Moving Cages

[AprilPearl]

As some of you know already, Mushu’s larger cage is on its way. I thought I should find out exactly how to make the move into it as stress-free as possible for him prior to its arrival.

Things I know so far:

- Move his old bedding, toys, food store and substrate into the new cage
- Possibly put the base of his old cage into the new one?
- Keep the cage layout as similar as possible to his old one initially
- Do not change his substrate at the same time

Is there anything else I should know about?

How long should I leave him in the new cage to settle prior to handling him?
Should I treat him as though I have just brought him home for the first time again?

He is currently on carefresh neutral which I (mistakenly) thought was a good choice. I want to move him onto fitch. How soon after moving cages will it be safe to change his substrate?

[DennisJones]

From what I have come to understand your list looks good for introducing him to his new habitat. As for handling him, Dennis-Sama has recently been upgraded and has only just started to become used to his new habitat and is exploring.

Key point to note I found was avoiding large open areas of substrate, initially I only placed his old toys and tube from his much smaller habitat in and he literally never left those items, "handrailing" them so to speak. I then introduced some cardboard packaging dens and tissue rolls to fill the spaces and with that he has become much more comfortable. I also feel introducing new things to explore sooner rather than later, would decrease the period of stress without compiling too much in one sitting as he has already undergone quite a significant change.

How long should I leave him in the new cage to settle prior to handling him?

You will know when he is comfy I am sure, as he will be quite happily potter around his home exploring. I think this is a good time to start introducing your hand etc as he will be well acquainted with escape routes and safe zones.

Should I treat him as though I have just brought him home for the first time again?

To an extent, yes I would but he may already be accustomed to your scent so may find you are able to handle him earlier.

The usual few days scent marking and exploring should suffice.

I am of course a complete newcomer to this, and these are only my own thoughts and opinions. I will take advice from the more experienced members who will no doubt be around soon!

[AmityvilleHams]

I do know a lot of hamsters weren't settling properly if they weren't given time to adjust to a new enclosure(this can make it seem like something is too big),so I'd definitely allow at least 2-3 days with no handling and the same general procedures as when you first get a hamster.It isn't something that gets mentioned frequently,but it is definitely important!

[cypher]

I don't think you need worry, you know him well enough already so I'm sure you'll be able to tell if he'd rather be left alone a bit more when he moves into the new cage, if he's happy to come to you & interact then just carry on as normal, if he seems a bit quiet or skittish then just give him some space for a while.
I do find that if a ham shows signs of wanting to interact & you don't it can set them back just as much as trying to interact when they want to be left so just follow your instincts & let him guide you, no hard & fast rules here!
I would put fitch in the new cage then scatter his old substrate over the top, it will be the top layer you will clean most so over time you'll end up with just fitch.

[AprilPearl]

All sounds like good advice I can't tell you how grateful I am for this forum! I can't wait for his new cage to come so that I can set it all up now!! He keeps managing to block up his wheel with substrate because the base of his current tray is too shallow.