Rearranging cage/moving toys.

[Marc]

Hi everyone, I did do a search for this in the forum but couldn't find anything. Do hams prefer their cage left the same way all the time? They know where everything is etc. Or can you move all their toys/hidey holes/houses etc around.

Just curious if rearranging would:

A.) Annoy my ham, as he likes things the way they are? (presumably)
B.) Be a bit of a change for him, give him a new layout to explore.
C.) Is it the case that I can do it but not too often otherwise he becomes stressed? I really have no idea, I do sometimes change the odd toy over but this would be the whole cage moving round.

I have quite a large rat cage for my ham so I have endless options If I were to move it around, just don't want to annoy the little guy but I worry he's bored. (I know he's not, he seems perfectly happy)

But I can't help but wonder sometimes.

Thoughts?

[CMB]

I would keep the nest,toilet, food and water in the same place, but possibly move the toys around or change them for others. If the hamster seemed stressed adjust how you do things.

[Cinnamon Bear]

My robo, Latte doesn't like changes although it's necessary sometimes

Other hams are ok with it!

Not speaking for my 2 new hammies!

[cypher]

I usually keep a small area where I can swap a few things around but otherwise have found with all mine that they get quite upset if I interfere once we've got a set up that works nicely!

[Pebbles82]

Generally I don't think they like changes - they scent mark things, make little routes and habits and it confuses them. Having said that, some hamsters are better with it than others. Our hamster hates any change at all. If I move something an inch it freaks him out for days and he goes in a huff with me. I don't like upsetting him and his environment so leave everything where it is.

But adding something new can be good.

[Amber_x]

I find it depends on the hamster. Both my current Syrian and previous Syrian have been very active and have become bored if I don't change the set-up every so often, whereas other hamsters don't like the change. Maybe you could try moving one or two things around and see how he reacts?

[Marc]

Thanks it seems the best course of action is to try a gradual move of a few things and see how he reacts. Guess all hams are different. Mines getting mellower as he gets to 8 months. Less swinging across bars like tarzan. He also lies down flat on my lap and lets me stroke him to sleep when no one else is there making noise now after he's been out at least half an hour. He curls up and has a mini nap before continuing his adventures across the blanket I lay across the sofa. Gets up stretches and cleans himself. Its the cutest thing ever.

Back to the point though, I'm going to pah tomorrow to get some new toys etc for him and a sandbath. Will see how he reacts to new toys if i take a few of the old ones out. I'll give it a week or so then maybe move a few things around. I know it will confuse him at first because the scent marked routes will have changed or have obstacles. I see him marking and following routes all the time when hes out.

Thanks all.

[Pebbles82]

I think introducing new toys would be fine but I'd see how he reacts after taking just one thing away before taking anything else out. They can be chilled out of the cage because they feel secure but can be very territorial about their environment in their cage.

[Marc]

Today i have added a new bendy bridge which further blocks off the hole between the first and second floor (its not actually bent into shape, its flat with two screw in hooks to attach to bars and sits on second shelf. He can't possibly fall now.)

Also a guinea pig feed bowl (ceramic) half filled with bathing sand. Seeing hiw he reacts tonight. Thanks for all the advice.

I am happy to go forward from here and also happy for this thread to be closed. Thanks everyone.