Can you buy gerbils and hamsters in NZ?

**Colapop** · 14th August 2006, 17:28

I think he means Hamster collars and boots etc...?

**apteryx_haasti** · 14th August 2006, 18:26

Originally Posted by Colapop

Gerbils And Hamsters Are Classed As Introduced Species And Are Destroyed By Border Control If Found. The Case Of The (crazy) Woman Who Smuggled In Her Pet Hamster From S.a. They Found Out About It When She Took It To The Vet. Ferrets Are Considered A Noxiuos Pest And Are No Longer Allowed To Be Kept As Pets Or Bred.

Wot he said! Used to work for MAF - sounds like something they would say. No seriously, they're classed as pests. It's the giant poisonous fangs...

**Quartida** · 14th August 2006, 18:26

Originally Posted by Street Gerbil

Any pocket gopher (Geomys spp. and Thomomys spp.).

Pocket gopher? It sounds like a made-up pet to give to little children or something.

**Ixion** · 14th August 2006, 18:29

Really ? I thought at first it was a relative of the trouser snake. Bad Ixion!

**Colapop** · 14th August 2006, 18:31

Originally Posted by Quartida

Pocket gopher? It sounds like a made-up pet to give to little children or something.

Yes it is... "I've got a Hamster in my pocket. He might be hiding so you'll have to feel around a bit..."

**Quartida** · 14th August 2006, 18:35

Originally Posted by Ixion

Really ? I thought at first it was a relative of the trouser snake. Bad Ixion!

Originally Posted by Colapop

Yes it is... "I've got a Hamster in my pocket. He might be hiding so you'll have to feel around a bit..."

Hilarious!

"Hey, do you want to come to my place for a drink? I have a great pet collection. I've got a trouser snake and two pocket hamsters, which I think you'll really like."

(NB: Just kidding! I only own a "Skirt Chinchilla".)

**BeakerRAT** · 14th August 2006, 18:37

Originally Posted by Colapop

Yes it is... "I've got a Hamster in my pocket. He might be hiding so you'll have to feel around a bit..."

That is just so wrong on so many levels. ah hang on I guess it fits, Dovers thread after all!

**Hitcher** · 14th August 2006, 19:29

Originally Posted by The_Dover

Seriously, a bona fide query.

Not for sexual purposes or anything sordid.

I have never seen hamsters or gerbils for sale in NZ. Can you get them?

No. Both gerbils and hamsters are prohibited under the provisions of the Biosecurity Act. A prosecution was successfully taken earlier this year against a Wellington woman who smuggled a hamster into the country. You'll just have to make do with guinea pigs, chinchillas or assorted other commonly-available rodents.

**Colapop** · 14th August 2006, 19:33

Originally Posted by Hitcher

No. Both gerbils and hamsters are prohibited under the provisions of the Biosecurity Act. A prosecution was successfully taken earlier this year against a Wellington woman who smuggled a hamster into the country. You'll just have to make do with hamsters, chinchillas or assorted other commonly-available rodents.

But I thought you just contradicted yourself?

Originally Posted by Quartida

...
(NB: Just kidding! I only own a "Skirt Chinchilla".)

Or a naked Mole rat?

**Hitcher** · 14th August 2006, 20:20

Originally Posted by Colapop

But I thought you just contradicted yourself?

Gahhh! Don't you just hate it when that happens. Changed now. Thanks for the spotting Col.

I guess that comes from being denied access to the Kiwi Biker home page... (look in the Site Stuff thread about the vBulletin upgrade to get the gory details)

**SuperDave** · 14th August 2006, 22:07

Originally Posted by Street Gerbil

In NZ climate Chinchillas can only survive in an airconditioned home because at temperatures above 20C they die from a heat stroke. Besides, unlike gerbils, chinchillas are nocturnal or in plain English will lie motionlessly during the day (when you want to play with it) and will raise hell at night (when you don't). Otherwise, great animal. Cute as hell!

The airconditioning is a minor technicality, just like goldfish need to be kept in a bowl of water. They are nocturnal but they can be quite active during the day with the right incentives, like a dust bath. The ones in the pet store next to where I used to work would go crazy whenever they were given the dust. They would often be awake during the day although they were often very lazy and sleepy even when they were.

Dover, just get a Chinchilla.

**skidMark** · 15th August 2006, 20:57

Originally Posted by 98tls

I can see Dover sitting around sharing political view points with his hamster on a friday night.....its what would happen on saturday night after a few beers that bothers me

Dover....Back away from the furry thing.

i need tissues crying with laughter....

youuuuu light up my lifeeeeeeee

**race me!!!!** · 16th August 2006, 14:05

Originally Posted by skidMark

i need tissues crying with laughter....

youuuuu light up my lifeeeeeeee

dover i think he wants to get in your pants!! your in bro

**Kendog** · 16th August 2006, 14:14

Originally Posted by SuperDave

The airconditioning is a minor technicality, just like goldfish need to be kept in a bowl of water. They are nocturnal but they can be quite active during the day with the right incentives, like a dust bath. The ones in the pet store next to where I used to work would go crazy whenever they were given the dust. They would often be awake during the day although they were often very lazy and sleepy even when they were.

Dover, just get a Chinchilla.

I agree, I've had several chinchillas, they are awesome pets, fairly easy to care for, but you do need to keep them indoors, but they are pretty clean little buggers. Loads of hours of entertainment, very cute and loveable, just don't squeeze them or, like gremlins, get them wet! One of mine lept into the tank my ex kept axilotals (sp) in and he got a bit wet and sad

. They love the dust bath and running wheels.
Mrs KD.