Steven, my little snow owl
Here is a little video of Steven! Steven is a pretty nervous little robo who is now about 1 1/2 years old. It took a long, long time of careful, gentle bonding with Steven to get to the point shown in this video where we can softly pet him and feed him tiny flax seeds from our fingers.
If you are a new robo owner, remember it's a journey, not a race! It may take a long time to get to know your hamster and for your hamster to get to know you. But if you learn their body language and spend a lot of time respecting their boundaries while also giving them something they like (like enrichment!) your bond will start to develop.
Of course every hamster has their own unique personality and preferences and moods! Steven isn't always this relaxed and interested in interacting with us, I just happen to find a good moment to record :)
Products Featured in Today's Video
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Enclosure:
*Steven has two bins connected together- 200 qt and 100 qt
200 Qt Bins : https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sterilite-50-Gal-Stacker-Box-14794K03/308820153
Hefty 100 Qt Bin: from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r6Ctyp From Lowes: https://low.es/3j1eKgd
Wheel:
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12” Glow: https://amzn.to/2VG2pD9
Moss:
Sheet Moss: https://amzn.to/3mPdqxV or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3p8XcRb
*Pls freeze the moss overnight to ensure no bugs come along with the moss
Cork Logs:
Zoo Med Cork Bark Flat, Small (2 pack): https://amzn.to/37SRe0B
Zoo Med Cork Rounds (size Medium, I suggest sz L for Syrian hamsters): https://amzn.to/3pX4Vmd
Flax Seeds (given as a treat to Steven):
Whole Flax Seeds: https://amzn.to/36N0GSW
Water:
Small Hamster Water dish: (set of 4): https://amzn.to/3v12vpv
Niteangel Water Bottle Stand: https://amzn.to/2X6ZAvW
Distilled Water- I give my hamsters distilled water to make sure they have a clean and healthy water source: https://amzn.to/3veOqUM
Sofia Gets Some Snuggles
Sweet little Sofia is sometimes sassy, sometimes cuddly, sometimes both. If you catch her in the right moment she’ll melt like a stick of butter and close her eyes for a little massage. She’s so tiny and cute it’s always an exciting joy to get to bond with her like this.
Sofia came from a hamster rescue in SoCal. If you’re interested in getting a hamster, I highly suggest you check PetFinder or your local animal shelter for hamsters looking for homes. There are often so many hamsters looking for homes they are filled to capacity. Please think adoption first!
For more info on adopting or fostering, check out my page all about it :)
I’m in a Bowl of Seeds!
I imagine for hamsters this is something similar to “I’m on a Boat!”
Laverne has gotten extra spoiling lately to distract her from her medical troubles. I don’t normally recommend time in a seed bowl for all hamsters… but also, once in a while doesn’t hurt anybody :)
Shirley’s Dental Problems
Poor Shirley, the sweetest little thing, has been through a lot the past few weeks. Thankfully I believe we’ve gotten to the bottom of it and it seems like she’s doing much better now.
I hope sharing her story will bring more awareness to why it’s important to shop ethical breeders (and not backyard or rodent mill breeders) in addition to adopting rescue hamsters or supporting small animal rescues monetarily or with volunteer work etc.
Cheeks and Squeaks Supplemental Food Recipe: https://cheeksandsqueakshamsters.com/supplemental-diet
Additional Baby Food From Serenity Kids: https://myserenitykids.com/collections/variety-packs
Sweet, Little Steven
Hello Hamster Friends!
Today I'm sharing a cute little video of my little fur-ball, Steven.
Steven started out being a very scared and nervous little hamster. While he continues to be one of my more sensitive hamsters (notice the lights are very dim in this photo- he does not like when the lights are on!), a lot of consistent and gentle time with him has helped establish trust.
