Instructions
Ask about the age of the hamsters that are being sold. Most hamster owners recommend purchasing a hamster that is between four and seven weeks old. Hamsters that are younger then four weeks old will often become overstressed by the move to a new home. That stress can sometimes be fatal. Hamsters that are over seven weeks old can be more difficult to tame.
The best time of day to purchase a hamster is in the evening. Hamsters are typically more active during later in the day and you will be able to get a better idea of their individuals personalities.
You don't want to purchase a hamster that is aggressive. The best way to determine if a hamster is aggressive is to stick your finger into the cage. Don't purchase any hamsters that try to bite. You want the ones that stands still and allows you to stroke it with your finger tip.
Only purchase a hamster that appears to be active and alert. Lethargy can be a sign that a hamster is in the early stages of some illness.
Make sure you select a hamster that is healthy. A healthy hamster will have a rounded body, clean ears, clear eyes and be fairly active. Healthy hamsters have fur that is clean and soft. Every single hamster in the cage should appear healthy. Responsible hamster breeders will separate hamsters as soon as they show signs of illness to prevent the rest of the litter from becoming infected.
Before paying for your hamster, ask the breeder lots of questions about its overall health, how often it has been handled and how affectionate its parents are.
How to Buy a Hamster
Hamsters make great pets. They are easy to tame, don't require a great deal of special care, and you should expect a minimal amount of veterinary bills. A properly purchased hamster can provide you with years of companionship. It doesn't matter if you are purchasing your hamster from a next door neighbor or a reputable pet store, the steps you should take when purchasing a hamster are always the same.