How do they get hamsters at the store?

Hamsters at pet stores usually come from commercial breeders who specialize in raising small animals for the pet trade. These breeders maintain large colonies of hamsters and selectively breed them to produce various colors, patterns, and temperaments. Once the hamsters are old enough, typically around 4-6 weeks of age, they are weaned from their mothers and housed in appropriate enclosures until they are healthy and ready for sale.

Pet stores purchase hamsters directly from these breeders through established business relationships or through specialized pet product distributors. The breeders ship the hamsters in climate-controlled environments to ensure their safety and comfort during transport. Upon arrival at the pet store, they are carefully inspected to ensure they are healthy and in good condition before being offered for sale to customers.