Raphael (Raffy's) Adventures - Page 17

Ria P · 08-14-2022, 08:15 AM

Maybe you could close the gaps off with books?
I need to do something similar each side of a corner cabinet to hamsterproof the lounge for Rodney. That's an inch by inch job but not in this heat.

Pebbles82 · 08-14-2022, 08:42 AM

It's an awkward little gap all round. Magazines stuffed under maybe - at least then it would slow him down chewing the magazines.

Pebbles82 · 08-15-2022, 03:41 PM

He escaped from the playpen again tonight. Luckily he doesn't make a run for it and just sort of saunters and walks into a tube if I put it there. Earlier he was out on the sofa again and that's working well but only for short periods when he's quite active (and will soon be wanting to jump off).

It's working well in that he's getting used to me picking him up and moving him when he's on the sofa (eg if he gets up to the sofa arm and looks like he's about to jump). Hands are at the same level as him. And he's distracted so less bothered. I think he's getting used to me more too.

Anyway popped him back in the playpen after his escape and it was very quiet - no wheel noises. Had a look and he had climbed a toy and jumped at the edge of the playpen again and hanging on by his paws and half pulled himself over. Put my hand there to stop him jumping and felt very guilty when he ended up nose butting my hand and falling backwards. He then did it again so picked him up and have had to remove that toy as it's too easy to climb and like a launch pad.

He is a cheeky little thing. He's given up now and running on his saucer and wheel.

Ria P · 08-15-2022, 04:11 PM

Lol! He's given up for tonight but he's probably wheeling and thinking of new ways to escape.

Pebbles82 · 08-16-2022, 04:12 PM

Raffy had a bit of sofa time again tonight - not long as he's too active and thinks about jumping off the arm or front (and getting more confident about it) but it's progress as he's happy for me to pick him up on the sofa now - maybe because I'm sitting there. And he'll sit on my arm for a stroke for a minute or two. So I let him have a bit of time on the stairs thinking he can't escape from there. Some hamsters, when they get used to stairs, climb up and down them.

Our stairs are quite steep though. Raffy ventured to climb down a step or two but not up. Then some time in the playpen in his favoured location (where he doesn't try to escape usually) as stepson is away for a while so no-one using that room.

Oh and the other night I had nose to nose whisker kisses at the cage door for a good 30 seconds!

Ria P · 08-16-2022, 04:26 PM

You two are making wonderful progress!

It all happened quite quickly now but that's the way it goes. They suddenly realize that some humans can be trusted.

cloudy · 08-17-2022, 01:14 AM

It is so lovely to read how Raffy is learning to trust you and you can both be on the sofa together. It must be so special seeing how far he has come.

Pebbles82 · 08-17-2022, 07:38 AM

I always thought he'd be better on the sofa as it's more on a level with me but couldn't risk it till I could pick him up without being bitten and until he was a bit less skitty. He does a Pickle and tries to climb the back of the sofa

But he's not as good at it! Only gets partway up. Pickle was the climbing expert. But then he is smaller.

I don't think it'll last long - he wants to jump off. Interestingly he is still quite wary of being out in the open and goes back in his tube a lot and he is not comfortable coming out of the tube onto me - only onto the sofa, so he's still a bit wary of humans. But once I get him into the crook of my arm and stroke him he seems ok - I think that's a secure position for them - in the crook of your arm against your body.

Pebbles82 · 08-24-2022, 05:03 AM

Poor Raffy hasn’t been out of the cage again for almost a week. I’ve been in hospital since Friday - pulmonary embolism. Treatable and I’m back home today. Not a great end to a holiday!

Ria P · 08-24-2022, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Poor Raffy hasn’t been out of the cage again for almost a week. I’ve been in hospital since Friday - pulmonary embolism. Treatable and I’m back home today. Not a great end to a holiday!

Oh no! That's quite serious but like you say, treatable. A friend's husband recovered from it not that long ago. For him the worst part of the treatment was the long stocking. He's back to his normal self now and wearing shorts.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!