Raffy (Syrian Hamster)

[Socks' Mum]

The play pen should make things easier! Could you put Tino in his pen while Raffy is in the same room?

 

[oddvon]

when you let him free room I guess you have to have to block off where tv cables etc are...??

 

[Socks' Mum]

when you let him free room I guess you have to have to block off where tv cables etc are...??

Yes, things that can fall on the hammy, potentially poisonous plants, anything that can be quietly chewed into oblivion while you are not looking, carpets, spaces under heavy furniture and fridges in case you can't move them once the hammy goes under them.

 

[Socks' Mum]

With the carpet, you can put sea grass mats on places that attract chewing, like corners.

 

[Maz]

The play pen should make things easier! Could you put Tino in his pen while Raffy is in the same room?

I wouldn't want to do that as it's too risky. At the moment Tino is waking up before Raffy comes out so that shouldn't be an issue hopefully. Although Raffy might need to wait a bit.

 

[Maz]

I think it will be some time before Tino can free roam. It was quite a while before I let Raffy free roam and he just had playpen time. He needed to be at the right stage.

Yes, things that can fall on the hammy, potentially poisonous plants, anything that can be quietly chewed into oblivion while you are not looking, carpets, spaces under heavy furniture and fridges in case you can't move them once the hammy goes under them.

Thankfully we don't have any poisonous plants The main thing is to be there observing. Raffy did eye up the curtains once but couldn't quite reach them.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I wouldn't want to do that as it's too risky. At the moment Tino is waking up before Raffy comes out so that shouldn't be an issue hopefully. Although Raffy might need to wait a bit.

A sensible and experienced plan.

 

[oddvon]

yes not yet..((I have a cat ... and at present... cause she can open doors she'd have to be crated and she would NOT be amused by that ....Id have to give it serious thought )). But love the idea for Buddy to burn off some steam

 

[Maz]

Raffy likes to sit under his shelf in the back right corner for a good wash before he comes out at night. He's always done this, even when in a different cage with a different layout. A few nights ago I saw him emerging and managed to snap this photo

Poor Raffy has been getting less out of cage time with me not being that well. I kept away from him the first few days, and since then he's had a short run out about every other night as he was going a bit frantic but I just can't sit up late with him at the moment. I stopped worrying about coughing as he is nowhere near me when he's out - usually off exploring the far realms of the living room - and there are people coughing all over the house anyway. There's only so much you can do. Thankfully both hamsters seem fine.

Despite always having a spritely baby look about him I think he looks more mature around the face on this photo - ageing gracefully.

 

[elusive]

That’s such a lovely photo of Raffy, I think I see what you mean about the more mature look but he does still have quite a baby face!
It is hard when you’re not well, I felt bad too when I had it not having the energy to stay up or do long playpen times, I’m sure Raffy will more than make up for it once you’re feeling better.

 

[Maz]

Thank you! I was so pleased to snap this as he's usually moving too fast ha ha.

 

[Coco61]

That is a really good snapshot of Raffy. Shows him off to his best advantage and his cute face

 

[Maz]

Thank you. I think he has a different look about him when doing his own thing in his own environment, than when he's out of the cage and looking cheeky and excited

 

[Hank]

That's a great picture of Raffy

 

[Zara]

What a gorgeous photo of handsome Raffy. He’s such a sweet little face.

 

[Socks' Mum]

He is so beautiful, such a handsome little fellow!

 

[ilguy]

They seem to know to stay away if you're sick, Henry has done the same with me the past couple of weeks. Long overdue to catch up on Raffy, he looks as distinguished as ever!

The only thing I can really notice on his age, is his fur being ever so slightly thinner. He's looking great Maz, hope you're well soon as well.

 

[Maz]

He doesn't look bad for his age does he? He must be about 2 years and 3 months now.

 

[Maz]

So Raffy has been rather deprived of out of cage time for the last couple of weeks. Most nights, I'd just let him out for 10 minutes or so but the past few nights I've been too tired and he's missed about 5 nights and OH has been feeding him and Tino. Tonight I called him to let him out. He eventually came out but completely ignored me. Gave me the cold shoulder for a good 10 minutes. So I went off and came back again and he eventually wanted to come out. If only we could explain! Well I did explain - I hope he understood.

 

[elusive]

Aww poor Raffy sounds quite put out over his lack of free roam time, it is hard when we can’t explain to them but I’m sure he’ll soon forgive you.

He made his feelings known by making a huge mess in his cage the last few days.