Ok so Spring is in the air (actually it's freezing out but we've had a few sunny days here and everything has started waking up in the garden
) so my thoughts have started to turn to summer.
I'm imagining lazy summer afternoons and evenings in the garden and I'm wondering if it's possible for our hamsters to experience them as well. The subject of hamsters having short exercise periods in the garden (securely fenced into a run and supervised closely at all times, of course) is something I haven't managed to find any information on, though there are pictures in some of my books of hamsters who are clearly outside on grass.
Is it safe to have them out on the garden for short periods?
We have an old rabbit run a bit like this:
http://www.simply-summerhouses.co.uk/de ... it_run.htm
..but without the hutch part (ours is just an open shelter) and my idea is to give the hammies individual time in this. I'd carry them to the run in a secure carry box to minimise risk of escape en route and stay with them at all times. I'd also try them in the run indoors first to make sure they can't squeeze through the wire mesh (my dad will fit chicken wire if I'm worried). Both Treacle and Custard wake up mid-afternoon and Mocha is awake in the mornings until after 9am usually so it would be possible for them to be out in daylight and when it's warm. I obviously wouldn't take them out when it's cold/wet/damp.
What do people think? Are there any major pitfalls (apart from the obvious ie escape/attack from cats etc for which I'll be watching at all times)? Does anyone do this with their hammies? Do hammies like it outside for a change of scenery or is it too stressful for them?