Steven is now over a year old and it's taken a long time to get to this stage of being able to pet him like this. If you are a new robo hamster I suggest practicing giving your hamster treats from your hands each day. Once they start to eat the treat in front of you (rather than going to a hide with it), you can try to very gently pet them. At first they may flinch, but in time it gets better. Little Steven & Sofia (my other robo) even seem to like being pet, they now sometimes will just let us pet them, no treat involved!
Products featured in this video
(as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12" Glow (no special track like nail filing or feces collecting- these can damage or break your hamsters feet): https://amzn.to/3CewEEb
200 Qt Bins (for enclosures): https://amzn.to/3geplCY
Hefty 100 Qt Bin (for play bin or digging bin): https://amzn.to/3oT7fdd From Lowes: https://low.es/3j1eKgd
*Steven lives in a 200 qt bin connected to a 100 qt bin
Substrates:
*Pls freeze the all substrates for 48 hours to ensure no bugs or mites come with your bedding
Sheet Moss: https://amzn.to/3mPdqxV or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3p8XcRb
Small Pets Select Paper Bedding (White): https://amzn.to/3m10308
Eaton Hemp Bedding: https://amzn.to/2VaMDnb
Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber: https://amzn.to/37zNaRU or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3mDg0WW
WATER:
Small Hamster Water dish: (set of 4): https://amzn.to/3v12vpv
Distilled Water: https://amzn.to/3GEgqry
Niteangel Water Bottle & Stand: https://amzn.to/3qF0WxM
Hamster Camsters:
Wyze Pet Cam 2: https://amzn.to/2VNIJNK
Canon G9X: https://amzn.to/3xdq5zd
Sofia’s 200 qt Bin Cage Set Up & Refresh
Hello Hamster Friends!
I recently purchased the Niteangel wooden shelf ( https://amzn.to/3pUCwA7 ) and it inspired me to do a little bit of rearranging for little Sofia's 200 qt bin cage set up.
Sofia the Roborovski hamster lives in a 200 qt bin cage. She also had a 100 qt play bin area that I have connected permanently with Kaytee Fun-nels / tubes so she can travel freely as she would like between bins.
Sofia also gets time in a large, play area for additional enrichment: https://youtu.be/65lGH5fZn5o
Thanks for joining me on my hamster care journey!
*links to everything shown in the video below
Products featured in this video (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Foraging Flowers & Seeds from Redwood Grove Shop: https://www.redwoodgroveshop.com/treats
Niteangel wooden shelf, 7": https://amzn.to/3pUCwA7
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 9”: https://amzn.to/2JUegLe
200 Qt Bins (for enclosures): https://amzn.to/3geplCY
Hefty 100 Qt Bin (for play bin or digging bin): https://amzn.to/3oT7fdd
From Lowes: https://low.es/3j1eKgd
Substrates: *Pls freeze the all substrates for 48 hours to ensure no bugs or mites come with your bedding Sheet Moss: https://amzn.to/3mPdqxV or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3p8XcRb
Small Pets Select Paper Bedding (White): https://amzn.to/3m10308
Eaton Hemp Bedding: https://amzn.to/2VaMDnb
Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber: https://amzn.to/37zNaRU or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3mDg0WW
Sandbath: Acrylic Tray (8” x 12”): https://amzn.to/39MaGhm ReptiSand (for sandbath): https://amzn.to/3sdSG6y
Glass Jar: left over from a condiment. See video here for how I cleaned them and prepped for my dwarf hamsters (Syrians are too large for glass jar hides): https://youtu.be/eQZ4JMR8Hs0
Hamster Tunnels: Kaytee Hamster Tubes (Fun Value Pack Assorted): https://amzn.to/2VVPj5b
Kaytee Hamster Tubes (Fun Value Pack Twist and Turn): https://amzn.to/3qxT5je *I only recommend these tubes for Robos and small dwarves, larger hamsters like Syrians can get stuck in these!
