Getting to know little Gus <3

[chacha_savage]

I took Gus home 2 weeks ago now so I thought it was time for an update!

She's getting on well in her new home - she's mostly very confident and comes to the bars of the cage when I'm near her. She's been out into her playpen a couple of times as we are just begining the taming process and shes doing very well with taking treats from my hand!

She's decided that her favourite place to do her business is on her wheel so I've had to clean that a few times which stresses her out a bit but it's better than running on a wee covered wheel! She seems to really love her wheel for more than just running - her food stash is behind it and I saw her come out of the bedding beneath it all sleepy eyed so i think shes made a little bed in the gap between the wheel and the floor! (the space is about 4 inches so I'm a little concerned she'll get stuck there but she seems to be getting in and out ok so it's probably fine)

I'm waiting for more beech chips to arrive to fill up a nice big tupperware I bought for her as I realised her digging tub was too small within 2 days of her arrival so for now its not full enough so its on an angle to make sure she can get in and out with ease. Hopefully that'll arrive soon because she loves to dig!

Here's a video of her eating a mealworm for you all to enjoy x

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[Maz]

It sounds like things are going really well She looks really cute eating the mealworm - very cosy and contented looking. Yes they do sometimes like to stay close to the wheel or have a burrow or tunnel near it!

It's lovely to hear she comes to the bars and taming is going well.

 

[chacha_savage]

All in all things are going good!
Her sleep schedule is still weird but shes not up for ages during the day anymore so I think she might still settle into more of a routine.
It was very funny seeing her wiggle out through the clear plastic of the wheel haha

 

[Maz]

They are funny little things. I haven't worked out Molly's sleep schedule yet either - it seems to vary each day.

 

[elusive]

Lovely to hear how well she’s settled in & she does look very cute in the video.
Peeing in the wheel is normal for most of mine! Do you clean it with any products? Just wondering if there might be any scent left on it that’s stressing her? Just a wipe down with a damp paper towel or cloth is usually enough, I clean mine once a week & they soon get used to it.
It is funny how they seem to love burrowing under the wheel & keeping things there.
She sounds very happy!

 

[Jain]

I took Gus home 2 weeks ago now so I thought it was time for an update!

She's getting on well in her new home - she's mostly very confident and comes to the bars of the cage when I'm near her. She's been out into her playpen a couple of times as we are just begining the taming process and shes doing very well with taking treats from my hand!

She's decided that her favourite place to do her business is on her wheel so I've had to clean that a few times which stresses her out a bit but it's better than running on a wee covered wheel! She seems to really love her wheel for more than just running - her food stash is behind it and I saw her come out of the bedding beneath it all sleepy eyed so i think shes made a little bed in the gap between the wheel and the floor! (the space is about 4 inches so I'm a little concerned she'll get stuck there but she seems to be getting in and out ok so it's probably fine)

I'm waiting for more beech chips to arrive to fill up a nice big tupperware I bought for her as I realised her digging tub was too small within 2 days of her arrival so for now its not full enough so its on an angle to make sure she can get in and out with ease. Hopefully that'll arrive soon because she loves to dig!

Here's a video of her eating a mealworm for you all to enjoy x

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Lovely clear video she's a little beauty and so cute when she is enjoying her mealworm

 

[Doodleham]

What a gorgeous hamster. Glad taming is going well.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I am very happy you have started a diary for Gus. She is settling in so well and looks really happy.

 

[Maz]

I bet she's loving her cage set up It looks like a fairly easy wheel to wipe with a damp cloth, being open. Saves it getting to the point of needing a full wash with fairy liquid (that's ok too but it needs rinsing well after - apologies if you already know this!). Just a warning as well, although you may know this anyway. If you dunk the silent wheels completely in water, the ball bearings that make it silent can go rusty. Knowing this helps wheels last longer! I've heard of some people putting the whole thing in the dishwasher, which could also make the bearings go rusty.

I had a hamster who wouldn't go near his wheel after it had been cleaned - shunned it as an alien thing. But putting a smelly treat in usually tempted him back in and then he was back to normal

 

[chacha_savage]

Hi everyone!

So I dont think its the smell changes thats stressed her out but being put in her carrier. She scratches at it and is just generally not happy about being out of her cage i think!
Ive been just using a wet sponge to wipe it out so far but thanks for all the advice! I hadnt thought about the ball bearings in at all so thats really helpful advice thanks!

 

[elusive]

Do you put anything in the carrier?
I put a good thick layer of substrate in & if I need to put them in there while I do a bit of spot cleaning or something scattering a few seeds in can keep them busy for a short while.

 

[chacha_savage]

Yes shes got a good few inches of bedding in there, some dandilion forage annd seeds in there!

 

[Maz]

I love your avatar by the way!

 

[RainbowBrite]

My dawrf hamster is the same if I put him in his carrier. He tries to bite his way out.

 

[chacha_savage]

I love your avatar by the way!

Thank you! I was more into the hamtaro game boy games as a kid but the show makes for a better profile picture