Hamsters and House Fire

kesaiserris · 06-01-2018, 11:07 AM

My daughter left my hamster's cage open during the night and the door to the room with the cage as well so obviously she got out. She managed to find the worst possible place imaginable to go. She destroyed the dishwasher and went back into the insulation in the floor. We can't reach her from above and we can't reach her from underneath the house either. From where she is she could potentially get outside now we have lots of cats and predatory birds in this area and even if she could avoid all that, winters here are brutal. Obviously I love her and I am worried and want her to be safe but practically I am scared she will start a fire that will destroy the house result in deaths. Where I live it is light most of the day now so I fear there is only a tiny window where she might even consider coming out from hiding and that would be in the dead of night when we would be asleep. I have tried some food enticement but the smell of that installation is strong and who knows how deep in she is. We have tried setting a humane bucket trap if she would come out for food but I just can't trust my hamster to make intelligent choices. I feel the risk of a hamster biting a wire is high but what is the risk of that causing a house fire? If a house fire starts in the floor like that the house will be destroyed for sure and certain and this house was our once in a lifetime shot at having a house, there isn't going to be another if we lose it. We could also die in a fire. So I need to know what the risks are, what someone with almost no financial means can do (we can't afford to fully tear everything out)? I don't want to gas her but if it is necessary please be honest.

dreamtree1234 · 06-01-2018, 01:09 PM

I am so sorry that this is happening to you, your family, Stella, and your home. If she is tame, maybe she will come to you if you call to her and offer a few of her most favorite treats where she can get to them. When Eros escaped once, that is how I managed to capture her. I will be praying with all of my heart that somehow she will return to your loving arms safe and sound, and no more damage to your house or wires will occur. As far her chewing wires being a potential fire hazard, I believe that it possibly could result in one (but that will depend on a lot of other factors). It could also potentially electrocute Stella in the process. Hopefully, that won't be the case though. I will be praying for a miracle and keeping my fingers crossed that all will be alright at the end of this ordeal. Maybe you could call a critter rescue facility that may have good options to trap an escaped pet without causing it any harm. I really am so sorry and wish that I could be more helpful, but I have no experience in dealing with this situation. I personally wouldn't gas her, tbh. Hopefully someone will come along and give you options.

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I was searching the internet and found out that a few people posted that the RSPCA had helped them with giving ideas on how to capture and save their hamsters who have gotten into predicaments similar to yours. They had success stories where everyone was happy and healthy at the end so I hope this will be the case for you, too. I believe it would be worth calling them and seeing what they suggest is the best route to take. You may also want to get a bucket and lay her nest and some of her bedding in it with her favorite treats to lure her to it and keep her as warm as possible. Place some sort of ramp up the edge of the bucket so she can use it to get inside and check it every half and hour or so. GOOD LUCK, and I really, REALLY hope that you find her and all is fine. Hugs to all of you. Please keep us updated if you have a chance as I am really concerned. Thanks.

Pebbles82 · 06-01-2018, 03:41 PM

It must be very worrying but I don't think she can start a house fire - the way to prevent that is turn the electricity off at the mains. Although then of course you'd have no electricity. Would there actually be any wires under the floor? And if you think about it, you could get mice or rats which could do the same thing. I think just get a couple of smoke alarms for peace of mind and set the bucket trap. You may be lucky and she may come back. Many people have recaptured hamsters again either with a bucket trap or putting the cage near the place she went down (smells familiar) with the cage door open.

dreamtree1234 · 06-09-2018, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesaiserris

Recently she escaped and got into the insulation. She was loose for several days. One morning I went downstairs and she was there waiting and got into my hand. She had cut her hands digging into the insulation. Whenever she is hurt or has problems she wants to be near me, if she gets scared during her time out she runs to me immediately. If I am holding her she never jumps at a barking dog or sneeze she is just relaxed. I am surprised she came to when she got hurt because it meant giving up being free. I think they can come to really trust you tremendously.

I am so glad that I saw you posted this on a different thread titled Do Hamsters Like To Be Petted? I am so relieved that you, your family, and your hamster all had a happy ending to such a scary ordeal. This is such great news!!!

I hope that your ham's paws heal quickly and completely, too. Congrats!!!

Drago · 06-09-2018, 05:51 PM

So sorry that such a troubling thing happened to you! Good that she’s back, and safe (as well as your wires). I myself have had several close calls with escapees! The key is always to be persistent. In the future, I’d make sure to have plenty of traps ready, just in case something similar happens.

kesaiserris · 06-11-2018, 04:51 AM

Thank you so much everyone, I was really panicking there for a bit. Stella did come back she was just waiting around in the kitchen and I held out my hand and she climbed up. The rescue was very anti-climatic thankfully. I didn't even have food, it was more like she just decided she had had enough of living under the sink. She didn't put up any fuss about it. She even put up with us looking at her hands everyday to make sure there was no infection. Her hands healed very quickly and she seems to be healthy. She is affectionate and there are no signs of fear or aggression. Maybe now I can sleep again lol

Pebbles82 · 06-11-2018, 05:21 AM

Oh that is wonderful news! Cheeky Stella! I am sure you have a stringent routine at bedtime re checking the cage is closed! It has happened to us all. I came down one morning to find a cage door had been left open overnight. But our silly lovely ham didn't think about escaping lol. He loves his cage. That can be a good strategy with a big cage that they like it so much they don't want to come out!

dreamtree1234 · 06-11-2018, 06:46 AM

That is the best news possible. I'm so glad that Stella's paws are already healed and she is doing great. It was sweet she didn't even need enticing to be rescued. She probably missed you too much to stay away any longer.

kesaiserris · 06-15-2018, 03:55 AM

I would love to get Stella a hamster mansion but it is expensive and I haven't been able to convince hubster. He did but the best one available at the pestore that we could conceivably afford. She always gets play time outside of the cage as well. Thanks everyone!