Raffy (Syrian Hamster)

[RainbowBrite]

I loved seeing the video of Pip in his playpen.

 

[Zara]

Thank you both Ah so Hams is another one not so interested in his coconut. Every Syrian I've had has loved their coconut hut - it's round and they like curling up in it. But maybe it's a personality thing. Raffy was definitely a bit of a gypsy for a while and didn't really have a proper nest till this winter. He didn't show any interest in hidey places. But he likes tubes and tunnels! He had a lovely ceramic round hide as well that' plenty big enough but he never gets in it - he uses it as a place to store special treats.

On the other hand I did wonder if Raffy was slightly brain damaged by stress or trauma for a while - so maybe he is only now starting to get over it and relax and do some normal hamster things - I think the free roaming has helped his personality develop as well.

Not suggesting that Hams had a similar brain damaging experience! Maybe he has other cosy hides he prefers

Yes, it’s the same here, Hams much prefers tunnels and tubes, he actually rolls about in them. Cute that Raffy uses his hides as special storage places for treats and that his free roaming has brought him out of himself, that’s lovely.

Our favourite hide is a square tissue box, its the first place Hams goes to wash when he wakes up and where he’ll sit to simply chill. Funny I can buy hamster accessories but he seems to just prefer empty boxes and carton.

 

[Member ID2]

This one likes it!

 

[Zara]

Soooooo adorable. What is the treat next to the millet?

 

[Maz]

I forgot to mention about Raffy being scared of a biscuit tin I was reading Beryl's thread about Eddie being spooked by a brush that reminded me. So Raffy must know most of this room very well by now and most of his toys are under the coffee table. I wanted to weigh him and usually put the scales on a large book on the floor. I couldn't be bothered to go hunting for a large book so grabbed a shallow biscuit tin that had some Christmas biscuits in originally - it was about 10" square and just over an inch tall - maybe a bit more. Just to have a hard flat surface for the scales.

Put it on the floor near the edge of the coffee table with the scales on top and a bit of cheese. Well Raffy was very scared by this tin. He did that edging backwards and forwards thing umpteen times - nearly getting close enough to investigate but backing off again. Eventually he touched it - then pulled back again. Eventually the smell of the cheese helped him overcome his suspicion of the hard metal thing and he climbed onto it a bit carefully. Once on the scales he was quite happy eating his cheese.

I found this really strange! He investigates and jumps over all sorts of objects, he isn't scared by the shiny black cold scales - so what's so scary about a biscuit tin?! He isn't even scared of the coal scuttle!

 

[elusive]

Oh poor Raffy being scared by the biscuit tin, that is a bit strange now he’s so adventurous & doesn’t seem scared of anything, do you think he might have been able to see a reflection in it maybe?
The coconut thing is weird, strange hams lol! mine have all loved their coconuts.

 

[Member ID2]

Makes one wonder sometimes how they perceive things. This is really odd that Raffy was scared of a biscuit tin but doesn't mind the coal scuttle.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Who knows what goes on in their little heads. Orko does not mind construction noise which suprises me but I was chatting to him a few days ago and my partner came into the room quietly and this caused Orko to run away.

 

[Zara]

I was thinking similar to Elusive, do you think there was some kind of reflection from the tin and he perhaps thought something was moving near him? Good he overcame it though, the cheese won out, food always first

 

[Maz]

That is a good point - I don't think it's particularly reflective but that is possible. It's black and shiny. He did a lot of edging back and forth to it for quite some time. The only other difference was it appeared in his playpen area - but that doesn't usually bother him. Also the scales are probably reflective as they are black and shiny! but a different angle as a narrow edge and when he's on top he wouldn't notice a reflection maybe. Whereas a tin that is about one and three quarter inches high - has a surface level with his nose. So that is probably it - reflection.

 

[Maz]

Raffy didn't come out at all last night. This is very unusual so I checked on him a few times and he's fine. I think it's because it has been cold and snowing and he can sense the colder air - even though the heating has been on all night. Huge snow drifts outside here!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Sounds like Raffy was warm and cosy in his nest.

 

[elusive]

Don’t blame you Raffy, it’s snowing here too

 

[Member ID2]

Raffy has the right idea in this weather. We'd all like to stay in our warm beds.

I rerouted my way home from work last night to avoid a flood, got lost and was faced by a crumpy Clive sitting by his empty fresh food bowl.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Raffy has the right idea in this weather. We'd all like to stay in our warm beds.

I rerouted my way home from work last night to avoid a flood, got lost and was faced by a crumpy Clive sitting by his empty fresh food bowl.

No consideration as to what you went through to get home, he just wanted his food!

 

[Frida]

No consideration as to what you went through to get home, he just wanted his food!

That's males for you

 

[Maz]

Raffy showing he wants to come out tonight





Then climbing the door as soon as I open it! He's supposed to wait for the tube!

 

[elusive]

Aww hello Raffy He looks really keen there, no hanging about waiting for a taxi!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Aww look at his beautiful face! I hope he did not keep you up too late!

 

[Member ID2]

Aww, Raffy is so cute. That second photo especially shows the anticipation in his little face.