Ideas for a house?

foxie_little_lady · 03-09-2009, 05:20 AM

Hi,

Unfortunately my hamster has a very large and fast growing tumour on his chest. I must make it clear that he is in no pain, eating and drinking normally and as my mother is a vet then all care he could need is but a phone call away!

He is currently living in one level of an imac fantasy. At present he has a small house which he sleeps in. He has always chosen to sleep inside a house (often covering the door with bedding to signify do not disturb sleeping sessions!!) but I am concerned that as his lump grows he may not fit inside it anymore. As I said, he is in no pain or discomfort and as the tumour is a soft one he is able to move around his cage without difficulty.

Basically, once he's too big I don't want to have to take away the house and leave him with nothing but nesting material. I know lots of hams are happy to simply build a nest in the cage but as he's never done this in his 2 years with me I don't want to take away his privacy and comfort in what I (very sadly

) must accept will be his old age and last few weeks/months.

Has anybody got any ideas of how I could build him a bigger house to nest in?

Thanks for taking the time to read this - any ideas will be gratefully received. Nothing is too good or too much effort for my baby!

souffle · 03-09-2009, 05:47 AM

I would say that a good idea would be a simple cardboard box. You could cut out the entrance door to be as large or as small as you thought he needed and if it got messy you could just replace it with another box. Even cutting out the whole of one end for ease of access would be fine.
We have also used the wooden bird nest boxes that you can slide out the whole of one side for good access. The larger Guinea pig Igloos might also be an idea.
I hope he continues in comfort for a lot longer.

foxie_little_lady · 03-09-2009, 09:05 AM

Thank you, that was really helpful. Also, thank you for the kind thought, it's much appreciated.

vicky1804 · 03-09-2009, 11:55 AM

Iv just been poorly wth a cold and when I went to get some tissues I got some that came in a square box which I noticed would be big enough for a hammie.
It only cost 59P and figured any left over tissues could be used a bedding.
Dont know if thats any help
Sending healing and soothing thoughs to your little guy