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Old 03-02-2017, 02:59 PM   #1
HenryHazelHammies
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Question Can I reuse toys...?

So my Syrian hamster died at the age of 2 years, 9 months. RIP Pecan.

I'm getting a new one, and I was wondering, will my new Russian Dwarf recognize or fear the scent of the previous hamster on the toys, cage or food and water dishes? I've scrubbed everything with vinegar and warm water, rinsed them off, and let them dry, as well as replacing the bedding. I don't want the new hamster to smell the scent of the previous one and get freaked out, especially because he was a different species. I've done everything I think I should, but are there any extra precautions I should take?
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Old 03-02-2017, 03:04 PM   #2
Cinnamon Bear
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Default Re: Can I reuse toys...?

If it were me I'd not use them. Technically you could if your Pecan wasn't sick. Sorry for your loss

But 2 yr & 9 mo is a long time & your new hammie could get stressed. I would replace them so everything is fresh & new for your new dwarf.

Options are baking or freezing toys get rid of bacteria but I'd still toss them

Last edited by Cinnamon Bear; 03-02-2017 at 03:16 PM.
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Old 03-02-2017, 03:25 PM   #3
Drago
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Default Re: Can I reuse toys...?

It's a big debate in the small pet community, to reuse or not to reuse. Personally, I do reuse (unless the hamster died of illness). I feel that a few months sitting out, heating, freezing, and rinsing can all help. If you're super worried, just toss them, but if you're okay with taking precautions, I see no issue. However, this is just my opinion and everyone's opinion varies
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Old 03-02-2017, 03:26 PM   #4
Fluffagrams
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Default Re: Can I reuse toys...?

A lot will depend on what they're made of.

If the items are plastic or ceramic then they should be fine to reuse after washing but with wooden items it'll be harder to get any scents out unless they've been coated with something like plastikote before use.

I'll reuse wooden toys if they have had very little use and the previous hamster had no infectious illnesses but things like wooden nest boxes that will have been in constant use for 2-3 years or toys that have been chewed a fair bit will be replaced. A lot of people prefer to start with new supplies for each hamster so it depends on what you're most comfortable with.
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Old 03-02-2017, 03:26 PM   #5
velma
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Default Re: Can I reuse toys...?

Gosh, that's a good age! Even older than my syrian Cleo who was 2years 8 months. I'm planning on reusing some of her things for future hams and have also used things from my previous robo Hector for another dwarf ham. Both Hector and Cleo died from old age and weren't sick so I haven't been worried about diseases. I've binned wooden things as you can't really clean them in the same way but I kept ceramic and plastic and just washed them very very thoroughly. I've not had any problems.

Sorry to hear about Pecan.
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Old 03-02-2017, 10:41 PM   #6
cypher
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Default Re: Can I reuse toys...?

I've reused toys for lots of hams now with no problems whatsoever, with natural items like wood or coconuts I usually put them in the freezer for a few days which seems to help remove any scent or just air them out if it's quite a while between hams, I've never had a new ham show any reaction to things that have been used before.
One of my favourite coconut hides, a type I can't get any more so I really don't want to bin, has been enjoyed by 4 or 5 hams over the years now.
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Old 03-02-2017, 11:46 PM   #7
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Can I reuse toys...?

So sorry to hear about the loss of Pecan, HenryHazelHammies. She truly lived a long life, and I know that you will miss your pal. I am so happy that you are planning on getting a Russian dwarf, though. Please keep us updated whenever you get him/her and send pics whenever it settles in its new home.

As far as reusing items after a previous hamster has used it, I think it depends on your comfort level, what material the item is made of, if your previous pet had any illnesses/diseases, and how much wear and tear it had. It appears that everyone has a different opinion concerning this matter, so good luck and follow your heart to reach the decision that is best for you and your new friend.

I will definitely be wishing you the very best.
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