Adopted hamster from bad home

[cristinag067]

Hi!
I’m new to this site so I apologize if this isn’t the right place where I should be asking please let me know if I should post this somewhere else. Recently a family I know was trying to get rid of their hamster and they said if no one took him they would let him starve so my mom brought him home. They didn’t take very good care of him so his cage is very dirty and I want to clean it however I’m not sure what the best way to do it would be. I dont want to stress him out while he’s adjusting but I think it could be bad for his health to be in a dirty cage. I’ve been reading different articles and watching videos but I haven’t found one for a situation like this. Any tips or knowledge this community may have would be really helpful! Please let me know! Thank you.

[Amethyst_ice]

Hello,

Welcome to HC! I'm sorry to hear this little one has has a rough start but it sounds like things will improve for him from now.

There will be nothing wrong you cleaning his cage at all! Is the cage suitable first off? If you have a ball you could put him in there while cleaning or put a towel in the bath and some toys for him to explore. If neither of those are available a secure plastic storage box or similar (with ventilation of course) while you clean the cage would be ok to hold him for a while.

Depending how dirty the cage is just hot water to soak for a while will be fine. If it is really bad then a soak in bleach and put out in the sun to dry will help. Throw away any badly soiled wooden toys.

Let us know how things are

[cypher]

I was wondering if the cage is really suitable too as he's come from a home where they probably had very little knowledge of a hams needs so that would be something to look into.
Cleaning the cage is going to be unavoidable in this instance so it's probably best to do a full clean so you can then leave it for a few weeks other than spot cleaning giving him a chance to really settle in.
I would put him in a carrier if you have one, put plenty of substrate in so he can burrow down & feel safe while you do the clean.
If possible keep a little of the old substrate from the cage to scatter around so you can replace a little of his scent, if he has a wheel & toys maybe don't do them at the same time unless they are in a really bad state.

[cristinag067]

Originally Posted by Amethyst_ice

Hello,

Welcome to HC! I'm sorry to hear this little one has has a rough start but it sounds like things will improve for him from now.

There will be nothing wrong you cleaning his cage at all! Is the cage suitable first off? If you have a ball you could put him in there while cleaning or put a towel in the bath and some toys for him to explore. If neither of those are available a secure plastic storage box or similar (with ventilation of course) while you clean the cage would be ok to hold him for a while.

Depending how dirty the cage is just hot water to soak for a while will be fine. If it is really bad then a soak in bleach and put out in the sun to dry will help. Throw away any badly soiled wooden toys.

Let us know how things are

Thank you so much for the reply! I really appreciate the instructions they are very helpful! The cage is one of those critter trails from what I’ve read I don’t think it’s big enough and I will be buying a bigger home in the near future!

[cristinag067]

Originally Posted by cypher

I was wondering if the cage is really suitable too as he's come from a home where they probably had very little knowledge of a hams needs so that would be something to look into.
Cleaning the cage is going to be unavoidable in this instance so it's probably best to do a full clean so you can then leave it for a few weeks other than spot cleaning giving him a chance to really settle in.
I would put him in a carrier if you have one, put plenty of substrate in so he can burrow down & feel safe while you do the clean.
If possible keep a little of the old substrate from the cage to scatter around so you can replace a little of his scent, if he has a wheel & toys maybe don't do them at the same time unless they are in a really bad state.

Thank you so much for your concern! I will be getting him a bigger home soon from what I’ve read the one he has is too small. And thank you for the advice I really appreciate it!

[dreamtree1234]

Hi and welcome to HC! Congrats on giving this little one a new, happy, and loving home with you. That is so terrible that he was treated so badly prior to this, and you and your mum are so sweet to rescue him from all this. First off, I agree that that cage is too small so it is great that you are planning to upgrade his home soon. I also suggest cleaning the cage he currently is in just as the other members have stated. I hope that all goes well and the little darling settles in well soon. I look forward to getting to know him.

[flowerfairy]

Zooplus is a great site for cages and accessories. Happy shopping!

[cristinag067]

Originally Posted by dreamtree1234

Hi and welcome to HC! Congrats on giving this little one a new, happy, and loving home with you. That is so terrible that he was treated so badly prior to this, and you and your mum are so sweet to rescue him from all this. First off, I agree that that cage is too small so it is great that you are planning to upgrade his home soon. I also suggest cleaning the cage he currently is in just as the other members have stated. I hope that all goes well and the little darling settles in well soon. I look forward to getting to know him.

Thank you for the for the kind wishes and for being so welcoming!

[cristinag067]

Originally Posted by flowerfairy

Zooplus is a great site for cages and accessories. Happy shopping!

Thank you! I will check it out!

[BorisPasha]

Well done for giving him a home, such a shame he was mistreated.