Friend's Neglected Hamster

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

DrK is already filled in, but for the rest of you:


So the other day I was talking to a friend of mine, and we ended up talking about my many hamsters.

"My hamster is vicious. We are going to release him in the park in a few days."

I had no idea she had a hamster. So I asked my questions. Here's what I got:

As far as she knows, it's a he. But she got it at Petsmart. Our Petsmart only has females 99% of the time though, so I don't know.

It is a little over 1 year old.

It is "brown" and "long". I assume Syrian? She doesn't know.

Lives in a Crittertrail, but it chewed up its wheel. It also chews the bars like crazy, and often "stares at the walls for hours".

He is "evil", "vicious", "mad", "crazy", "overall mean". Another friend of mine has met said hamster. She said, "There has to be something wrong with it. It's just vicious." Apparently it also hisses. *sigh*

So, I will be taking him (it will be a "him" for the moment) hopefully within the next few days. I am so excited! I haven't gotten a new hamster since July. Lol.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks guys .

[BrainGirl]

Advice? For you? LOL. I think you already know more than I do but ok, here goes. Put him in a nicer cage with space and toys and then let him settle. Unless he's a really cool cucumber he's going to be a little freaked for a few days. Talk to him, or just talk to yourself if necessary so he gets used to the sound of your voice. If he has any cleanish used bedding from his old cage then put that in the new so it sorta feels familiar. Give him a wheel so he can run off his nervousness. Not too much fresh veg, his tummy might be more easily upset at this time. Umm...what else...I think you know what you're doing! Congratulations, to you and the lucky hammy

[cypher]

Can't really add any more advice to that but well done for taking this on, it's lucky she told you before she did that & the ham will finally get some well deserved TLC.

[CPalmer]

Oh good for you! Save that poor hammy! Release into the park? really?? Heartless human. What ever happens, whether 'he' stays as a cage hammy and never really tames, he'll be 100% better and healthier with you. x

[Saraya'n'Star]

Well done for you! This sounds like one heck of a ham but in your hands he'll be better in know time.

[KMPlays]

Sounds like he's going to be a bit of a character, lol! He's very lucky he's going to you instead of into the woods .

[becky1412]

How can some people be so cold hearted! Good luck with the "evil" ball of fluff watch out his red demon eyes don't keep you up at night! I'm such he's just bored and serverly p'ed off. Keepus updated

[kyrilliondaemon]

Poor ham....

[Colby and the Dwarfs]

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

Advice? For you? LOL. I think you already know more than I do but ok, here goes. Put him in a nicer cage with space and toys and then let him settle. Unless he's a really cool cucumber he's going to be a little freaked for a few days. Talk to him, or just talk to yourself if necessary so he gets used to the sound of your voice. If he has any cleanish used bedding from his old cage then put that in the new so it sorta feels familiar. Give him a wheel so he can run off his nervousness. Not too much fresh veg, his tummy might be more easily upset at this time. Umm...what else...I think you know what you're doing! Congratulations, to you and the lucky hammy

Haha! I was more looking for words of encouragement I guess. Thank you .

Believe it or not, I have never rescued a hamster, unless you count Yoshi (chinese in a hybrid cage at pet store). This is a first!

Originally Posted by cypher

Can't really add any more advice to that but well done for taking this on, it's lucky she told you before she did that & the ham will finally get some well deserved TLC.

I couldn't agree more. I would have been crushed if she had said, "I let him go in the park yesterday."

Originally Posted by CPalmer

Oh good for you! Save that poor hammy! Release into the park? really?? Heartless human. What ever happens, whether 'he' stays as a cage hammy and never really tames, he'll be 100% better and healthier with you. x

Agreed. I can't believe she would do that...I think she thought it was okay. Poor thing .

Originally Posted by Saraya'n'Star

Well done for you! This sounds like one heck of a ham but in your hands he'll be better in know time.

Thank you .

Originally Posted by KMPlays

Sounds like he's going to be a bit of a character, lol! He's very lucky he's going to you instead of into the woods .

Haha, he reminds me of my Rebel. He is a lucky little thing, I just cannot wait to see him!

Originally Posted by becky1412

How can some people be so cold hearted! Good luck with the "evil" ball of fluff watch out his red demon eyes don't keep you up at night! I'm such he's just bored and serverly p'ed off. Keepus updated

Will do .

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

Poor ham....

-----------------------------


So more news. Today I saw her and said,

"Why aren't you texting me?".

"WHY ARE YOU TEXTING ME SO MUCH! You are using up all my data!"

(I had sent her 3 texts, all 4-6 hours apart. They were all needed too, I didn't just say "Hey" or anything.)

"Um...sorry. So can I get the hamster today?"

"No. I changed my mind. I don't want you to have him. My sister wants to let him be free."

So then I had to stop being angry on the inside. I said, politely, "Why?"

She said all kinds of idiotic stuff, then finally she stormed off.

Then I had to play the nice card. I said all kinds of sugar-sweet things and even called her my "best friend". Then, finally, she agreed.

The very nanosecond that hamster is in my hands, I am leaving, and never talking to her ever again. Ever! Gosh I am so mad right now, sorry guys!

Also, apparently when it chews the bars she throws things at it until it stops! Uuuuugggghhhh. Ugh.

Hopefully I will have him tomorrow. Will keep you updated.

Also, I set him up a tank today. Will post pics soon if I remember!

[KMPlays]

Oh wow. I don't mean to offend you, or anything, as she's your friend, but omg! How can people be so mean/heartless! Grrrrrr. I really hope you get him, and she doesn't change her mind, again.