Additional Hides & Accessories: Wooden Log Tunnel (only good for robos): https://amzn.to/36OMhFw
Niteangel Multi-Chamber Hamster House Maze: 6-room small https://amzn.to/35W0U9N
Niteangel Stilts set of 4 (4.3”): https://amzn.to/3b2u2iw
Niteangel ceramic Cupcake Hide 🧁: https://amzn.to/36M1rMj
Rainbow 🌈 Wooden Bendy Bridge (pack of 2) : https://amzn.to/37CcNl7
HAMSTER FOOD:
Higgin’s Sunburst: https://amzn.to/36QBHOJ
Mazuri Mouse & Rat: https://amzn.to/2VJkct9 or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3h4NGvA
Millet Spray: https://amzn.to/3mReSQB Or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3nEqkzw
Wheat Spray: https://amzn.to/33RiP01 Whole Flax Seeds: https://amzn.to/36N0GSW
PureBites Freeze Dried Cat Treats Chicken: https://amzn.to/3h6tNo2
*Please see Hamster Hideout Forum for more info on hamster diets http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/forum/16-food-nutrition/
Whimzees: https://amzn.to/37DBRby Or from Petco: https://bit.ly/3arbUPf
Chopsticks resting saucers- used for small hamster plate in final photos/video: https://amzn.to/2VL5Lst
WATER: Small Hamster Water dish: (set of 4): https://amzn.to/3v12vpv
Water Bottle Stand: LoveDrizzlesStudio on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/675330012/ceramic-water-bottle-stand?ref=shop_home_active_4&crt=1
You & Me Small Water Bottle (4 oz) : petco.9zpg.net/MXyLr3
Distilled Water: https://amzn.to/3GEgqry
Hamster Camsters:
Wyze Pet Cam 2: https://amzn.to/2VNIJNK
Canon G9X: https://amzn.to/3xdq5zd
Wheels for Roborovski Hamsters
Hello Hamster People of the World!
Today I'll be discussing my favorite wheels that I currently use for my Roborovski hamsters, Steven & Sofia.
Here are the wheels in order of appearance:
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Exotic Nutrition 12" Glow (also comes in orange): https://amzn.to/2VG2pD9
-Do not get any specialty tracks with sand or holes, these damage your hamster's feet
-This wheel can attach to a cage although I do not recommend
-also a great wheel for Syrian or larger dwarf hamsters
-All parts can be replaced so this wheel can last you forever if you'd like!
-mostly very quiet but the screws do need tightening every few days or you will hear a knocking sound.
Niteangel Super Silent Wheel in size 10"/ M: https://amzn.to/3lKs1JF
-great for larger robos (30-40g) like Steven
-Works well for dwarf hamsters and small or young Syrians (adult Syrians should have a 12" wheel)
-VERY quiet! -Comes in many colors! -heavy, sturdy base
-Adjustable in height
-can be attached to cage but base must be kept attached as well.
Exotic Nutrition 9" (yellow): https://amzn.to/3j4fVNd
-My top choice for smaller robos (20-30g) like Sofia
-also works for some smaller dwarf hamsters
-is more narrow in width so I wouldn't put it as my first choice for any hamster except small robos
-comes in just one color- YELLOW!
-Can be attached to a cage with cage attachment kit (link above comes with cage attachment kit, although it can be purchased separate from Exotic Nutrition's website: https://bit.ly/2YTT93S )
Niteangel Super Silent wheel in size 8"/S" https://amzn.to/3DRPKBp
-A good choice for smaller robos (20-30g) like Sofia
-Works well for dwarf hamsters and small or young Syrians (adult Syrians should have a 12" wheel)
-VERY quiet!
-Comes in many colors!
-heavy, sturdy base
-Adjustable in height
-can be attached to cage but base must be kept attached as well.
Please leave me a comment with your questions or experiences finding your perfect, hamster wheel! I would love to hear it!
Thanks for joining me on my hamster care journey!
New Fav Treat
I get my groceries delivered to me from Imperfect Foods each week. I love the service and variety! It also helps me keep fresh fruits and a variety of healthy snacks in stock for my hamster-kids.
