Meet Cupcake

[ilguy]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Did you take anything out or change anything in her set up when you introduced her new wheel?

Hamsters can be very territorial and when something isn't to their liking, they'll let us know.

I'm just wondering if adding, without changing anything else, a new toy would distract her. Dwarfs really like a cork tunnel for example.

What exactly are you concerned about though?
Are you concerned that her change of behaviour could indicate a health issue?

Yeah, I was worried she might be sick or something. Other than the wheel and platform underneath, her bin was the same.

I do have some good news, after putting in the old wheel like you suggested, Cupcake has clearly been all over it while I was asleep. Bedding all over the place.

Someone was busy!

[cloudy]

That is very good news. It looks like Cupcake had a very busy time.

[ilguy]

Well, it's been interesting trying to figure out what has had Cupcake out of sorts the past week.

Cupcake is 100% set on the old wheel, she doesn't even try the Niteangel anymore. I fixed it up as best I can, and it does run better. Plus the platform keeps it out of the substrate. I will just have to check it now and then to see if it's too tight and running slow.

Unfortunately, she's been super stressed out. The change of the wheel and adding of the platform have really peeved her off I'm guessing. Cupcake now seems territorial and a bit aggressive, she will chase my hand and hunt it down whenever it's in now. She bites repeatedly. These haven't broken the skin yet, but these feel as hard as she can go without drawing blood. The only way my hand is allowed in the bin now, is while she's getting a treat, then it's immediate warning nibbles/bites until I'm out. Weirdly, she still hops on and sits on my hand for the treat. She will also follow my hand's departure, and paw at the bin as if she still wants to chase it.

I feel bad, I was hoping this wheel would be great for her. Now we've gone pretty far back with trust & taming. I'm giving her space and interacting much less, I don't want to stress her any more. Here's hoping she will settle down again, and feel more at ease.

[Stanza]

She’ll no doubt come round to the idea of a new wheel, she probably just needs a bit more time to get used to the changes. Are you thinking of removing the niteangel? I was going to suggest maybe just use it for out of cage time and when she is more used to it perhaps try putting it back. Maybe the heat has got her a bit flustered too this week. They are all such individual characters.

[cloudy]

You got the wheel as it really seemed Cupcake was trying to tell you she did not like the older wheel. You were so caring and did it out of love. Like Stanza said, I am sure she will come round soon. Please do not feel bad. You love Cupcake so much.

[Ria P]

Yes, i would also use the new wheel in the free roaming area for now. Would be interesting to see if she'd use out of her cage.

How much out of cage time do you give her?

[ilguy]

Originally Posted by Stanza

She’ll no doubt come round to the idea of a new wheel, she probably just needs a bit more time to get used to the changes. Are you thinking of removing the niteangel? I was going to suggest maybe just use it for out of cage time and when she is more used to it perhaps try putting it back. Maybe the heat has got her a bit flustered too this week. They are all such individual characters.

I did remove the Niteangel, she really hated the thing in the end, I will try it next time she seems to want an out of cage adventure. I do keep my air conditioner on all day for her while I'm at work. For some reason the play sand I got her is ridiculously good at staying cool. I don't know what it is, but baked kids play sand from my local hardware store stays cool for days. She still loves the sand bath as much as ever, I do hear her rolling in it like normal at least during the night.

Originally Posted by cloudy

You got the wheel as it really seemed Cupcake was trying to tell you she did not like the older wheel. You were so caring and did it out of love. Like Stanza said, I am sure she will come round soon. Please do not feel bad. You love Cupcake so much.

I hope she does too, I'm just glad she seems healthy. Cupcake seems too adventurous to stay this mad for much longer (I hope). She really loved exploring my room. If she stays aggressive I might consider getting her the Detolf sooner. I've been thinking of it since getting her, but wanted to wait until she settled in. If a bigger space makes her happier and less stressed though, maybe it could be worth a shot.

Originally Posted by Ria P

Yes, i would also use the new wheel in the free roaming area for now. Would be interesting to see if she'd use out of her cage.

How much out of cage time do you give her?

I put the Niteangel in her little area in my room. She has a box similar to her nesting one in there, plus some toys & tunnels. I haven't given her out of cage time since those three days in a row she wanted it so badly. Do you think it might help? I've just been trying to minimize her stress and give her space all week.

[Ria P]

I think she'll let you know when she wants out of cage time by walking into her taxi. I would offer it to her though.

[ilguy]

Originally Posted by Ria P

I think she'll let you know when she wants out of cage time by walking into her taxi. I would offer it to her though.

I will try it and see if she's willing, thank you Ria!

Cupcake was super vocal last night, a lot of chirps. We chatted with each other a bit, but she stayed in her nest. Some sounded a bit sad, but she did give me a click when she was done chatting xD

I came home from work to a lovely suprise! The Queen has finally started coming out during human hours again. She does seem nervous and reserved, but at least she's out again. I'm going to wait until she seems to want human interactiong before trying, but she's due for some treats and love when she's ready.

Cupcake Sighting

[cloudy]

Oh how lovely she is being more sociable again.