Jas, the hamster formally known as Jasper

[Maz]

If she likes it an uses a lot it's probably fine. The size is the main thing and as long as it's spinning ok then it's probably not any kind of issue. Sometimes they can get a lot of pent up energy if a wheel doesn't spin that well and is still or isn't big enough. But the wheel is big enough and presumably isn't sticking or wobbling around.

 

[Maz]

If it's the big Savic Rolly wheel, it's 27.5cm which is about 11" and is a fine size for a Syrian. If she's particularly large (which she isn't yet!) a 12" wheel can be easier to run in. The 12" Silent runner is a popular one and that can screw to the bars too. And it's silent - if that matters. It's not a cheap wheel but compared to some wheel prices these days it's not bad. About £25 usually.

 

[Hank]

I'm not sure this is the right place to ask, but I've been looking through the home page and some of the threads and I have seen 'holiday cages' being referred to. Sorry if it's a stupid question, but when do you use these? Is it for when people are looking after you hamster?

 

[RainbowBrite]

I always thought it was for taking hamsters with us on holiday.

 

[elusive]

It’s usually a smaller cage (though not too small) for holidays if the hamster is going with the owner or going to stay with someone else while they’re on holiday.

 

[Hank]

Tonight Jas was up early for her, and she came out, but was chewing everything in her play pen. That's fine, she has lots to chew. I could tell she wanted out again, wasn't chewing, but quite active. She spent most of her time in the saucer, until she nearly fell asleep sitting up in her playpen. It still amazes me how fast she goes. I wish I had a video, but I was too busy trying to stop the saucer moving

 

[Maz]

That all sounds good She clearly loves her saucer and I could just imagine her falling asleep sitting up. She is keeping you busy in the evenings! Maybe you could keep a Jas diary of her behaviour each day - eg if and when she bar chews, what time she wants to be out (and how many times) - that kind of thing. I was just thinking it might show a pattern of certain behaviours around her heat time. So you can prepare for a busy night!

 

[Hank]

That's a good idea. To be honest she has a diary, but it's not too detailed, mainly changes, new food and I did start to log the chewing. I like the idea of the times and chewing, to see if there is a pattern. Thanks

 

[Hank]

Jas came out for the second time tonight. She had a bit of cucumber, and started to chew on some cardboard. Then stopped and did the far away stare, then started to fall asleep at the front again. Could I be giving her too much exercise?

 

[RainbowBrite]

I think Jas will let you know if she wants to go back.

Beryl's hamster Lilly often wants to come out and chooses to sleep. Hamsters do funny things.

 

[Maz]

Hamsters certainly do do funny things . I think they have off days just like us as well. Our first Syrian only really came out about 2 or 3 times a week. Sometimes he would definitely avoid it. I used to think of it as him having a night in to wash his hair

Jas sounds very relaxed - that's a good thing.

 

[Hank]

It is funny that she goes from running so fast, to I need a power nap right now in a matter of 30 seconds

 

[elusive]

I’ve had young hams do the same thing, one minute they’re rushing around like crazy then they’re flat out on the spot!

 

[Member ID2]

They act like toddlers sometimes and fall asleep midplay. Glad to hear that Jas is doing so well.

 

[Hank]

The new house has arrived, need to finish planning for the new set up!

 

[RainbowBrite]

How exciting!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Hank, I just wanted to mention you may want to paint the house with plastikote to help if Jas wees on the wood. You may already know that but I just thought I would say in case.

 

[Hank]

Is this the right thing to get:
Plastikote B26W 59 ml Enamel Paint Bottle - Clear https://amzn.eu/d/8Fhe6WQ

 

[RainbowBrite]

Yes it is.

 

[Hank]

Yes it is.

Thank you