Meet Cupcake

[Ria P]

She may enjoy out of cage time at some point.
I don't know if you could hamster proof an area or set up a large playpen with toys like the saucer, tunnels, cardboard boxes etc but many hamsters enjoy getting a proper run around.

Clarissa was tiny and would take off like a wind up toy mouse soon as i placed her on the floor.

I'm going to have a look at the toys link now.

[ilguy]

She does seem close to ready, I think you're right Ria, it's a great suggestion. I do have a kids playpen just for that purpose, and might try it with Cupcake tonight.

We had a good morning session, I lifted her and did hand walking with her. She also let me pet her a bit and enjoyed it.

I also took this for Cloudy, Cupcake did the same exact thing: Storing Like Orko

[Ria P]

I watched the video on cloudy's thread. It's funny how small hamsters dive head first into the substrate.

[ilguy]

Originally Posted by Ria P

I watched the video on cloudy's thread. It's funny how small hamsters dive head first into the substrate.

You totally nailed it earlier, Cupcake wants to explore! We had an awesome second play session, and I showed her the new spots in the roller toy. I put a pumpkin seed sticking out of the hole to make it easy, and once she got it went nuts with it. I got to poke at it and guide her, we played with it together <3 She also let me pet her and started to "melt", plus continues to climb up on me and the bin! I'm so excited, we're starting to bond!

I set up the playpen with some hastily made toys and the old saucer that's been sitting around. I came up with a honeycomb tower out of toilet paper tubes cut into small rings, Cupcake can destroy and knock it around all she wants. I can't wait

[ilguy]

Without further ado, Cupcake's first adventure out of the enclosure! I kind of rushed the amusements on short notice, and the flying saucer is broken unfortunately. Next time I'll have different things for her.

I wasn't 100% sure at first how well it went, but reflecting on it she did have about 10 minutes of fun! Then she started to dig, scurry, and headed back into the cup. Later in the night she was chattering at me and generally avoiding me. We interacted a lot today and she's had her fill of human time. I'm interested to see what she does in the morning, it seems to be when she wants to play the past two days.

I think next time I'll use youtube to make it more palatable to watch these. Streamable is great for short videos but deletes them pretty fast, plus no playlist. If you're interested in the most memorable moment, Cupcake shows some solid hamster problem solving in part 6.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

[Ria P]

Great videos of a successful night out! She is a lively and clever little thing. It looks like Cupcake had a lovely time, running around and exploring everything. I also have flying saucers for out of cage time as many hamsters really like them.
Yes, once they start to dig or sit around sulking, it's time to go back home. Clever of Cupcake to head back to her taxi.

[cloudy]

These were so cute! It was interesting to see how she learned how to work the flying saucer. When she found the treat I felt she looked at you to say, ' Are you proud of me'.

She is so clever to go into the cup to say she was finished.

What time in the morning does Cupcake like to interact with you?

[Engel]

This is so adorable! Sorry I'm late to the thread (can't believe I haven't seen it yet). You've made so much progress with Cupcake in such a small amount of time. Her cute little summersault even had her confused like 'what happened there?! I was stood on the treadmill, the world went upside down, now I'm here'. She's really taken to you. It's lovely to see.

[ilguy]

I was thinking Cupcake was getting up at around 11 am, but it turns out she gets up when she hears me in the room. She also likes one good interaction at night around her feeding time, then loves wheel time on her own. I think we've bonded, our morning interaction was amazing and petting is now welcome :O I've seen the same behavior in the second video from my previous hamster Pearl, my heart melted at seeing Cupcake do the same thing. She is an absolute treasure, such a sweet little girl. I love her personality, she's goofy, playful, and still full of love. A bit more solitary, and very communicative.

Morning Greeting 1
Morning Greeting 2

[cloudy]

Cupcake looks so happy and excited to see you. Your bond is beautiful. You really have a way with hamsters. Those videos are just adorable.