my first pet, rabbit, please help

Person_one

dustinjames wrote: »

lol
i want a pet, i am scared and nervous, but this will only be at beginning, its a learnt skill/behaviour, im gonna cure myself.
if it doesnt work out, ive a pet loving friend who will take it off me.

I don't think its funny.

The beginning is when you most need to be confident and not afraid. A new pet, especially a rabbit or hamster, will need regular handling to get used to you and to human contact. If you can't do this then a lot of the damage will already be done by the time you pass the animal onto your friend.

I just don't understand why you're so determined to do it this way rather than dealing with your fear before you get a pet, which just makes a lot more sense.

dustinjames

Person_one wrote: »

I don't think its funny.

The beginning is when you most need to be confident and not afraid. A new pet, especially a rabbit or hamster, will need regular handling to get used to you and to human contact. If you can't do this then a lot of the damage will already be done by the time you pass the animal onto your friend.

I just don't understand why you're so determined to do it this way rather than dealing with your fear before you get a pet, which just makes a lot more sense.

i will aim to handle it daily.
wearing gloves, ill be ok.... then ill use naked hands eventually.
theres no other way, who is gonna let me visit their hamster regularly until i am confident holding it?

the dwarf hamsters are cute and the woman in pet shop held it in her hand without trouble... it was like 12 weeks old... or 8weeks. this one felt the easiest to deal with for me. it wasnt fear as such, just nerves...

Person_one

dustinjames wrote: »

i will aim to handle it daily.
wearing gloves, ill be ok.... then ill use naked hands eventually.
theres no other way, who is gonna let me visit their hamster regularly until i am confident holding it?

the dwarf hamsters are cute and the woman in pet shop held it in her hand without trouble... it was like 12 weeks old... or 8weeks. this one felt the easiest to deal with for me. it wasnt fear as such, just nerves...

If you don't anyone with a hamster, is it absolutely essential that you conquer your fear of hamsters? There's nothing wrong with never having a pet if its not for you.

Did you get in touch with any of the rescue centres people suggested?

dustinjames

its a huge step for me to get a pet, im trying new things, its good for my development.

i found a rabbit centre offering workshops, i might do that, but i am def not ready for a rabbit for many other reasons.

hamster is a good choice for me.

if it doesnt work out, ill sell it or give it to my friend. its all good.

Person_one

dustinjames wrote: »

its a huge step for me to get a pet, im trying new things, its good for my development.

i found a rabbit centre offering workshops, i might do that, but i am def not ready for a rabbit for many other reasons.

hamster is a good choice for me.

if it doesnt work out, ill sell it or give it to my friend. its all good.

The thing is, you have to think about the animal too. While it might be great for you, how will it be for the hamster?

I'm glad you have a friend willing to take it should anything go wrong at least.

dustinjames

the hamsters happiness is my main priority also, i will learn all about it and feed it well and play with it, watch it, etc...
i have a nice cage with toys and plenty of bedding etc, i will keep the cage clean, and do it all properly.

Nimeth

dustinjames wrote: »

its a huge step for me to get a pet, im trying new things, its good for my development.

i found a rabbit centre offering workshops, i might do that, but i am def not ready for a rabbit for many other reasons.

hamster is a good choice for me.

if it doesnt work out, ill sell it or give it to my friend. its all good.

I think it's brilliant that you've decided to overcome your fear.

But I would advise strongly against selling it. Before you get a hamster, do make absolutely sure that your friend would be happy to have it in case it doesn't work out. It's fairer on the hamster that way and you know that it will go to a good home where it will get care and attention.

I do agree with the advice that you should go a rescue and spend some time handling and petting the animals first, just because it will help you become more confident before you get your pet. Person_one is right about that, confidence will be a big help in forming a bond with the hamster.

scheming_gypsy

dustinjames wrote: »

because i want to overcome my fear, know what it feels like to have and care for a pet. just been to pets at home. planning on taking a mate when i buy maybe, hell help me hold it etc, and if anything happens, he can take charge.
im gonna wear gloves first when holding hamster. It will be fine, day by day ill grow more confidant of it. true?

you might as well buy a stick. If you scream and squeal and squeak and act like you're scared of the hamster when you're in the shop; the only thing you'll be walking out with is a kick up the arse. Pet shops won't let somebody buy a pet if they're scared of it.

Person_one

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

you might as well buy a stick. If you scream and squeal and squeak and act like you're scared of the hamster when you're in the shop; the only thing you'll be walking out with is a kick up the arse. Pet shops won't let somebody buy a pet if they're scared of it.

I wish that were true.

I don't think most pet shops think twice about who they're sending the animals off with, most certainly don't give two hoots about where they come from.

There are great ones out there, but its not hard to find a bad one if you want to.

Tarry

What about volunteering at a rescue instead if you can before you take on any animal?