12 tips to find a lost hamster
Losing a pet is a terrifying experience for anyone, but it’s especially terrifying for small, delicate animals like hamsters. Due to their small size, you are constantly concerned that you might lose track of them or, even worse, step on them by accident.
Time is critical if you recently lost your hammy. Start your search as soon as possible using the advice provided below on how to find a lost hamster, and we’re confident that you’ll find your missing pet quickly.
- Start with their cage
Even though it sounds silly, many hamsters are so good at hiding that you should first thoroughly search their cage. If nothing else, this might provide you with hints as to where they went after leaving their cage, like bedding trails.
- Check behind and underneath furniture
You must thoroughly search behind and beneath any furniture near the location where your hamster escaped because hamsters love to hide. Grab a flashlight so you can look more closely under the furniture that is dark.
- Look inside cabinets and drawers
A hamster can fit through even the smallest of openings, and some hamsters aren’t always able to figure out how to get back out. Check all of your cabinets and drawers for your hammy.
- Check on bookcases and shelves
Hamsters are surprisingly skilled little climbers, and because of their inquisitive and daring personalities, they can occasionally scale great heights. Any bookcases should be thoroughly searched, with books moved out of the way so you can look behind them as well.
- Search through backpacks and purses
It should come as no surprise that hamsters would love to get into your bags, backpacks, and purses since one of their favorite activities is digging and burrowing. If you keep any snack bars, mixed nuts, or other treats in your bags, this is especially typical.
- Check behind appliances
Surprisingly often, hamsters prefer to hang out near washers, dryers, and hot water heaters.
- Lure them out with treats
Since seeds are a particular favorite of hamsters, you can leave little piles of them in each room of your house to see where your pet is hiding.
- Double check any closets
Hamsters are particularly fond of closets because they are typically dark and full of soft clothing and boxes to burrow into. Once more, move any boxes with extreme caution. To improve your hamster tracking skills, arm yourself with a flashlight.
- Try looking at night
Since hamsters are nocturnal animals, the night is when they are most active. You’ll have a lot more success catching them if you set up a stakeout with flashlights and tempting treats. If you need to move these, take extra care to avoid accidentally crushing your hamster. After placing a matching number of seeds in each location, look to see if any have been stolen.
- Track their movements with flour
A simple way to keep tabs on your hamster’s whereabouts is to lightly sprinkle flour or cornmeal across doorways. You’ll know more about where to look for them once you can see where their footprints are leading.
- Place aluminum foil and listen carefully
To find where your hamster is hiding, all you need is a thin sheet of aluminum foil and a house that is completely silent. You’ll be made aware of their location as they run across the foil, allowing you to zero in on where they’re hiding.
- Leave their cage open and hope they return
Strangely enough, a lot of hamsters like to escape just for the purpose of exploring and then go back to their cozy homes once their curiosity has been sated. Always leave the door to your hamster’s cage open and provide plenty of food to tempt them inside.
Final thoughts on GETTING a lost hamster
Even though losing a hamster can be a very stressful ordeal, there is still some chance. If you carefully consider the advice given above, you’ll stand a good chance of finding your missing friend in a day or two. Fortunately, most hamsters will carry a sizable amount of food in their expandable cheeks, giving you plenty of time to find them.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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