My Beautiful Little Hammy

[Eric65]

I know at some point I will lose her, and that's going to be hard to deal with. I've seen her grow up from when I got her 1 year 8 months ago. I've took nearly 300 videos and photos of her.

 

[Maz]

Have you thought about having a second hamster? I have two. It's always very hard when a loved hamster passes, but I find it helps to have the other one for comfort and to keep up a familiar hamster caring routine. If the second one is a younger one obviously.

 

[Eric65]

I love the idea. It's something I've not considered before. But unfortunately where I live, there isn't the space for another cage.

 

[Maz]

Yes that can be tricky. I have a kind of console table - bought specifically to fit two savic plazas! It's just like a shelf on tall legs and a low bottom shelf. I had two cages on that - one at the top, one at the bottom. I did have the plaza 120 on top and the 100 on the bottom at one time I'm not using it any more as I was struggling cleaning out the bottom cage! So I know have two in the living room at the same height - and there isn't a lot of space for other furniture!

 

[Maz]

I believe the bucatstate cages can be stacked ......... sorry for giving you expensive ideas They have a front door so the bottom cage can be dealt with through the door.

BUCATSTATE Universal Wheel with Stacking Parts fit for BUCATSTATE Meta

PLEASE NOTE: 2.0 & 3.0 Stacking Parts and Universal Wheel are not COMPATIBLE. Make Sure your Cages Model Before Purchasing!! •Package includes 4 universal wheels and 4 stacking parts. •ONLY Fits for the BUCATSTATE metal small animal cage 2.0. •ONLY Fits for the BUCATSTATE metal small animal...

bucapet.com

 

[Eric65]

They are actually one of the barless cages I've been thinking about changing over to. But as you pointed out, expensive

 

[Maz]

Yes they are. Stacking isn't always perfect either. When it comes to cleanining out, one is a bit high and one is a bit low! It's fne for day to day use and spot cleaning. But if having to do a bigger clean out it would probably mean standing on a stool for the top one and kneeling for the bottom one!

 

[Maz]

Don't worry about it right now - she has plenty of time yet The older they get, the sweeter and more tolerant they are, I find.

 

[Eric65]

Can anyone help out. I'm looking for a supplier or website, that can supply hamster paper bedding in large amounts.

 

[Maz]

I get 70 litre bags of fitch It's recycled food grade paper bedding. My hamsters love it and I've been using it for years. It's not as soft as kaytee clean and cosy, but it's fine A 70 litre back will give about 8" deep substrate in a 100cm cage and probably over 6" deep in a 120 cm cage. If you already have bedding in the cage, then a 70 litre bag will last quite a long time, and it's not too big to store really.

Fitch via Amazon

Or you can buy it directly from Fitch First where it shows as less expensive, but once you add the postage I think it costs the same.

Actually it costs a bit more buying it direct from Fitch First, I just checked. With delivery costs it came up as £38.98. So it's a bit cheaper from Amazon and it's also one of our Amazon affiliate links, so the forum gets a small commission From Amazon it's showing as £36.09 for me and £37.99 one time purchase with delivery. So it's not a lot different in price really.

 

[Maz]

However I have amazon prime, so maybe delivery will be extra if you don't have that with Amazon?

 

[Eric65]

I noticed my little hammy is starting to show her age this morning. She's eating and drinking out of her bowl okay, but she was a little wobbly walking around. So while she was asleep, I tidied her cage up, and rearranged it a bit, to make it easier for her. Took out anything that she had to climb on to get higher, and the ramp and shelf so she couldn't fall and injure herself. Any suggestions as to how I can improve her present layout, much appreciated.

 

[Maz]

I think that looks fairly easy to get around now. It might be best not to make any more changes for a while as that can make them a bit wobbly as well . They generally like everything to stay the same and familiar to feel confident. Maybe scatter a few tasty treats on different places for her to find now and that will distract her from change.

Otherwise just keep an eye on her.

 

[Eric65]

Thank you. All of which I'm doing now anyway. A few things are basically in the same position, but now on a lower level. I must admit, I'm a little upset about her at the moment, because she's been part of my life for nearly two years

 

[Maz]

I’m sorry - I know it’s hard. If she is two years old then she may become a bit wobbly - part of old age. Sometimes they come round a bit - sometimes they stay wobbly - but as long as she is enjoying her food and other things she is having a good old age.

It is hard though, when we see them start to decline a bit.

It’s one reason I keep two hamsters of different ages. If one starts to fail or passes, the other is a comfort and still needs me.