Clive

[Member ID2]

Have just replaced a long bendy bridge with a short coloured one to reduce the height and widen the surface. Had to take the shelf out and drill holes to bolt it on.

 

[Maz]

That looks fairly easy and shallow for him. How does he get from the coloured bendy bridge to the shelf? I was wondering if the green shelf maybe needed to be lower. But tell me to mind my own business if you like as I may not have sussed what you've done!

 

[Member ID2]

Here's a close up. It's not much of a step for a Syrian. I'll watch him to see how he gets on. I can lower the shelf and level the bendy bridge with the shelf but reserve that for later.

 

[Maz]

Oh I see - yes adjust as he goes along I guess.

 

[Member ID2]

I really like the coloured bendy bridges you have that screw onto the bars.....but
it would mean i'd have to order them online and wait and i'm as impatient as Clive and Lilly.
This ones i can buy in a local petshop for £2.99 and inspect them all to pick the best ones as quality varies. I keep a drill in a kitchen cupboard and a box with small tools, nuts and bolts etc under the bed.
That's what hamsters did to me, lol.

 

[Member ID2]

That's the double rainbow bridge in. The blue shelf is a bit lower now. I'm going to replace the brown bendy bridge on the left with a coloured one if he likes the new one. He had a sniff just now but the fresh food was more important.

 

[Member ID2]

Clive hated his new ramp. I could tell immediately by his face and body language so i put the old one back in.
I'm not happy with the old one because its one of those long bendy bridges. I've thrown nearly all of them out and won't be buying any more because the quality has deteriorated so much. He has an older one which isn't too bad but his nails aren't what they used to be.
Maz, you saw it coming. It was that step he didn't like.
I need a solid ramp that goes over the edge of the shelf so there's no step.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Sorry to hear this. You tried to make him comfortable but sounds like he has his own ideas. I am sure you will think of something else. You are so creative.

 

[Maz]

Oh no. They do get a bit set in their ways and if he liked the old one .............It's difficult though when you feel something might not be safe for them any more. I only noticed the step because sometimes they like to run up without obstacles! But that's just my experience and every hamster is different.

Presumably if the shelf was lowered, the coloured bendy ramp could then be level with it?

 

[Member ID2]

You should have seen his face!
He sat on his shelf and glared at me. Wouldn't move for absolute ages. He just sat and glared. Then he came down very slowly and awkwardly. It was almost like he was trying to make a point.

He's alright now. Hmm, ramp wouldn't work either. The bendy bridge goes over the ledge of the shelf and he likes to sit on the highest point to look out.
Nope, i need to leave things be and lower the whole lot if/when he's no longer able to climb.

 

[Member ID2]

It's safe for now and i've always checked the bendy bridge for gaps. He's fine tonight but last night he wasn't so agile.

He's a hamster who knows what he wants and he wants to know what's going on.

I took this photo just now. It's quite typical of him to sit up there and watch.

 

[Maz]

Aw hello Clive. It's lovely seeing him looking out. Some hamsters don't like anything changing but sometimes you have to. Would a cork log under the shelf do it? I used those as a ramp under a shelf. And I reckon if the hamster gets to the point where they can't climb up the side of a cork log easily, then it's time to not have shelves any more.

 

[Frida]

Clive - Stop fussing, I'm not that old

 

[Member ID2]

I'll see how he goes and leave the bridge in for now so he won't lose his high seat. Maybe he had an off day last night.

 

[Zara]

They do get very used to everything just as it is, don’t they. It’s the same here, I can tell straight away if its a win or lose if I move or change something. We can only try what we think is best for them to keep them happy and mobile into their more mature years. At least you’ve got them all prepped for if and when he does need them

 

[Member ID2]

I've just done a half cage substrate change but re used a good part of the old. I even vaccumed the base briefly. While i did that Clive poked his nose out of his house and watched calmly. No squawking and no stress. Once finished he came out to inspect, pouched some fresh bedding and went back to bed.
The once nervy and vocal hamster has come a long way.

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[Maz]

Hello Clive! Did you know you're on the front page?

Glad he was unphased by it. I think they do get used to the routine eventually and get more laid back about it.

 

[Frida]

I love seeing mini bear Clive. You're very brave Clive for not being scared of the vacuum.

 

[elusive]

He does look very calm & quite at ease with everything, he’s a happy little man.

 

[Zara]

What a great video, love that he’s been out inspected the tidy up, pouched and headed back to his nest. He knows he’s loved, cared for and in very good hands.