Today I got these Serenity Kids Grain Free Puffs in flavor Broccoli Spinach and they were a HUGE hit!
I once read that hamsters like variety in their diet, it’s always good to have a few new tricks up your sleeve!
Spinach Broccoli Flavor: https://amzn.to/2XZXwdb
Carrot Beet Flavor: https://amzn.to/3zMUwNX
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Laverne’s Health Concerns
Little Laverne has unfortunately not had such a great summer. She’s had an abscess that has caused ongoing medical concerns for her, poor thing! I creative this video about her health concerns to share her story and bring awareness to a more difficult part of being a hamster owner.
For more about hamster health, please see my hamster health page.
Products featured in this video (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purhcases):
Hamster Camsters:
Canon G9X: https://amzn.to/3xdq5zd
Wyze Pet Cam 2: https://amzn.to/2VNIJNK
Fancy Hamster Plates / Chopsticks resting saucers: https://amzn.to/2VL5Lst
Updates to Shirley’s 75 Gallon Tank Enclosure
It’s time to spice up Shirley’s 75 gallon cage life. I just got some new Redwood Grove foraging materials and I’d like to do some cleaning while I give her a few new accessories and places to explore.
Video and pictures to come!
Redwood Grove Foraging Box
I just ordered some new sprays and foraging materials from Redwood Grove! I’m going to freeze everything first for 48 hours, then I’ll place it in my hammie’s bins and play spaces. I’m also doing some cleaning/updates to my ham set ups, so hoping to do this simultaneously.
Here is what I got:
1x Sorghum Hybrid 100 grams: https://www.redwoodgroveshop.com/product-page/sorghum-hybrid-100-grams
1x Sorghum 100 grams https://www.redwoodgroveshop.com/product-page/sorghum
1x Ultimate Spray Box: https://www.redwoodgroveshop.com/product-page/ultimate-spray-box
1x Redwood Signature Mix: https://www.redwoodgroveshop.com/product-page/redwood-mix
3x Sunflower Heads: https://www.redwoodgroveshop.com/product-page/sunflower-heads
Building the Ultimate Playpen Experience
I have lately become obsessed with creating the perfect hamster playpen. I had been setting them up in the spur of the moment, always a flurry of pulling things together to entertain an active hamster.
But lately, as I have begun to notice the create benefits of playpen time (the growth in trust between human and hamster has skyrocketed since incorporating more consistent playpen time for all my hamsters, even the skiddish ones), I decided it was time to invest in a more permanent and exciting set up for my hamsters.
Due to the range of colors hamster things come in, I broke it into two playpens. This is actually great, because I often have more than one awake at a time, and it’s always possible that one will fall asleep in the playpen (particularly now that I lined them in fleece and added little fleece cuddle pockets…), so having a backup set up is not a terrible idea.
The “rainbow” playpen is also larger, about five feet in diameter, while the natural is about four feet in diameter. Both provide a good amount of running room and allow me to incorporate a lot of (hopefully!) fun activities for them.
I created a page with links to everything, if you’re interested in trying this for yourself, you can find it here.
Rainbow Playpen:
“Natural” playpen:
Loving My New Cordless Vacuum for Playtime Cleanup!
I have been wanting a small, handheld vacuum for a while now and I finally took the plunge to get one!
This handheld vacuum doesn't have a super long battery life and won't be good for all applications, but for quick clean ups around a hamster playpen, it is PERFECT.
What kind of hamster cleaning supplies do you love? Please leave me a comment below and let me know!
Eufy by Anker HomeVac H11 Cordless Handheld Vacuum: https://amzn.to/3yuGUqZ
(as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Trying Out Hemp Bedding for my Hamsters
Hello hamster 🐹 friends!
Today I'll be chatting about using hemp bedding for hamsters in my enclosures & playpens. I like hemp because it's easy to grow and needs little water or pesticides.
