Focused on Escaping

[KimO]

My 3-month old Syrian won't stop focusing on trying to escape. She's the first hamster I've ever had so I'm not sure this is normal behavior. She has a 40-gallon aquarium cage, lots of platforms to climb on, a wheel, and toys. All she wants to do is dig in the corners, although she will use the wheel. Even when I hold her she tries to escape my hands and climb off my body. I thought she was bored so I bought her a wire pen (9 inches high) and put toys and tunnels in it, but she just runs around trying to climb out. Other than my bathroom, there's no safe place to let her roam free (too many nooks and crannies in the room she's in for me to make it a safe place for her). Should I try the bathroom? Will it help?

[CMB]

Be careful using the bathroom. There could be hidden holes near the toilet that she could get in.

If you can have a playpen you could use in the bathroom or put her in the bath with the plug in (no water). Add toys etc. She may take a little while to get used to the idea of playtime, so maybe keep it short to start with.

[KimO]

Thanks. I wouldn't have thought about checking for small holes - also underneath the cabinet.

[Turrican]

My hamster likes to run in the bath tub. I put dry towels down on the bottom as the tub is quite cold and just sit in it with him and he runs around and climbs over me etc. He loves it! I also enjoy it too and find it relaxing to soend that time with him. We usually have about 20 minute sessions every other day.