Stuffing the tunnel??

Amanda3266 · 07-25-2009, 04:51 AM

We got our beautiful little Hammy a few weeks ago. She is named Dora (the Explorer) and has already endeared herself to us all.
We have the Savic Metro cage with the plastic tunnel which leads out of the back of the cage and then back in again. Dora loves the tunnel and over the past few weeks has spent time stuffing it full of bedding, food and all manner of bits and pieces. Why is she doing this? Am certain it must be very normal hamster behaviour and certainly she appears to know what she is doing.

However, when I clean the cage out what do I do? It seems rude to disturb the hoard she has taken such time over creating. The first week I emptied it out but since then have left it. I can't see any poo in there, just bedding, woodchips and food. Occasionally she gets up in the middle of the day and goes in there to sleep (as she is currently doing and looking very sweet if I may say so).

So - do I clean it out regularly or not? Incidentally she now cannot get from one end of the tunnel to the other as she has created a "stop" point. Am assuming this is to protect her from predators as she might do in the wild.

Any thoughts?

Catherine Spark · 10-29-2009, 04:12 PM

I would clear the tube out and let her stuff it again - it would keep her occupied and fulfil storing/nesting instincts, plus keep the cage and tube clean.

souffle · 10-29-2009, 04:40 PM

I would keep removing the bedding. She will soon outgrow the tube and get hot and stuffy in there so best try and stop her using it.
Personally we would remove or block it off for now until she is fully tame and well and truly settled in her nest box or corner. Once this has happened you can open up the tubes and they don't tend to restuff them then. The ends for Savic tubes are called ring and cover I think. Ah yes -
http://www.petfavourites.co.uk/Savic_Me ... ver/1_2044