Hello, everyone! :-)

[MiouxKeeper]

I am giving this board a chance because I had joined a different one but the activity was low and, well, that's no fun when talking about little critters.

My name is John and my fiancee and I have a "fancy dwarf" Syrian hamster. We named her Mioux since she's black and white, as a play on the word "Sioux", because it struck me as a 'fancy' way to spell "Moo" instead of just 'M-o-o.'

We got her almost a year ago and I remember her trying to gnaw through the little carrier box the store put her in on the way home!

She's got the cutest little eyes, full of wonder and energy.

We also have three cats, which is fun. Mioux is spoiled and she has a nice cage (much larger than the original one we got for her), we buy her lots of snacks to chew on and toys, but she is on the picky and sassy side! We got her a race track ball toy which she seems to love, though I had been told that some hamster owners dislike the usage of these running balls.

Mioux is so cute, especially when she tries to carry things back to her nest, like her giant cupcake treat or these new granola bar-like treats that are simply too heavy for her but make for plenty of amusement. She also thinks she is Spider-Woman at times and will climb up her cage wall and hang from the ceiling of it before plopping down on the bedding, which we clean regularly. She also has her exercise wheel and a nice setup for a water bottle.

She likes seeds and corn the most, but we feed her this trail mix-like food. Funny to see her picking out the corn, even though she eventually eats the rest.

So, we're still newbies I would say but she seems to be happy and we check her weekly to see if her ears are good, nose sniffing well, mobility and if she's got any lady issues. But she's had no health issues yet. Looking forward to sharing funny stories as they happen and looking for help if we need advice in the future!

[SKB_Hamsters]

Hi and Welcome to Hamster Central, this forum has active and really friendly members who are always happy to offer advice and answer any questions you have. Can't wait to hear more about Mioux as she seems full of character and can't wait to see photos of her!

Regards to hamster balls i think it depends upon the individual hamster I have had hamsters who love them and others who don't but if you see any signs that she trying to chew her way out let her out. But it sounds like Mioux enjoys her ball.

How tall is your cage? As I would be a little wary of her climbing up the cage bars and falling down to the bedding just to prevent any injuries and to be on the safe side a hammock may be a good way to break her fall. Also if you don't mind me asking how often do you change your cage substrate? as it recommend that this is done on a monthly basis and spot cleaned weekly as this prevent stress on your hamster and also works out cost effective on bedding too.

But you sound like great owners who want the best for your Mioux and I can't wait to hear more about her.

[Pebbles82]

Hello and welcome This is a nice friendly forum I've found, and there are also some real experts on here who know about breeding, genetics and healthcare (I'm not one of them lol - although I do seem to have developed a hamster wheel fetish).

Mioux sounds fun and adorable - looking forward to seeing photos!

[pinkneon]

Hi, and welcome! We are a friendly bunch here This place is great for info!

I am having a little trouble pronouncing your hammy's name! Is it like Meow?

[Thin Lizzy]

Hello and Welcome to HC.

[Rads]

Greetings to across the pond,
Welcome to the good ship HC, plenty of chats going on all the time check out the individual threads on the various sections ie Syrians etc.
There are lots of help related articles and many members keen to offer advice.
Rads