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Old 07-21-2017, 07:16 PM   #1
Angelthehamster
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Default Hamster trying to escape

So I have had Piper for a few months now, and she's always like tried to scratch out, like trying to reach the top and get out of her cage. Is it because she may think I'm there? Or some other reason. Her cage is 576 sq inches, so I don't think it could be that. She isn't constantly doing it, as I'm typing this, she is running on her wheel, but she does it a lot.
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Old 07-21-2017, 07:26 PM   #2
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

I'd change the cage setup first.It seems like there's very little cover,which is very important to have to allow hamsters to be happy in their cages regardless of cage size!You'll need an upright wheel as well,preferably the 9 inch Silent Runner,rather than a flying saucer type wheel which really aren't the same as an upright wheel(due to not allowing a natural running pattern,plus they take up far more space that could be used to add more enrichment and many other issues).

Aim for lots of natural and safe materials rather than plastic(which is really best avoided completely,especially when there are tons of safe options that are far more enriching).Natural cage items tend to be multiple purpose too,for example cork tunnels can offer their obvious purpose but also be used to scatter food on.

I'd suggest the Kaytee terracotta tunnel in an appropriate size for your individual hamster(three sizes are available,the smallest might work but the medium is generally better,keep in mind these are available in a small range of pet stores so you may not find them!).
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Old 07-21-2017, 08:18 PM   #3
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

I'm rather confused AmityvilleHams on what you mean by little cover and aim for natural and safe materials. Do you mean the tube to connect the top and bottom floors? If so, I can't do much to change that as it is just the right size for the tubes in service. And the only things that are plastic in the cage is the wheel and the tubes. I've been trying to get a 9" inch silent spinner for Piper for a while, but they aren't carried in my local pet store and can't seem to find them online. Thanks!
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Old 07-21-2017, 10:45 PM   #4
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

I think it's just something they do tbh, as long as she can't get out or climb onto anything she might fall from it isn't really a problem.
You could just try adding more enrichment to the cage, more toys, different things to explore & keep her occupied.
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Old 07-21-2017, 10:57 PM   #5
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

The Silent Runner can be a bit tricky to find,as it is online exclusive(not ever sold in pet stores,but it would be nice if it were!)and even then not every website will have it.

Silent Runner Wheel 9" - Exotic Nutrition

I don't know for sure if that is the only source in the US,but it is the most well known.

Basically aim for little to know areas with open space.That is one of the most important things to do with hamster cages,which can be accomplished with things mentioned.From what I've seen there doesn't appear to be much enrichment or roof cover(I could be wrong though,but there's almost always room for extra enrichment!).

I'd consider either eliminating the second floor or finding a safer way to give access to that.Tubes can lead to many problems including health problems and as with any plastic as mentioned should be avoided,but there could be some sort of DIY ramp(make sure there's no gaps and the material is only safe and natural,use Elmer's glue where necessary)system to get up to that portion of the cage.It would fall under the category of a modular addition though and therefore would not be too beneficial compared to a somewhat larger(not a massive amount larger,but a slight difference in cage size could still help overall with the potential for more enrichment and therefore potential to eliminate this bad behavior).
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Old 07-22-2017, 06:13 AM   #6
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

The tube is fine for access. The top and bottom is open, so ventilation is fine. Your hamster couldn't sleep in the tube (which can cause condensation), store food or pee in it.

Extra enrichment will be good. You can add boxes with holes cut in them, bendy bridges, deeper substrate, platforms, hides/house, tubes (remove if the hamster sleeps, hoards or pees in them.
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Old 07-22-2017, 06:46 AM   #7
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
The Silent Runner can be a bit tricky to find,as it is online exclusive(not ever sold in pet stores,but it would be nice if it were!)and even then not every website will have it.

Silent Runner Wheel 9" - Exotic Nutrition

I don't know for sure if that is the only source in the US,but it is the most well known.

Basically aim for little to know areas with open space.That is one of the most important things to do with hamster cages,which can be accomplished with things mentioned.From what I've seen there doesn't appear to be much enrichment or roof cover(I could be wrong though,but there's almost always room for extra enrichment!).

I'd consider either eliminating the second floor or finding a safer way to give access to that.Tubes can lead to many problems including health problems and as with any plastic as mentioned should be avoided,but there could be some sort of DIY ramp(make sure there's no gaps and the material is only safe and natural,use Elmer's glue where necessary)system to get up to that portion of the cage.It would fall under the category of a modular addition though and therefore would not be too beneficial compared to a somewhat larger(not a massive amount larger,but a slight difference in cage size could still help overall with the potential for more enrichment and therefore potential to eliminate this bad behavior).
I was thinking of doing a ramp at the beginning, but the only problem with it is that the ramp would take up a lot more space than I'd like. The bottom half of the cage is 2 feet wide 1 foot long and 1 foot high, what angel should I put the ramp at, but also not take too much space. And so that she can still climb up it? Also there is a cover on the top, I assure you of that. There are covers on all the holes, no way to escape.
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:02 AM   #8
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

Roof cover isn't a lid,but really the shelter a hamster would get from various cage furniture that lets them feel secure

The cage size does seem pretty small though,only being 288 square inches(levels,modular additions,etc do not count into this number,only the uninterrupted floor space of the main cage counts).This would definitely be a big reason for an unhappy hamster and would explain the behavior very well!
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Old 07-22-2017, 12:55 PM   #9
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
Roof cover isn't a lid,but really the shelter a hamster would get from various cage furniture that lets them feel secure

The cage size does seem pretty small though,only being 288 square inches(levels,modular additions,etc do not count into this number,only the uninterrupted floor space of the main cage counts).This would definitely be a big reason for an unhappy hamster and would explain the behavior very well!
As I said above the cage is two storys both of the same dimensions, making it 576 sq inches, not 288. One on top the other. Also, you mentioned various cage furniture that lets them feel secure, what do you mean by that?
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Old 07-22-2017, 03:36 PM   #10
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Default Re: Hamster trying to escape

What Amity means about floor space is that only a CONTINUOUS floor space can be counted. So either the bottom or the top of your set up counts as continuous. The other half can count as 'enrichment' of the environment, as can bendy bridges, which are versatile in so many ways. Perhaps a long bendy ladder stretching between two boxes/houses? My Esmeralda has two large rough stones at the front of the cage (good for keeping the nails short) with the bendy ladder stretched between them, and she loves to run across this, then under it, then sit in the middle, watching what's going on.
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