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Old 07-02-2011, 01:17 PM   #1
Smellysocks
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Question Doesn't like pen

We have tried the bath, but Catherine (Syrian hamster) desparetely cleaved at the sides trying to get out. Then we tried a box with some tubes etc. in a few times but she did the same. She wasn't interested in anything except trying to escape. She bites her bars frantically as if she wants to escape. She goes in her ball and climbs in by herself as if keen. Should we forget putting her in playpen, is she just going to be happier in the ball? Is this normal behaviour. Our first hamster so don't know.
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Old 07-02-2011, 01:21 PM   #2
wiggle'smommy
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

Hamsters seem to have a natural instinct to try and escape their play pens Is it possible for you to just hammy proof a room (your bedroom or walk in closets seem to be the best options.) I did when Wiggles would throw his little hissy fits and eventually I just gave in to them... There's no discipline with him! But it's actually great, I hammy-proofed by bedroom so now he can roam freely, there's lots of space, he doesn't throw a ham-tantrum when he only gets a 'small' playpen and it's safe so I don't need to worry.
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Old 07-02-2011, 01:22 PM   #3
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

I've read some other members posting that their hams spend most of their time trying to get out to explore while out. Some hams are just super curious and absolutely need to know what's around them more than what's in front of their face Do you put a wheel into her play area? I'd try that, and some hiding places (like an upside down ice cream box with a hole made for a door), and some of her food scattered around (not necessarily treats, maybe some millet seeds). I think if a playpen is a barred kind where a hamster can see through it easily might be distracting for some, as they can clearly see that there's a lot more room to run about beyond the fence.

Perhaps you could find a safe room in your house where your ham can't escape if you close the door or hide under something and run off, and just let her roam around there under supervision (starting with a couch and your hands).
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Old 07-02-2011, 02:11 PM   #4
Smellysocks
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

Thanks for the feedback. I think the room thing might be a better idea. It is really distressing when she tries to clamber up the corner of the bath or playpen and have to get her out. She has got a multi-storey imac cage and in it a large wheel (replaced the one that came with her cage) - which she loves, various cardboard tubes and cardboard hidey box. We have had her for 7 weeks now and still learning.
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Old 07-02-2011, 02:26 PM   #5
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

I have to warn you - I ham-proofed my lounge/kitchen/diner, which must be about 20 foot by 40 foot. I put tons and tons of exploring stuff on the floor, made a right mess. Things to climb! Things to eat! Chewy STILL just got angry trying to climb up the walls. Some hamsters, it seems, cannot have enough space
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Old 07-02-2011, 02:29 PM   #6
Smellysocks
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

Uh oh - that sounds like the sort of thing Catherine would do. What did you do about this dilemma with Chewy in the end?
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Old 07-02-2011, 03:15 PM   #7
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

Erm, let him out each night until I got fed up of him scratching my walls! I mixed it up each night, in reality. He would have ten minutes before he went bonkers at the walls / stuff blocking off forbidden bits of the room. I'd try to hang out with him on my bed, but he was only interested in launching himself off it. He got pretty ill soon after and slowed down anyway. It was pretty hard work trying to keep him entertained, and he was very demanding! But I got used to it and just ploughed on.

He would quite happily run in his ball for a while each night too, and come to my feet for release when he had enough. So yeah.. just changed what we did each night. The monkey! x
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Old 07-02-2011, 03:21 PM   #8
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

What you have described, is pretty normal behaviour for some hams. One of my hams, is the same. He was tired of the bath in ten minutes. I made a large playpen out of a cardboard box but he quickly tired of that too. He has found ways to push boxes and tubes around, so he has a higher platform from which to leap up to the edge of the box. I made an enclosed play area under my desk and behind me with the stationery cupboard on one side and wall on the other. He enjoys that a bit more - he has various shelves, nooks and toys to climb around. One night, I got too relaxed and turned my attention away - he managed to somehow climb over a book I had wedged behind the desk and squeezed between the desk and the wall. When I couldn't see him, I had a panic attack. I listened for him and heard a faint scratching. I had to pull out the cabinet, all the stuff and found him peeking out cheekily!

So yes, I echo what has been said - Catherine would probably enjoy having a larger space to roam around and explore. However, no matter how "safe" the space is, keep an eye on them as they are pretty wily!
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Old 07-02-2011, 03:25 PM   #9
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

have you tried letting her run round the sofa or the bed?
Maybe its cause she wants to climb?
I know Porridge wasn't satisfied just running round the bedroom floor, he had to climb up me, around the bed and then attempted the curtains
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Old 07-03-2011, 01:21 AM   #10
wiggle'smommy
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Default Re: Doesn't like pen

If you put a lot of toys down on the bedroom floor.... But if I confined Wiggles to the bed he would try to jump off. I guess each hamster to his own, you just need to find the place he's happiest.

And FM wow the curtains?? He was one acrobatic ham! I think Wiggles is scared of the curtains because once he was running past them and the wind blew them into him and he got a HUGE fright, poor Wiggles
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