aislinsadia
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Adoption venues - 2007/10/07 16:24
I'm just curious for those of you breeders- but how often is it that you don't adopt out a member or a litter that you have? When you get new babies, what kind of adoption venues do you use in order to ensure them good homes, and success in adopting all of them out in a timely manner? I was just thinking about how when I got my hedgies, the first question people always ask is, "where did you get them from?" I wonder if you breeders mainly advertise on your websites and others like this one, or if you have to put up adds in local pet shops, etc to ensure they all get adopted out.
*~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs). |
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Julie Pierce
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/07 16:38
I have a website to advertise my babies. I use an application with a variety of questions to screen potential buyers as well as reviewing their names on animal abuse databases and the internet in general. Approved applications go on to a waitlist for upcoming litters. On the rare occassion that I have a baby that is awaiting a home, I have advertised on other pet pages on the internet as well as on this site.
Julie Pierce
Pierce's Pogs
http://www.piercespogs.com |
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aislinsadia
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/11 12:03
Anyone else have anything? When I eventually breed, I would like some good pointers on this issue. Although I've contacted breeders personally and gotten insight, done research and joined a breeder's forum, this is the one issue that I have been concerned about. I can imagine that the "big name" breeders don't have a hard time finding adopters obviously, but there was once a time when many of you I'm sure were just starting out and had to run into this issue. It's difficult to "put feelers out there" when one does not even have a litter in the first place. I honestly would have no problem keeping babies that could not be found forever homes, but part of my interest has been in spreading the healthy growth of the species- and that means involving others in their care not just me  .
*~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs). |
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Julie Pierce
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/11 12:16
Are there other hedgehog breeders in your vicinity? If so, finding out how many they have in their herd and how long their waitlist is would be a good way to see how the market is in your area.
Start out small with your herd...2 females and a male should be plenty to start with. Make sure you have an experienced Mentor that will guide you....it makes all the difference in the world! Network with other breeders, build yourself a website and get yourself listed on hedgehog websites.
Julie Pierce
Pierce's Pogs
http://www.piercespogs.com |
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aislinsadia
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/12 11:38
Thank you for your response! That surely helps . There are few USDA licensed breeders in my area, and only two other breeders that are small and do not in particular advertise that they have hedgies that I know of, but they are in Kalamazoo not Lansing. However, there's got to be SOMEONE else out here in Mid-MI, because I talked to an exotic vet specialist who is willing to work with Cotton is case she'd need a c-section or anything else. They said they see at least two hedgies a week. That seems like a lot to me for not finding a lot of info out there on hedgie breeders in my area. 
*~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs). |
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CThogs
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/12 12:00
. That seems like a lot to me for not finding a lot of info out there on hedgie breeders in my area.
The hedgies your vet is seeing could be coming from pet stores too. Own your hedgehogs for awhile, get a mentor, get a feel for your local area and take it slow. Every breeder does things differently and you will find out what works for you.
Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs
We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!! |
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aislinsadia
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/15 09:20
The hedgies your vet is seeing could be coming from pet stores too. Own your hedgehogs for awhile, get a mentor, get a feel for your local area and take it slow. Every breeder does things differently and you will find out what works for you.
Actually, I just found out where they are coming from... And you're right- after doing a little investigating, I found they are coming from a pet store. Before I got into hogs, back in January, this store had hedgies regularly, coming from a breeder in the area (so they say). This breeder apparently sold off her breeding stock to a gentleman who "fell flat on his face" was the way the manager put it in this department. That was almost a year ago. Because It's only been a little less than that since I've been doing research and trying to find hogs close by, I had no idea this place ever had hogs.
This isn't your typical pet store- it's known for it's exotics, and most of their animals are really well cared for and greatly guarenteed. However... my heart sank last night- I went over there after calling (they said they had hedgies so I wanted to see them). Although most of their hedgies are in quarantine at the moment awaiting a long waiting list and will probably never see the general store atmosphere- there was one little guy that was out. The cage was two feet by one foot- barely enough room for all of his things and certainly not enough for him to live. The wheel was one made for a hamster and was mesh- the litter box was bigger than that. He was sleeping outside of his pigloo, which was the right size, but the cage was a glorified hamster cage, and they had a reptile heat lamp on him. He was curled away sleeping in a corner that the light wasn't touching.
I was vastly disappointed, and now I understand how those of you feel who have walked into pet stores and found hedgies in not so great conditions. This store had great enclosures for their guinea pigs and chins, maybe they just had no idea how to care right for hedgies, or didnt have the right supplies on hand... being a pet store known in the area for its fish and exotics I am going to keep investigating to find where these hedgies come from.
In the meantime, I know to take it slow, and I am trying to find a mentor who is close enough near me for me to be able to visit and get assistance, as well as get a feeling in the area for the interest, if I do decide to breed in the future. Right now I am just loving life with the pogs I have 
*~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs). |
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CThogs
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Re:Adoption venues - 2007/10/15 11:11
You are being very responsible in your attiude towards breeding Enjoy your hogs and it will all come together in time. We are here if you need help.
As far as pet stores go, they are all over the map. It sounds like this one is "trying" to do the right things. Keep in mind that a pet store is usually a temporary home and they do not necessarily need all the perks that a pet has at home. As long as the hogs appear healthy and are not in danger and the males and females are separated, that is usually all you can hope for. They should be USDA licensed too.
Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs
We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!! |
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