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mangoandmimi · 12-07-2018, 03:41 PM

Usually it's advised to leave them alone for a couple days so they can settle, sometimes bad behaviours stem from not giving them enough time at the beginning, and they can get very stressed from it too. But there are some hammies like yours who do want to be let out immediately. People will have different views on this but I think you should go at your hamster's pace at this point since she's already come out quite a bit, probably still get her out in short bursts so she's not overwhelmed but you can build up the amount you get her out for. 45 minutes is already quite a long time, I'd personally do less myself, so just make sure she isn't stressed out by it at all.
Hamster balls are far from ideal, they shouldn't be in there for more than 10 minutes at a time if you're going to use it, so they can have access to water and a bit of fresh air. I really can't think of any/many benefits to hamster balls at all, especially when there are so many drawbacks to them.
Playpens are much better. Make sure to get a Syrian proof one when you do buy one, a lot aren't suitable as they can just climb right out! Playpens allow your hamster to actually explore as opposed to just blindly running around in a ball. You could use your bathtub if you have one for the time being, they work just the same. Just line it with towels or something and put the plug in.

12-07-2018, 03:41 PM
mangoandmimi Little Miss Tinytoes Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: UK Posts: 7,036	Re: How much handling in the beginning? Usually it's advised to leave them alone for a couple days so they can settle, sometimes bad behaviours stem from not giving them enough time at the beginning, and they can get very stressed from it too. But there are some hammies like yours who do want to be let out immediately. People will have different views on this but I think you should go at your hamster's pace at this point since she's already come out quite a bit, probably still get her out in short bursts so she's not overwhelmed but you can build up the amount you get her out for. 45 minutes is already quite a long time, I'd personally do less myself, so just make sure she isn't stressed out by it at all. Hamster balls are far from ideal, they shouldn't be in there for more than 10 minutes at a time if you're going to use it, so they can have access to water and a bit of fresh air. I really can't think of any/many benefits to hamster balls at all, especially when there are so many drawbacks to them. Playpens are much better. Make sure to get a Syrian proof one when you do buy one, a lot aren't suitable as they can just climb right out! Playpens allow your hamster to actually explore as opposed to just blindly running around in a ball. You could use your bathtub if you have one for the time being, they work just the same. Just line it with towels or something and put the plug in.