Hello, says the new person

[Nienna]

Hello!

I may not yet have any hamsters, but I'm super excited about getting a Syrian over the weekend.

My last hamsters (Chinese -- got two, not knowing that they shouldn't be housed together; fortunately I already had two cages) were about 10 years ago.

I had a pair of very beloved rats, who both died at the end of last year. Their cage looked forlorn and empty, but I knew I didn't have the sufficient amount of time anymore to devote to rats.

So, the only other animal the cage is appropriate for is a hamster. Bought a book, looked through websites (including this one). I think a hamster wouldn't be displeased with only a hour of out-of-cage playtime every night.

So now the cage is all clean, the toys are all clean; everything's set up, except the bedding 'cause I have to get more. Just waiting for the weekend!

[Nienna]

Also, I'd like to ask: Would it be better if I got him/her in the evening? The PetsMart here stays open until 9PM on Saturdays. I figured it might be less stressful than to be woken up in the middle of the day; or would it not matter much, since moving to a new location is stressful as it is?

[Nat]

Welcome to HC!
Just make sure your rat cage has hammocks etc if it has multiple levels, hams have no sense of height and can fall off the platforms easily.
And yes that probably would be better going in the evening to collect your ham, anything to make the transition less stressful, the better

[Gazmo]

Hey! welcome!

to be honest i think it would be best to get them in the day so they are more sleepy and less alert to whats happening
Though its my opinion, and im not sure how much of a difference it makes :3

Cant wait to see the new addition!

[Nienna]

Thanks!

Although the cage does have platforms, both are only 9 inches high. But I'll add a couple of smaller ledges.

I'll be sure to take pictures as soon as I can.

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi Nienna and welcome to HC!
I'm so excited you're getting a hammie this weekend!
Keep us posted of your new arrival.

[Nienna]

I ended up helping my dad with yard work Saturday, so I got the hamster yesterday.

She's a long-haired Syrian, and her eyes are quite red. When the guy at the store woke her up, she just sniffed the air a bit and let a huge yawn. The price tag on the tank had a date of 3/17/15, and I believe that's the date PetsMart got her.... So assuming she was 5 weeks old at that point (that's the youngest a hamster can removed from her mother, right?), that makes a birthday of Feb. 10.

I'm still looking for names; my dad suggested to use something Syrian.

(Sorry for the crummy quality. Phone always focused on the bars, and she kept moving at the last second.)

[Thin Lizzy]

Aww she's so pretty!

[cypher]

Congrats! She's really sweet

[Nienna]

I've decided on the name Baklava for her.
I'm horrid at taking pictures, or else I'd post more.