Introducing Sirius

roclibrarian · 04-08-2019, 04:20 AM

This is my little boy Sirius.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ja6Qp6EhspuMFovt8

I have had him 4 days and he is my first ever hamster (I'm 42!).

I did a lot of research and had fun building a bin cage. He's got a 12" wheel which he worked out how to use the first night I had him. I'm using hemp and carefresh as substrate with shredded paper as bedding.

He has a 5 bedroom wooden house on stilts so he has a good 5" of substrate underneath it. He loves the ceramic sand bath I provided and decided straight away this was going to be his toilet. He found the water bottle quickly and has been drinking more than I expected him to. nobody warned me how cute their little tongues are when having a drink!

He's currently on pets at home hamster mix as that was what he was eating previously, but I am going to change him over gradually to Harry Hamster mix once he has settled in. I put his food in a dish at first, as I wanted to be able to see if he'd taken any (I plan to scatter feed long term). He didn't take any food on the first night, but on the second night it all disappeared apart from the 2 meal worms (which he still hasn't touched). It took me a while to realise the Whimzee I'd left out had disappear as well (not sure how he managed this as it's nearly as big as him).

Over the weekend I've heard nibbling noises during the day, so he is eating the food and not just hoarding it.

I've not started trying to tame him yet, but last night he did manage to not run away when I walked past the cage, so that's a start.

I love the noise his little feet make when running in his wheel, I find it quite relaxing to listen to. He's very into male grooming, so I think he's a hipster LOL

I got him from pets at home, so he came with a free health check within the the first 3 weeks. I'm a bit worried that he won't be tame by then and that I'm going to freak him out. I guess I'll just have to deal with it when the times comes.

I'm enjoying watching him pottering about, so can't wait until he is settled enough to start coming out for playtime.

Here is a photo of his cage setup just before I got him.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RHbHuXEDzEzVBZyBA

Ria P · 04-08-2019, 07:21 AM

Hi and welcome! My hamster is from Pets at Home as well. Didn't know they do a health check or is it requirement for an insurance you took out? Personally, unless something seems amiss and needs the attention of a vet, I can't see a valid reason to take him for a check up I can do myself. As for your new pet...just wait till you feel these tiny paws walking across your palm, its a lovely sensation.

roclibrarian · 04-08-2019, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

Hi and welcome! My hamster is from Pets at Home as well. Didn't know they do a health check or is it requirement for an insurance you took out? Personally, unless something seems amiss and needs the attention of a vet, I can't see a valid reason to take him for a check up I can do myself. As for your new pet...just wait till you feel these tiny paws walking across your palm, its a lovely sensation.

Pets at home gave me a pet certificate and said he can have a free health check within the first 3 weeks. I think it's their way of covering themselves in case any illness is their fault. I've just kind of assumed I'll use the offer, but you might be right why stress him out going to the vets when he doesn't need it.
I take my guinea pigs for a yearly check up, but I guess it's probably more stressful for a hamster. Thanks for making me think a bit harder about it.

Ria P · 04-08-2019, 12:33 PM

I had guinea pigs for years and they are quite robust and very confident compaired to a hamster. I'm a newish hamster owner too and what took me by surprise is the fact that hamsters are very sensitive and delicate little animals.

roclibrarian · 04-08-2019, 02:25 PM

Aww Sirius was a brave little boy tonight. I put my hand in his cage for the first time and he plucked up courage to come and have a sniff.
I saw him stretching and yawning as well, which I believe is a good sign.

roclibrarian · 04-10-2019, 01:56 PM

Tonight Sirius took a sunflower seed from my hand for the first time. I was surprised how warm his little furry nose was. My heart soared, he's starting to trust me after 6 days.

Ria P · 04-11-2019, 03:46 AM

Aaaw, he is starting to trust you really quickly. He may let you gently stroke his back with one finger soon while he's eating.

JennySTL · 04-11-2019, 10:55 AM

He sounds awesome! Named after the Harry Potter character?

roclibrarian · 04-11-2019, 12:05 PM

Yes I have Harry Potter themed pets LOL. My guinea pigs are called Ginny and Luna. My last two guineas were Dobby and Winky.

Tonight Sirius sat on my hand to get some food. He did bite me a couple of times but not in a scared way, more thinking I'm food. Will he just learn himself I'm not edible? Do I have to do something to teach him?