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Old 05-23-2017, 10:28 AM   #1
FluffyHamsterButts
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Thumbs down How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

So, one of my friends, who does not want to hurt any hamster (OF course) isn't treating it properly. (I.E. No wheel and no waterbottle) She loves her hamster to bits, however. But, I have no idea how to tell her about what she is doing wrong without coming across as rude. Which is why I have come to HamsterCentral. If anyone has any ideas, please tell me, thanks.

P.S. I know I have been gone for ages, also my hamster is doing fine. We are thinking of getting some Russian Dwarfs.
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Old 05-23-2017, 10:49 AM   #2
Burakki
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

If I were on your place I would just be very straightforward about it. Since it's not the issue that there are multiple views on but real core needs, she needs to know about it. You can print out or send her some info on the basic needs of every hamster and the consequences of not having the wheel and other essentials. Also, the first link I would send is Hamster Central. I wouldn't play around trying to be gentle and subtle, as she may not understand the seriousness of the issue if you're just walking around the topic. Don't be mean, of course, but be very clear and serious.
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Old 05-23-2017, 11:02 AM   #3
JLPrairie
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

Present the facts very clearly and plainly.
To convince her to get a large cage, this website is a good tool. It has lots of impressive natural ones, and has especially this very convincing link I've used tens of times regarding science and hamster cages. Might be an overkill, though, with its 1550 sq. inch cage size!

As for the wheel thing, this is a good link. The only thing I have to say against it is that there are more than just two wheel types-metal and plastic. There's also wooden wheels. Also, be sure to include the fact that saucer type wheels aren't a good wheel choice because they don't imitate the natural running pattern of hamsters.

Does your friend have a water bowl? If so, a water bottle won't be necessary. If not, common sense dictating that most animals need water (duh) will probably win her over.

Does she have a good food source? It should be about 16-22% protein (make sure it is lower for older hamsters), 8-10% fiber, and 4-6% fat. Fresh fruits and vegetable should be supplemented everyday.

To be honest, if she does love her hamster, it shouldn't be too hard to convince her.

Good luck!
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Old 05-23-2017, 11:58 AM   #4
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

Personally I'd take one step at a time rather than pointing out all of the things that she needs to improve on at once as that seems to make people less willing to make the necessary changes. I also feel that people are more likely to respond in a less defensive way if you make suggestions rather than telling them what they are doing wrong and throwing a load of research at them straightaway.

The first thing I'd suggest is looking at getting her to add a water bottle rather than a water bowl because that's an easier change to make than changing the whole cage. Perhaps by suggesting that you have found that their water stays much fresher in a bottle or that some hamsters can be cheeky and like to bury things like food and water bowls which could result in a spillage and soggy bedding!

Then I'd perhaps show her some wheels that are of a sensible budget and are the appropriate size for hamsters before tackling things like cage upgrades.
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Old 05-23-2017, 02:39 PM   #5
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

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Originally Posted by Fluffagrams View Post
Then I'd perhaps show her some wheels that are of a sensible budget and are the appropriate size for hamsters before tackling things like cage upgrades.
Such as a flying saucer or a comfort wheel.
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Old 05-23-2017, 05:30 PM   #6
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

Great advice from Fluffagrams. Start with the obvious, the water bottle. You could also show her pics of your cage set up, it might just motivate her.
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Old 05-24-2017, 01:16 AM   #7
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

I think the important thing here is tact. It is like parenting. One of your friends might be making lots of mistakes with their children, but telling them that bluntly is only going to make them defensive and they won't follow your advice just to prove a point. Also like parenting, if your friend won't accept your advice then unfortunately there is nothing further you can do unless they are actually being cruel to the hamster (I realise that it is unpleasant for a hamster to be kept in this way, but it does not sound like a situation in which the RSPCA would intervene!).

You say your friend really loves her hamster. Presumably then, she wants him/her to be happy and so your job is half done. But, you still need to be tactful. Instead of saying, for example, "it's really bad your hamster doesn't have a wheel", you could say "my hamster really loves his/her wheel! Have you thought about getting one for your hammy? I'm sure he/she would love it just as much and it's fun to watch them run."

Maybe you could even ask her to come with you to a pet shop, under the pretence of buying something for your hamster. While there, you could point out things her hamster is lacking and say that he/she "might enjoy" them.

If you have any extra hamster supplies that you aren't currently using, maybe you could offer them to her as a gift?

What I would say, is that the first thing to tackle is the no wheel situation, unless the hamster is lacking other more essential things which you have not mentioned. Many members here use water bowls instead of bottles for their hamsters with no ill effect. So long as she is keeping it clear of substrate, replacing the water etc, it should be fine. I personally prefer to use a bottle because I worry about contamination from shavings/poo and the possibility of it spilling. But, water bowls still make a fine alternative if managed correctly.

I'd imagine the poor hamster doesn't have a large enough cage, either. That is also something which needs to be rectified quickly. Maybe if her current cage will not fit a wheel, you could use that as an opener for recommending a larger cage. The Alaska on Zooplus is a really great one, which I gave myself. Again, though, you don't want to make her feel bullied/judged.
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Old 05-24-2017, 12:54 PM   #8
FluffyHamsterButts
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

Thanks for the replies. I will take them in consideration. Scratch that, I will do them. While the cage is big enough, it isn't the right type? It has lots of little rooms attached to tubes. (Im unsure if that's an okay type, please tell me) Again, thanks for the replies; they have helped.
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Old 05-24-2017, 01:52 PM   #9
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

Quote:
Originally Posted by FluffyHamsterButts View Post
Thanks for the replies. I will take them in consideration. Scratch that, I will do them. While the cage is big enough, it isn't the right type? It has lots of little rooms attached to tubes. (Im unsure if that's an okay type, please tell me) Again, thanks for the replies; they have helped.
Those sorts of modular cages with tubes are not recommended as it is better for the hamster to have as much floor space as possible rather than lots of little rooms, they are generally more difficult to clean so can mean people don't keep the cage as clean as it should be. Those sorts of cages are sold as simulating the hamster's burrow where they sleep, but during the night hamsters don't stay in their burrows they going out looking for food so they need space to explore. However I would say that the lack of wheel and water bottle is more of an issue.

Wishing you all the best with convincing your friend to make some changes for their hamster, even a few small improvements can make a real difference.
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Old 05-25-2017, 12:46 AM   #10
AprilPearl
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Default Re: How do I tell my friend about her hamster healthcare?

Wisper is right, modular cages aren't recommended, but you should probably address the major issues first. Good luck and I hope your friend takes up your advice.
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