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Original poster

New hamster

56 replies

CtrlU · 15/03/2020 23:45

So my son got a hamster this weekend and it’s going well however I would like him to be able to play with the hamster comfortably so I am trying to encourage him opening the cage and stroking/ petting/ feeding the hamster.

How can I safety take the hamster out the cage without it running off and getting lost ?

Currently we’re using the sofa pillows to make some sort of ‘fort’ to allow the hamster to walk around without escaping however it seems a hassle to do everyday and I don’t know how effective it may be if and when the hamster does do a runner ?

The hamster is 6 weeks old and so far all is well but this is our first pet and I’m terrified of it getting lost.

OP posts:
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7
UsernameUnknownn · 15/03/2020 23:46

Hamster ball?

Original poster
CtrlU · 15/03/2020 23:46

What’s a hamster ball ?

If it’s one of those wheel things then yes we have one inside his cage x

OP posts:
UsernameUnknownn · 15/03/2020 23:47

One of these. You can buy them anywhere really. Pet shops. The range etc

New hamster

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Original poster
CtrlU · 15/03/2020 23:49

Thank you @UsernameUnknownn

I thought hamsters would be able to play freely without the ball ?

Or is the ball the best way to allow the hamster to explore ?

I was more thinking If there are any tips like using an inflatable pool or something to allow the hamster to run without getting too far.

OP posts:
UsernameUnknownn · 15/03/2020 23:51

Not sure but I know they can get into the tiniest of places! I remember a thread on here the hamster got out in the house if I remember rightly they didn't find the hamster so imo it's best to keep them in a ball. They are safe in them and can wander freely and you can see where they are

bemoreeverything · 15/03/2020 23:51

How old is your son? Hamsters are super fast and can get into the tiniest of spaces

LunchBoxPolice · 15/03/2020 23:55

Hamsters aren’t great for playing with, they are fast and naturally want to hide.
Also do some research on google as to why hamster balls are a bad idea.

LemonFrenzy · 15/03/2020 23:56

Don't leave it for too long in the ball as they get tired. Google it. Best thing is for them to handle the hamster a little everyday and as long as they don't show fear it won't bite. They're are mini runs you can buy for hamsters like a little enclosure so they could watch them in that. Put in empty kitchen roll holders etc to give it something to do.

LemonFrenzy · 15/03/2020 23:59

lunchbox Cross posted! Is it a Syrian OP? They slow down a little as they get bigger because of their weight! Ours used to sometimes just still on your hand or lap for quite a while sometimes whilst being stroked but I don't know if that's quite unusual.

Original poster
CtrlU · 16/03/2020 00:02

Thanks for the replies

I haven’t really thought of the ball as I just don’t like the idea of them honestly. I’m sure they are safe but I would rather let the hamster out a few short times a day to get him used to us (making sure all holes and spaces are covered of course)

I’m actually not sure what type of hamster he is actually lol I will see if I can attach a picture

OP posts:
Original poster
CtrlU · 16/03/2020 00:05

Here he is

New hamster
OP posts:
DropZoneOne · 16/03/2020 00:12

Oh what a cutie! He's a Syrian.

Give him a couple of days to settle in. Then sit in an empty bath, plug in, and let him run over you (and probably up your arm and across your back). Make sure someone else is in the room with you in case he is an escape artist! Never grab the hamster, he will bite in fright, use both hands to scoop. Reward any handling with a treat - fresh fruit or veg goes down well, a teaspoon every few days is plenty.

Buy a popup ball pen (minus the balls) for a large safe space for hamster to run around in, get toys that don't fit in his cage for stimulation.

Finally, how big is his cage? Recommended size is min 50cm x 80cm with enough height to fit a 12"/30cm wheel. The Barney from Zooplus fits the bill nicely, plenty of room as the hamster grows - that tiny 6 weeker will be adult sized in just a few weeks!

BrokenMumTeenDD · 16/03/2020 00:13

We've always let them out in the bath, then let them run around with a few toys & tempt them with treats to get them used to you, talk to them gently, move slowly etc etc. This and a hamster ball usually soon has them eating out of your hand in a few weeks. I've only had one that took more than a week, & she turned out to be an amazing hamster

BrokenMumTeenDD · 16/03/2020 00:14

Do let him settle in for a few days first though

DropZoneOne · 16/03/2020 00:16

Sorry one more thing ... put more woodshavings in the bottom of the cage, should be as deep as it can be so he can burrow and also a soft landing - they have a tendency to climb the bars and just let go!

Original poster
CtrlU · 16/03/2020 00:21

Thank you all for the tips.

I will give him a few more days to settle in although he seems to be very tame and smells my hands and slowly comes towards my hands when I put the in the cage to stroke him so I hope he is warming up to us.

I will place some more wood shavings and later on in the week I’ll try the bath trick.

The cage - I’m not sure of measurements but it seems big - I mean I think so.

I’ll attach another photo of the cage

OP posts:
Original poster
CtrlU · 16/03/2020 00:22

He seems to be having fun in there

New hamster
OP posts:
LunchBoxPolice · 16/03/2020 00:31

He’s like a little bear 😍

LolaDarkdestroyer · 16/03/2020 00:32

Did you actually do any research before buying the hamster?! The cage is also too small for a Syrian.

bemoreeverything · 16/03/2020 00:32

Aww what an adorable wee face!

DingleberryRose · 16/03/2020 00:36

I thoroughly recommend this website:

hamsterhavenhamsterrescue.weebly.com/hamster-care.html

Also join the Facebook group of the same name (Hamster Haven Rescue). The lady is incredibly knowledgable and there is lots of great advice on the site.

I’ve raised many rescue hamsters. They are wonderful and complex creatures. Make sure you register the hamster with a vet who has (or is) an exotic pet specialist. Normal vets don’t know a whole lots about hamsters. There will come a time (probably several) when a vet trip is needed.

I’d advise against wood shavings too. A paper based substrate is miles better (Google Fitch Pet bedding, you can get it on Amazon).

Syrians also require an 11 inch in diameter wheel in their homes for exercise and boredom busting (the 11 inch wheel prevents back arching). No gaps in the wheel to protect little feet. The Trixie is the best.

I’m pretty sure all of this and more is covered on the website so I won’t mention everything in my brain.

Original poster
CtrlU · 16/03/2020 00:37

@LolaDarkdestroyer

Well the cage was recommended by the staff at the pet shop...it isn’t a forever cage but I’m sure it’s fine for a 6 week old hamster.

OP posts:
Original poster
CtrlU · 16/03/2020 00:37

Thank you all again for the advice x I will have a look @DingleberryRose x

OP posts:
DingleberryRose · 16/03/2020 00:38

The cage is also too small for a Syrian

We ended up custom building our hamster enclosures as none of the commercially available hamster homes met the minimum size requirements.

DingleberryRose · 16/03/2020 00:39

@CtrlU it’s a great website. I can’t recommend the lady enough too. She taught me almost everything I know about these beautiful little creatures! 🐹