Got Jerry today

[binka]

Well after getting advice on here in the last few days we finally got a hamster today. From a pet shop I'm afraid as decided the dealer I'd been recommended was a bit far away.

Anyway we've set the cage up and he's exploring. I've been bitten already, blimey they bite deep! Blood everywhere. The guy in the shop picked him up by the scruff of his neck which I thought was a bit mean so I scooped him up to transfer him into the cage which is when I got bitten. Guess he was a bit scared after all the excitement, he'll be left well alone for the next couple of days.

Anyway a couple of questions - I got him a Space Pod ball from Pets at Home, a medium size one until he's bigger. Are these ok to use? Also he seems to be eating his litter in his litter tray, its a special hamster litter tray and the litter came with it so I'm guessing it won't harm him???

Thanks.

[fluffymunchkins]

Yay!
Hope he doesn't bite again XD
The ball should be fine, i've never had that brand so i'm not sure how big they are? But its normally best to get a large one once they are big and powerful enough to push it along.

Some hamsters do have a weird habit of eating litter at first, they usually stop pretty soon. So i wouldn't worry bout that, unless he starts eating excessive amounts.

Hope he setles in soon, good luck with everything

[Cheeky]

The medium sized space ball from pets at home (they are about 7.5" I think?) is fine when they are young. My Syrian got so big she eventually needed a degu/rat ball which is 11" in diameter! Be sure to put a bit of tape on the endcaps and a couple strips of tape along the seam where the ball goes together. We have had balls split apart when a ham whacks into the wall and also endcaps come off because they were loose. I just keep the tape on all the time except for on one end cap. Each time I put hamster in the ball, I rip off a bit of tape and tuck the end under to make a 'tab'. Then I tape the endcap on. When it's time to come out i just pull the tab and throw that piece of tape away.

If she's eating the litter I would just dump it out. They don't need litter anyway. Shavings or sand will do fine.

As for the biting, expect that to happen for the next few weeks if you startle them. With new hams it's easiest to lower their ball into the cage with one endcap off. Let them crawl in, then pull the ball out and lower it into wherever you want the hamster to go. They will crawl out eventually.

[binka]

Not sure of measurements of the ball but we got the medium size one for now. The guy in the shop said to get the large size when he's fully grown.

I've been told he's a boy but not sure he is. I asked the man what sex Jerry was and he shrugged but said he'd have a look. Then he asked me what I wanted and I said a boy, so he looked and declared he was a boy. I was a bit mmmmmm afterwards if he just said that!

My daughter made me laugh though she said "this hamster's odd, his willy sticks out behind him" She hadn't realised it was his tail

[Tish36]

Congratulations on your new arrival.

Jerry was probably scared due to the moving from the pet shop to his new home and was probably confused as to whether you were food or not

My hamsters have the Space Pod ball, but if they grew any larger, I would purchase a larger ball such as Fiz did.

Also, hamster litter is not a necessary requirement for your hammy, so if he doesn't like it, don't worry

They will be happy with their bedding and woodshavings.

Once again congratulations, hope to see some pictures soon!

[ameyjaney]

Congratulations on your new arrival.

[xAwesomex]

Congrats

Boo never bit me, I've been lucky with docile hams

[Hope]

Congratulations on the new arrival!

As for him eating his litter - you could try chinchilla sand in his potty instead.

[allie_freedie]

Congrats on the new arrival! Im sure he'll settle down pretty quick =D