Intro, and recommendations needed!

[AJM]

Hello! My name’s Abby and I have my heart set on getting myself a little furry BFF. From the research I’ve done, I think a Syrian hamster is the one for me

I don’t want to purchase from a pet shop so wondered if anyone has any recommendations for ethical breeders with current litters available or rescue centres in Yorkshire or surrounding areas? My extensive googling has not been particularly fruitful!

I’ve done loads of research on cages and set ups etc, but if anyone has any tips for a first time potential owner (apart from the hamster I had as a kid back in 1993) I’d be really grateful.

Thanks

 

[Maz]

Hello. It's great you're doing your research first Can I ask which country you're in please? That'll help with info on verified breeders who are part of an association with standards. The other option is hamster rescues, who often have litters and young hamsters as well as older ones.

In terms of cages and set ups, again it would help to know which country you're in as the Uk and US have different options, and other countries can have quite limited options Prices also vary enormously with different cage or enclosure types and some are really expensive.

 

[AJM]

Oops, sorry! I’m in the north of England - specifically Yorkshire.

I don’t want to spend a fortune on an enclosure but if I have a happy hamster, money isn’t an issue. I’m leaning towards the Bucatstate 3.0 as it seems to provide a great space while managing to look good. I want to fill it with lots of enrichment so advice on that would be great!

 

[Maz]

Ok well there are National Hamster Council breeders in the Uk However, they are few and far between, and don't always have litters, but you could try contacting Oswald's Hamstery, which is in North Yorkshire (one of my Syrians is from there), or Anne Dray who is in Sheffield (my other Syrian is from there). There is also Custard Hamstery in West Yorkshire (they have a website), but don't have litters very often. The NHC has standards breeders have to meet and they breed for health and temperament.

Or there are a number of rescues. Not so many in the North of England unfortunately, now Happy Hamsters has closed down. There is one in Manchester and one in London. India's Hamster Rescue is in London and they often have Syrians and litters. A 2 hour journey by train would be do-able!

As for cages. Personally I prefer barred cages with a large front opening door. For ventilation and closer interaction and I'm just used to them and they work for me logistics-wise, and for taking apart and storing/moving. I use the Savic ones - Plaza 100, 120 or Aura. They do need some adapting though to be able to fit deeper bedding - either cardboard or perspex inside the bars. I have the Viking Lazer perspex panels, but they add to the cost. I've also used cardboard for some syrians. Some female syrians will just chew it off though! Some people use a mix of cardboard and perspex, to keep the cost down and only use perspex at the front where it's more visible. None of mine have ever bar chewed, because once the cage is 100cm or larger, they are happy with the space - but it also depends on the set up and not over-cleaning them as that causes stress and can lead to bar chewing.

The Bucatstate's are very popular as well, and also have a front opening door, no adaptation needed, adequate ventilation, cost more, look nicer. Not easy to move or take apart but you can have them on wheels I think. It's a personal choice really.

This is our list of recommended hamster cages

Hamster Cages 2026

Here is a list of suitable cages available for hamsters in 2026. Whether you prefer tank style or barred cages, front access or top access, there is, thankfully, plenty of choice in the Uk and Europe. Choice in the US is mainly tanks and tank style or diy. Both tank style and barred cages...

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[Maz]

This is the link to the Northern Hamster Club list of affiliated breeders (part of the National Hamster Council). Not sure if it's up to date as Oswald's Hamstery doesn't appear to be on there but I know they were very much part of it.

Club Breeders – Northern Hamster Club

www.northernhamsterclub.co.uk

This is India's Hamster Rescue web page.

Home | India's Hamster Rescue

www.indiashamsterrescue.co.uk

This is Bright Horizon Hamster Rescue's web page - they say they rescue/adopt throughout the country and up to North Yorkshire

Bright Horizon Hamster Rescue | hamster rescue rehome charity uk

Bright Horizon Hamster Rescue: a UK based charity. We rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and research ethical hamster care and welfare.

www.brighthorizonhamster.co.uk

 

[Socks' Mum]

Hello! My name’s Abby and I have my heart set on getting myself a little furry BFF. From the research I’ve done, I think a Syrian hamster is the one for me

I don’t want to purchase from a pet shop so wondered if anyone has any recommendations for ethical breeders with current litters available or rescue centres in Yorkshire or surrounding areas? My extensive googling has not been particularly fruitful!

I’ve done loads of research on cages and set ups etc, but if anyone has any tips for a first time potential owner (apart from the hamster I had as a kid back in 1993) I’d be really grateful.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum

 

[Vanessa1]

Hello Abby, welcome to the forum it's a very friendly and informative group of people. If we can help you in any way you only have to ask the question I have a Syrian hamster and a Bucatstate 3 1200 enclosure which I find absolutely perfect.Ness

 

[Amy]

Hello Abby welcome to the forum
I have just found out the Bucatstate cages are far cheaper on TEMU. I knew they are made in China, but you can order them there for half the price.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Bucatstat cages must be nice if your hammy lives in the bedroom as they are surely quieter than metal bars

 

[Amy]

I prefer them, I am always frightened they get they’re paws stuck in the bars

 

[Maz]

The bar spacing for syrians is 1cm or slightly under - too large to get a paw stuck in and too small to get a head stuck in People have been using them for donkeys years without that kind of thing being a risk. They also don't climb the bars if the cage is big enough, except the first night when they explore every inch of the cage. The exception to that is dwarf hamsters who can decide to bar climb and monkey bar from the roof - if they can get that far.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I don't know, Socks had a 180cm Savic and he was a prolific bar climber for most of his life

 

[Amy]

I don't know, Socks had a 180cm Savic and he was a prolific bar climber for most of his life

Thats one thing Nibbles doesnt do, but he jumpd like a kangaroo

 

[Maz]

I don't know, Socks had a 180cm Savic and he was a prolific bar climber for most of his life

Are you sure it wasn't just when he saw you and wanted to come out? To get your attention maybe?

 

[Amy]

Are you sure it wasn't just when he saw you and wanted to come out? To get your attention maybe?

No he did that when his treat in his wheel scared him