New Cage :-) Strange Behaviour :-(

CharlieHurst · 01-03-2014, 12:58 AM

Hi all,

Haven't been on here for a little while as I've been quite busy, however I have had time to purchase an Xmas present for hamster Amie. All setup now in her Living World Eco Habitat with new toys, chews and treats!

She has been in since Wednesday and acting a little strangely. There is a bottom area to the house and she spends almost all of her time in there without coming out even when called or offered treats which is very unlike her. She comes out when she thinks we are asleep but any slight movement she shoots back in there!

I'm guessing she just needs time to get used to the new cage as her previous one was tiny and a wire cage.

If anyone has any advice how to make her a little happier it would be great.

Thanks,

Charlie & Amie

CharlieHurst · 01-03-2014, 12:59 AM

I'll add a better picture tonight

Char · 01-03-2014, 04:04 AM

Where did you get that cage from? It looks nice.

SinNyx · 01-03-2014, 04:16 AM

She will need time to adjust to her new cage. To help her adjust I suggest only spot cleaning until she gets used to it so her scent stays in it and she doesn't get stressed if it is all washed. Keep it nice and simple and don't move things around too much, also when you do end up cleaning it the irst few times, put some old bedding back in.
Also, I see you have a mesh wire wheel? You may want to consider buying a plastic or wooden one as mesh wheels can cause hamsters to get bumblefoot and are advised against.

CreamSyrian · 01-03-2014, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieHurst

I'll add a better picture tonight

Char, you can get it on zooplus. Its very expensive though, smallest size is £119

. I agree that it looks really nice.

EDIT: I was meant to quote Char!

Char · 01-03-2014, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreamSyrian

Char, you can get it on zooplus. Its very expensive though, smallest size is £119

. I agree that it looks really nice.

EDIT: I was meant to quote Char!

oh I have seen it on zooplus. Shame its so expensive. It would of been great for Autumn. Shes so naughty.

CharlieHurst · 01-03-2014, 04:40 AM

Hey all,

Yeah the cage was expensive that was the medium one and I got it from petplanet (I think) rather than zooplus as it was cheaper by about 40/50 pound! I had her in a tiny cage for about 5 month just to get the money together for that one

I was hoping that she just needed to settle in, I tried to temp her out with a treat and she really started to chap her teeth at me... although she eventually gave up and took the treat haha!

Thanks for the advise about the wheel I just googled and it seems like common knowledge I will replace this tomorrow with a wooden one (nice waste of 20 quid

lol)...

So I will only spot clean not mess with her for a few days to let her settle in.. I did take some sawdust and wooden toys from her old cage so hopefully her scent is about.. also I make a point of rubbing my hands over most of the stuff in her cage (old and new) so my scent is in there as well...

I really want to add a 2nd floor even if its only half the size of the cage... as its 60cm high which is such a waste of space for a tiny hamster lol...

I will keep you all updated, and like I mentioned add a better picture...

Thanks all

Charlie

Char · 01-03-2014, 04:44 AM

Just give her a few days to settle in. My hamster Daisy gets moody when she has a clean out or even if I add a new toy in. Shes moody with me for 3-5 days.

Alopeke · 01-03-2014, 10:15 AM

It took Othello about a week to adjust to his new digs. When I clean him, I mostly clear his food stores, his potty spots and some of his bedding. I really only like to replace all the bedding once a month or so. My suggestion is leave about half of the bedding in place and when you add more, mix well, so that his smells are still there.

That's an awesome cage, btw.

CharlieHurst · 01-07-2014, 06:03 AM

Thanks everyone.

She seems to be more settled now but still a bit 'lost' for example she doesn't run about and go crazy like she used too in her old cage she prefers just sitting with her back against the sides. She's drinking, cleaning and eating as normal now, I feel she might be bored although there is more toys in this cage than her old one it still looks sparse due to its size. Hoping to get her a lot more bits this weekend mostly other bits for her to hide in and get some cover as I think she may feel a little exposed due to the cage style.