Jas, the hamster formally known as Jasper

[Maz]

I was just going to say they look very professional! . What a nice idea though . And now she has extra ones for treats.

 

[Tulsi]

Ohh what a delightful way to celebrate a birthday with cupcakes! Lucky Jas.

 

[Hank]

We had a little outing today. I think the fireworks were confusing her, we have had some pretty close. She was up early for her, but she was squeaking. I went to go and speak to her and she came to see me. So I quickly grabbed some baby food, as I thought that might help, but she started trying to climb out of the door, which is not easy for her now. So I offered her the taxi. I wasn't sure it was a good idea, but she seemed eager. We went to the playpen, I left the light off and made sure the window was covered. She seemed okay pottering about, she seemed liked she wanted strokes. She looked at her carrot house that she used to climb on, but realised she wasn't sure she would manage it, so I turned it on its side, she really liked that. I even managed to weigh her and she has put weight back on.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Aw, sweet little hammy. You and she have such a rapport. We see the best of our hammies later on in life and they have such character

 

[Maz]

It sounds like she wanted some comfort and your presence That was a good idea turning the carrot cottage on its side. I wonder if it was the fireworks. Lovely she wanted strokes Also good news she's put her weight back on.

 

[Hank]

I'm not sure if she was letting me know that she wasn't a fan of the fireworks and was a bit grumpy that they had woken her, or if she thought well now I'm up, I might as well come for a play, there's bound to be an treats involved
It might even have been a little reassurance, whatever the reason, lovely to see her and she seemed happier when she got back home.
The carrot house was funny, she was like a kid in a sweetshop, some bits fell off and she had access to it as well, so didn't know where to start

 

[Maz]

Aw that sounds lovely - it must have made her really happy Those carrot houses are so good for out of cage time. Most of mine have enjoyed scratching hay off the inside and nibbling the top. Strangely though I've found they tend to get ignored if they're inside the cage. I suppose they have other things in a cage and out of the cage it appeals to foraging instincts (and a place to hide).

 

[Hank]

It has been a favourite for Jas, she's had a few

 

[Maz]

I've just sent for the coconut topped ones as Christmas presents for my two

 

[Hank]

Hello everyone.
Had a lovely little play time yesterday, I went over to change her water and give her some food and she was ready to come out.
She's a little slower now, and she did spend some time sleeping in her playpen, but lively to see her.
Quick question I've ordered some sorghum, but I've been sent black sorghum, is this still okay?

 

[Maz]

Lovely the way she's looking up at you Yes black sorghum is fine.

 

[Hank]

Lovely the way she's looking up at you Yes black sorghum is fine.

Thanks Maz

 

[Socks' Mum]

Lovely Jas

 

[Hank]

Little Jas update. We don't see too much of her now, she doesn't come out for playtime very often, if she does, it's usually quite a long time, but that is because she goes to sleep in her house in the playpen. She does come out in her home, first to get the baby food, then sometimes again once I've put her other food out.
We've made a few adjustments to her home, to help her get around. We've lowered one of the platforms and built a ramp to get up to the other one.
We had to convince her to come out today, as I had to clean her burrows. She wasn't happy when she got back, she started to sleep in her little toilet (she doesn't use it as a toilet, it just has bedding in, but it's above ground) and she still has stuff in her pouches.
We ended up digging her a hole from the other side, I was worried she couldn't manage it. She has now gone underground. Hope she will forgive me soon.

 

[Maz]

I'm sure she'll forgive you and adust again. Do you know if she comes out at night much?

 

[Hank]

She still comes out at night, she comes out for a wander and forage first, usually after we go to bed. Then she comes out for a bit of a wander and drink, early in the morning before we get up.
She doesn't really use her wheel now, she'll get on it, sometimes she has a little walk, but usually just sits on it.
She seems happy, just slowed down a bit.

 

[Maz]

That's good she seems happy Slowing down is normal. And it's cold as well.

 

[Hank]

I felt bad about having to clean her burrows, she really likes routine now and everything to be in its place. That's why I was worried when she started to sleep outside of her bedding. I was checking the temp, I didn't want her to get cold, she's still under now, so I'm hoping she is just sorting everything out and will be nice and warm. I've added more nesting bedding in the middle, for when she comes out later, so she can make it her own

 

[Maz]

I know what you mean - we just do the best we can. They do seem to get more fussy about things being just so in older age.

 

[ilguy]

Oddly enough, she might still be trying to cool down. I've been surprised to see my little ham still loves his cooling tile even though it's winter.