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Old 04-19-2019, 06:38 AM   #1
Poekie
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Default Corner digging

My hamster digs a lot in the corners of his tank. He also scratches the silicone that holds together the glass. He isn't doing much damage, but I would like to know why he is doing this.
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Old 04-19-2019, 09:18 AM   #2
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Default Re: Corner digging

That’s usually a sign that they need upgrading to a larger space and/or that his environment isn’t enriching enough. If you post a photo of his tank, we can give advice on how to improve his setup
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Old 04-19-2019, 10:01 AM   #3
Poekie
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Default Re: Corner digging

My cage right now | Hamsters! Amino
This is his setup now, but I'm cleaning it next week and making a natural theme.
Its 100x40 cm of floorspace
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Old 04-19-2019, 12:02 PM   #4
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Corner digging

Is this for a Syrian ham. The cage seems ok, decent amount of bedding you could even add more to be honest. But the size could well be a problem especially if it is for a Syrian. It's about the smallest size you'd want really. I'd try more enrichment first, that'll give him more to do as well as add more cover. Open spaces tend not to go down well. I reckon you can put more items in - things like the see saw aren't the best nor are toys made out of that kind of wood generally. Things such as cork tunnels or grapevine (zooplus do both) are some of my favourites, very natural and the hams love them. Interesting textures and they can climb over or under them. More bendy bridges, hides, perhaps even a level or two, tunnels and things like that. If this is for a Syrian that looks like a 6.5 inch wheel which is much too small, it would need replacing with a 11-12" one. If it's for a dwarf it's likely also on the small side. A good sized wheel really is essential and often after upgrading you'll find they spend more time on there as it's more comfortable for them.
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Old 04-19-2019, 02:13 PM   #5
Poekie
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Default Re: Corner digging

No, he’s a dwarf, and I’ve seen him run on the wheel and his back is straight sothat should be okay. It’s pretty hard to get good cork around where I am, most is very dirty, has screws in it or the shipping cost a lot. I’ve added another bendy bridge in already, I’ll put more in tomorrow (it’s 11 pm).
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Old 04-19-2019, 02:30 PM   #6
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Default Re: Corner digging

That’s a bit difficult, not sure what country you are from but if in Europe zooplus do have quite a few different website shops that might be worth checking, that’s one of the better places to get stuff on (and their cork is good). Enrichment is just as important as cage size so even if it’s a one off delivery cost I’d definitely say it’s worth it to get a good and natural setup.
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Old 04-20-2019, 12:37 AM   #7
Poekie
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Default Re: Corner digging

http://aminoapps.com/p/c8qvi8
This is what I've added now, is this better? I have 2 more of the big bendy bridges I can put in. I'll see what I can find on the zooplus websites.
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Old 04-20-2019, 02:39 AM   #8
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Corner digging

It does look better and less open. 2 more might result in excessive bendy bridges haha but if you can then more different types of toys etc would be nice too.

The other thing I noticed is the house, not sure where his nests are but I can’t see a large house unless it’s buried somewhere. That kind of house on the left is too small - doesn’t allow them to create a large enough nest really. Same goes for nearly all store bought hamster huts but what you can do is use a shoe box with the base cut out to allow for burrowing, you can also lift the lid off easily to check inside. Fill it with plenty of bedding/tissue and it’ll likely turn into a burrow system, allowing him to exhibit more normal behaviours. Similarly Guinea pig sized houses will work. A lot of the time they do need a good sized house to feel secure.

Last edited by mangoandmimi; 04-20-2019 at 02:48 AM.
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Old 04-20-2019, 08:11 AM   #9
Poekie
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Default Re: Corner digging

I believe he has a pretty big nest under the bendy bridge in the corner. He just woke up and started frantically digging at the sides of his tank, and standing against the glass. I put him in his playpen to distract him for a bit. I've added some sizzly cardboard and half a bag of carefresh (all I had left). He is now digging more in the middle of his tank.
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Old 04-20-2019, 08:19 AM   #10
Poekie
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Default Re: Corner digging

He now started standing against the glass again and he tried to climb his water bottle to get out of the tank (I think) he is also almost running up my arm so I can get him out. Does the same when in his play pen.
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