Happy Hamsters: The most important thing... IMHO

[Chesterspal]

I've seen several Youtube videos that proport to explain what your hamster needs to be happy. Things like a large cage, deep bedding, a sand bath, a carefully chosen diet, for example.

These are all fine and I would agree with all of them. However, there's something none of these videos seem to mention.

I've been a dog owner all my life and a recent cat owner, now, as well. If there is anything animals crave more than anything else other than love from their owner... it's routine.

Doing the same thing at the same time each day is more important to animals than all the fancy things you can buy them. Animals seem to crave routine. It's the best way to keep them stress free and allow them to live a long, peaceful life.

As I watch my new pet on the hamstercam in the evening and early morning hours it's clear he repeats what he did the day before. From looking for his fresh veggies when he emerges from his slumber to stuffing his face with dry food just before running down the pipe in the morning. The same thing at the same time, over and over.

A happy hamster.

[Pebbles82]

I agree with that completely. There is an added dimension to right cage etc - and that is interaction, bonding and out of cage time. Plus stability. They absolutely do need routine and stability and usually react badly to change (ie something being removed or changed or too much cleaning out). My experience is they are fine with something new being added - that's interesting. But if it means moving things around - some will accept that better than others.

I've had a hamster who would give you very black looks and go in a huff for days if something even moved an inch (had to adjust his sputnik to once). And would also be anxious about it. Their cage is their "real world" and a full cage clean must seem like an earthquake!

I know there are some people who think big cages aren't everything or that the hamster is more likely to have less out of cage and interaction if in a very large cage where they enjoy the cage. So it's a balance maybe.

There are some hamsters who are in slightly under minimum recommended size but spend a heck a lot of time out of the cage with their owner and become very bonded. And are happy. Cage size can also be a bit individual. I had one Syrian who preferred the 80 x 50 to the 100 cm cage - which is unusual for a syrian. But it's not just the size either - it's the access. A less gregarious hamster is more difficult in a cage with small doors. I think they all seem to like the large front opening doors (also better for human interaction. Although that's just cages obviously. A hamster in a tank will get used to a different method of leaving the cage.

[Stanza]

I agree with both these too. I was going to our hamsters cage when he first stirs at around 7:30pm and was not getting a very warm reception but now I know this is him just waking up if I return between 8:30 / 9ish he comes out to see me, let’s me stroke him, has his playpen time while I sit and chat to him. He seems more content in himself and with his surroundings and I guess I’m more relaxed too so perhaps he can feel that as well. The regular routine seems to have made all the difference wt our bonding.

[arnoldshirl]

Routine. Good to know! Thanks

[Pebbles82]

Originally Posted by arnoldshirl

Routine. Good to know! Thanks

Robos can be a bit different They can get up more often than other hamsters - during the morning or afternoon sometimes as well as the evening. So I'm not sure routine is quite the same for them. Although they do seem to like to know what time is feeding time in the evening and expect that, and they also like stability and things not being changed in the cage.

[arnoldshirl]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Robos can be a bit different They can get up more often than other hamsters - during the morning or afternoon sometimes as well as the evening. So I'm not sure routine is quite the same for them. Although they do seem to like to know what time is feeding time in the evening and expect that, and they also like stability and things not being changed in the cage.

I am finding out about the 'change of things'. I added a flying saucer in place of her wheel and now she won't come out of her peanut home. I changed it because the wheel needs cleaned, there was crusty build up from her peeing while she does laps. I literally caused her to retreat into the shell, way to go me!

[Pebbles82]

Oh they really don't like their wheel being taken away or replaced! Best to try and clean it during the day and pop it back again the same day! Even then they sometimes won't use it when it's been cleaned as their scent is all removed. I used to have to put a treat in the wheel to tempt them back in again and then they'd get going again.

[Pebbles82]

You are probably now seen as wheel stealer lol! I'd get it back in as soon as you can.

[arnoldshirl]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Oh they really don't like their wheel being taken away or replaced! Best to try and clean it during the day and pop it back again the same day! Even then they sometimes won't use it when it's been cleaned as their scent is all removed. I used to have to put a treat in the wheel to tempt them back in again and then they'd get going again.

I replaced her wheel and no coaxing was needed on my part. That's a relief. I also went to the local pet shop and this is what I purchased from there:

Sunseed Vita Prima Hamster Food which states on back of package: Crude Protein min 14.%, Crude Fat min 4.0%, Crude Fiber max 12.0%, Moisture max 13.0%.

I also purchased Kaytee Forti-diet Pro Health Hamster and Gerbil Food which states on back of package: Crude Protein (min.) 13.5% Crude Fat (min.) 6.0% Crude Fiber (max.) 12.0% Moisture (max.) 12.0% Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.) 0.1%.

I placed them both IN the freezer and nexterday evening I will pour them both into a Rubbermaid Cereal Keeper together. I'll shake vigorously to mix and serve at room temperature.

This pet shop has mostly supplies for Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Fish. There is only one aisle for small pets that include Rabbits, Hamsters, Rats and even Gerbils. I am limited on products unless I drive to the City to where there is a Petsmart or order online through Amazon. They only offer Sweet Harvest, Kaytee and Sunseed Vita Prima. That's it.

I also checked out a online site called Chewy, is this a reputable place that offers quality and good products as well as delivery service? I ask because Amazon deliveries seems to deliver me damaged boxes, the contents seem alright but the boxes look like it was either dragged behind the vehicle or bounced around in the back. It is not my fault the road to my place isn't paved!

The other pondering thought in my head pertaining to the food be am I able to store the food in the refrigerator? The temperatures here in the summer has me placing some of my can food in a secondary refrigerator because the temperature in the pantry gets warm at times. I know Spring hasn't even arrived yet, but I need to know before Summer comes. I am always one season ahead on certain things in my life, especially 'food' wise.

[arnoldshirl]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

You are probably now seen as wheel stealer lol! I'd get it back in as soon as you can.

I did place her wheel back. lol