand in her cage.

[@alyssawendorf2775]

I’m so happy I found your Chanel! Thanks to you my hamster didn’t have to start in a Tiny tails cage or have any improper/unsafe care. I now have 3 hamsters that have cages over the minimum cage size. Thank you Victoria!

[@fireheart5965]

I wish pet stores did this but they never will but I still wish they would quiz people on hamster care (just the basics like 6 inches of bedding etc) and if they got all the basics right they would let them buy the hamster and if not they would not let them buy it until they got all the basic

[@annaplayz5219]

Great video! Really gives different opinions! I can’t believe my hamster (not the care, just the hamster) costed £13 :( I’m sorry because i bought it from the pet store (as i didn’t know it was bad) but now I know it is not good I won’t do it again! I’m trying to give my hamster the best care as possible, thank you for helping me provide my hamster (caramel) with proper care and enrichment lol

[@user-kj8tl8om5j]

Thank you for all your information! My hamsters are living a good life because of you,I actually got two of the cages you recommended and they both love it!

[@ashleywonnacott9792]

i got my hamster for 15, and honestly didnt think much when i got her, but once i bought her, and started researching, i thought more of her, and am taking good care of her

[@authenticthreads]

When I was younger I used to breed hamsters and sell them to my local mom and pop pet store. They bought them because my hamsters were always super healthy and gentle. I didn’t actually make any money, I just supported my hamsters. I can humbly say I did a lot of things that, honestly, I’m glad the hobby is moving past and understanding better. Partly because there weren’t a lot of choices for someone who (at that time in my life) couldn’t build a lot of stuff and partly because some things fell into that wiggly gray area of never going wrong for me and the hobby at large didn’t know better. I’ve been looking for a hamster again recently and didn’t want to go to the pet store because I know how hamsters are raised that you can buy at big box pet stores, but I’m also having a hard time finding, well, any other hamsters. Some time spent down the internet hamster burrow and I found the Code of Ethical Hamster Breeders. I was glad to read that I would have passed current ethical standards except for one thing that I very much disagreed with. So my unpopular hamster opinion is that since breeders should have the temperament and care to the same (or often better) standard as pets that pups should be treated the same. My process with pups went like this: Don’t touch while they’re hairless and keep handling mom to what’s necessary. Once they’re covered in slick fur and their ears start to open but they’re eyes are still shut is when they’ll start venturing out of the nest and foraging for themselves but mom still drags them back to the nest and they still nurse some. *Unpopular Opinion* This is when I start acclimating them to handling. I handle mom, give her treats, health check (hamsters can get raw nipples just like people), etc. and then I start by gently stoking the pups with a single finger. Then I pick them up and give them health checks, touch their paws, gently look at teeth, etc. and give them little tidbits of food from my hands. It almost imprints them to humans because none of my hamsters that were raised this way were fearful or fear biters and they would all come right to you to see what you had, how you smelled, etc. So if one of the goals of breeding is only breeding hamsters with good temperaments, well then we have to put in the time and effort to cultivate good temperaments. It doesn’t just happen because we keep them as pets and they should somehow “know” we don’t mean them harm. Animals seldom work that way.

[@Wrenpinch]

I personally got my hamster from a pet store before i knew where they sorce their hamsters from but I'm very happy i got her and i just have to keep thinking that i have given her a better life than she could of had

[@rattiedaddi7375]

Tbh I never realized how in expensive hamster are I think the first time I realized is when I seen a hairless hamster for a small amount and I was thinking the price point should be alittle higher 🐹 I personally own rats and mice and I’m sure most first timers rat owners will realize that just cause rats are generally under $8 depending where the rat is coming from that the cage and supplies you can spend a lot of money but in the end it is worth it when I got my rats and mice I never put a price limit on anything they deserve the best after all they are a living being 🐁🐭🐀

[@simonthehamster7938]

My hamster Simon loved being pet but hated being held, although he still loved some people. More proof that you can connect without handling.

[@rangerlovee3324]

I'm so glad your videos exist. I work at a pet store and I want to be able to help people with their hamster care because I have always known they need wayyyy bigger enclosures & more bedding than people think, but I haven't been able to help them well enough. You are the best teacher. I would dislike owning a hamster but I still want to give them the best care possible♥