This is a highly requested topic as many people do not understand the difference between ethical and unethical (backyard) breeders. Especially in a country like Singapore where we do not have an established hamster fancy, or proper clubs and regulations for welfare. Well, at least till Hamster Society Singapore was incorporated in 2019. Alas, due to the lack of education with general welfare, there couldn't be any ethical breeders in Singapore.
Why?
Firstly, let the pictures do the talking.
Credits to respective breeders/sources for the photos.
Simply put, all breeders are owners first and foremost. Thus should practice proper hamster husbandry prior acquiring knowledge in breeding and genetics. One needs to be able to practice proper welfare to their hamsters, before attempting to delve into breeding; considering the complication in genetics, responsibilities (you are bringing lives to this world) and finances.
So, what are the requirements to be an ethical breeder in Singapore?
1. Proper hamster welfare - meet minimum requirements in all housing, wheels, food and nutrition and beyond.
2. Well researched, knowledge on genetics (some combinations are deadly)
3. Community/mentorship as this is how most information between breeders are exchanged
4. Reasonable aspiration to become a breeder - the only justifiable reason is for the improvement of species.
Unjustifiable reasons include: because you love your current hamster a lot, and would like to "continue their lineage", hope you can have a mini-me from your hamster and definitely NOT for some quick bucks.
5. Finances to obtain proper accessories, vet attention etc whenever necessary - any ethical breeder could tell you very frankly that it is never profitable to be ethical
In short, breeders must adhere to the Breeder's Code and only breed for species improvement and in accordance to Exhibition Standard. There should not be a variation in how hamsters are priced due to their colours or coats as there is no colour/coat superior than the other. That said, there is also no giant genes hamsters ever - the term "giant genes" is simply a marketing ruse. Huge red flag raised when a breeder claimed to have "giant genes" hamsters, you can read more about that here.
In well-established fancy like in Europe, there are lots of respectable breeders and detailed pedigrees; it is relatively easier to start a hamster with the amount of support available. Especially with the ability to work on already clean and healthy lines to begin with. Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity here in Singapore. All hamsters come from pet stores, pet mills and backyard breeders - and yes, that does mean hamsters from Eldduc as well. Even though we are elated to share that we have successfully passed that phase as our hamsters are now multi-generation pedigrees through selective breeding. ☺︎
How then, can we improve on the hamster species in Singapore?
This is where the importance of knowledge in genetics is being highly tested.
A savvy breeder could tell most of the genetics the hamster consist by simply looking at the hamster, the litter and their parents. With that, basic lineage could be established. Coupled with the knowledge of genetics, the breeder could then observe, track the development etc to determine if the hamster should be bred and then plan appropriate matings to happen.
At Eldduc, passion is an understatement for our love for the Syrian species. We hold ourselves to the highest standard to provision the best for our hamsters. We have received numerous requests for mentorship or adoption of our lines for breeding, and we have not accepted anyone yet as they do not meet the requirements of becoming an ethical breeder. We would only provide mentorship to those who are willing to learn, and who wants to become breeders for the right reason, i.e. to better the species.
We have always been transparent, and will remain so. And we are not sugarcoating when we say striving to be an ethical breeder in a country with minimal welfare is not easy. It is not easy to acquire decent hamsters to begin breeding, it is not easy to find reasonable adopters to adopt the hamsters out to, and it is not easy to take numerous hamsters at once atop of our personal life and our occasion rescues and fosters - it is not easy at all.
What is a reasonable adoption fee?
In our opinion, a reasonable adoption fee should be lower than fees at pet stores to counter overheads. However, it should not differ too far from the adoption fee imposed by Animal Welfare Groups like HSS and SPCA. It is reasonable to impose a minimal adoption fee (only pertaining to AWG or ethical breeders, not for BYB or accidental litters) due to the effort and finances to support the program, be it rescue, foster and rehabilitation like AWGs or breeding program like ours, in addition to the fact that we do not receive public donation. Whilst we had always rehomed our pups free of charge, we had a trial for one of our litter by imposed a compulsory purchase of the adoption package at $35 with the adoption of a pup.
Why did we did a trial adoption package? We have had unfavourable correspondence with adopters - people who had not only made requests such as home delivery of pup, asking for free handouts like food, cage; everything under the sun you could think of. Thereafter, many adopters MIA, block us or give false personal information which was a prerequisite for the adoption of our pup. Additionally, with pups going FOC, we also received a large number of requests which is well, expected since who doesn't like free stuff?
Essentially, the imposition for the adoption package of $35 per adoption goes completely to the adoption pack that they come with ($10 Fatpouches' premium mixes, $10 Lab Blocks, $15 Cuddle Sack) which meant the hamstery did not benefitted despite the imposition of fees. Furthermore we had more work to do, to source and pack for the adopters. But we were very glad to hear that with the introduction of the adoption pack, the pups settle in easier and their new owners did witness the difference between a quality mix versus an average commercial mix out there in the market, and we are proud to say 100% of the adopters for Litter D did ended up continuing feeding the seed mixes from the adoption pack.
However, due to accusation brought out in the toxic local community that we are selling our hamsters - we no longer offer the adoption pack; our pups revert to be rehomed free of charge. That said though, for us at Eldduc - we standby our point that Singapore is unfortunately not ready for ethical breeding; thus our pups will only be rehomed to trustworthy individuals.
Like mentioned above, ethical breeding is not a profitable hobby. If that is what you are looking for, please do not be a breeder. If you are still keen, do your due research FIRST prior reaching out to us. We do not spoon feed. Otherwise, feel free to hit us up if you need some advices regarding breeding.
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