New member & hamster owner - advice welcome!

mrbagelsowner · 09-17-2020, 03:42 AM

Hey guys!

I became an unexpected hamster owner on Monday September 7th. I was walking home from work through a wooded path and noticed a box moving. I opened it thinking it was a stuck squirrel, but nope! A hamster. Yes. Legit. It broke my heart; I truly couldn't believe it. I immediately took him home, checked him over, gave him food and water then went straight to Pets at Home and got some great initial advice. I knew I wanted to keep him, so I quickly bought some temporary supplies and cage, then searched for a bigger one for him to properly live in as I know pet store cages are far too small.

I found a cage online and bought it after good reviews but I'd still love more opinions, so the point of this post is to ask any of you lovely people if this is suitable for Mr. Bagel? Since it arrived, I'm worried that because he's a baby, he might grow into it? Or it is completely okay? I would also really appreciate any advice / constructive critisism / opinions on what else I might need in his cage, if I should move stuff around, add things, take things away etc? He's been in this new cage for 2 nights and he's been very active! Running, stuffing his pouch, making a bed, running on his wheel, exploring, grooming, digging in sand. I haven't handled him since finding him as I want him to settle until I know his home is perfect.

Any comments would be super helpful for me and my little guy

Thank you!

The measurements are 96cm L x 47cm W x 38cm H

sushi_78 · 09-17-2020, 08:29 AM

That cage is an excellent choice. I think the bedding could be deeper. You have a very high platform in there which could be dangerous if he falls from it. Hamsters also like to burrow so they need at least 6 inches of bedding.

Do you know what species Mr Bagel is? You could post a photo of him if you're not sure.

LunaTheHamster1 · 09-17-2020, 08:52 AM

wow, lucky that you came along when you did, poor little hammie. It's a great cage, I have one, it's a good size and well built.
Like sushi says, more bedding, especially around the high platforms, you can wedge bedding in between the gaps.
Maybe a few more boredom breakers, I have hung a few walnut feeders in mine, you could also do that with egg cartons, (cut the egg cartons up, thread on to some jute or sisal and place treats in them). If you have more bedding in, you can hang things from the metal rods and the hamster will be able to reach them.

Ria P · 09-17-2020, 09:14 AM

That little hamster must be one of the luckiest alive!!

Found abandoned by you and then moving from a box into this fabulous home!

It's a great habitat and will be perfect for your hamster with a couple of small adjustments as aforementioned.

Oh yes, and welcome to HC.

mrbagelsowner · 09-17-2020, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sushi_78

That cage is an excellent choice. I think the bedding could be deeper. You have a very high platform in there which could be dangerous if he falls from it. Hamsters also like to burrow so they need at least 6 inches of bedding.

Do you know what species Mr Bagel is? You could post a photo of him if you're not sure.

Thank you so much for the reply

The bedding thing is definitely noted, I will get more asap tomorrow and make the platform safer!

After googling and describing him to the Pets at Home guys, I believe he's a young Syrian hamster? I couldn't even begin to tell you how old and I'm assuming he's male. Here's the best pics I have so far

mrbagelsowner · 09-17-2020, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

wow, lucky that you came along when you did, poor little hammie. It's a great cage, I have one, it's a good size and well built.
Like sushi says, more bedding, especially around the high platforms, you can wedge bedding in between the gaps.
Maybe a few more boredom breakers, I have hung a few walnut feeders in mine, you could also do that with egg cartons, (cut the egg cartons up, thread on to some jute or sisal and place treats in them). If you have more bedding in, you can hang things from the metal rods and the hamster will be able to reach them.

Thank you for the reply! I can't believe someone would just abandon him. A lot of people I spoke to said it could be because they got him before schools opened up and now kids are back at school, maybe someone didn't want the responsibility

Who knows.

The egg carton thing is a great idea. I've just ran out and took my empty one out the recycling lol. Thanks!

mrbagelsowner · 09-17-2020, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

That little hamster must be one of the luckiest alive!!

Found abandoned by you and then moving from a box into this fabulous home!

It's a great habitat and will be perfect for your hamster with a couple of small adjustments as aforementioned.

Oh yes, and welcome to HC.

Oh I know! It was destiny I think haha. Thank you though for the comment, I appreciate it

LunaTheHamster1 · 09-17-2020, 10:20 AM

Yes, he is definitely a syrian, a cutie at that. I think he looks a male, but check for two ball/round things sticking out at the back

Savannagh · 09-17-2020, 10:20 AM

He's such a lucky hamster. I can't believe someone would just abandon a hamster like that (I mean, I know that sort of thing happens, but what's wrong with people who think that's ok?)

He's definitely a Syrian and his bum looks male in the top right photo.

LunaTheHamster1 · 09-17-2020, 10:24 AM

The fur is a good indication of age, and he looks well covered and smooth, so I think he may only be young, which would tie in with someone having him for 5 months as a lockdown pet and then disposing of him, poor thing.. They could have advertised him or given him to a rescue. I really don't know what is wrong with some people.