Hemp is a great resource to support if you are interested in sustainability and eco-friendly products.
I hope this video is helpful to you! Have you ever tried using hemp bedding before? I would love how you use it and how your hamster likes it, please leave me a comment below!
Products featured in this video:
*as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Eaton Hemp Bedding: https://amzn.to/2VaMDnb
Foraging: Hamster Foraging flowers & seeds from Oakwood Forest Shop: https://www.oakwoodforestshop.com/
Enclosures: 200 Qt Bins (for enclosures): https://amzn.to/3geplCY
Hefty 100 Qt Bin: from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r6Ctyp From Lowes: https://low.es/3j1eKgd
Substrates & Bedding: Sheet Moss: https://amzn.to/3mPdqxV or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3p8XcRb
*Pls freeze the moss overnight to ensure no bugs come along with the moss
Kaytee Clean & Cozy: https://amzn.to/2LdxIU3 or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/2KknqkV
Orchard Grass Hay: https://amzn.to/3e8Qp7a or from PetCo: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/oxbow-orchard-grass-hay
Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber: https://amzn.to/37zNaRU or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3mDg0WW
Hamster Wheels: Niteangel Dark Cloud Series Wheel (shown size M, 10”): https://amzn.to/3yYBZ16
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12” Glow: https://amzn.to/2VG2pD9
Tunnels Hides & Ham Accessories:
Clear Hamster Tubes: https://amzn.to/2Jw6ebW
* Diameter is 2.1" on these tubes, only recommend for use with smaller dwarf hamsters. Syrian hamsters need at least 3" diameter openings (although many people recommend 4" diameter to be safe with a Syrian hamster)
Kaytee Giant Tube: https://amzn.to/3tPCDfk
*Not shown in video but recommend for Syrian hamsters or larger dwarf hamsters. Diameter is 4.75".
Niteangel Coconut Hide: https://amzn.to/2UK0r7W
Niteangel Wooden Bendy Bridge https://amzn.to/342wWQt
Acrylic Tray (8” x 12”): https://amzn.to/39MaGhm
Clear acrylic trays (set of 3- for sand bath or foraging area in playpen): https://amzn.to/3qxmppR
NIteangel Wooden Log Tunnel (only good for roborovski hamsters, too small for any larger hamster): https://amzn.to/36OMhFw
Zoo Med Cork Rounds (size Medium): https://amzn.to/3pX4Vmd
Water: Distilled Water- I only give my hamsters distilled water to make sure they have a clean and healthy water source:
Niteangel Water Bottle Stand: https://amzn.to/2X6ZAvW
Small Hamster Water dish: (set of 4): https://amzn.to/3v12vpv
Food: Hamster Seed Mix: Higgin’s Sunburst: https://amzn.to/36QBHOJ
Mazuri Mouse & Rat: https://amzn.to/2VJkct9 or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3h4NGvA
Millet Spray: https://amzn.to/3mReSQB Or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3nEqkzw
Wheat Spray: https://amzn.to/33RiP01 Whole Flax Seeds: https://amzn.to/36N0GSW
PureBites Freeze Dried Cat Treats Chicken: https://amzn.to/3h6tNo2
*Please see Hamster Hideout Forum for more info on hamster diets http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/forum/16-food-nutrition/
Camera:
Wyze Pet Cam 2: https://amzn.to/2VNIJNK
Canon G9X: https://amzn.to/3xdq5zd
CLEAN UP:
OXO Large Strainer: https://amzn.to/3lSi9Od
Mini Dust Pan & Hand Held Broom: https://amzn.to/2Lju4b3
Straw Cleaner for cleaning the ends of hamster water bottles (I clean these once a week and replace water at that time as well): https://amzn.to/3sQ2d2g
Music by Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/hx2mwp/
Making My Hamsters Homemade Hamster Chew Sticks
Today I'm attempting to make some homemade hamster chew sticks! This is my first attempt doing this!
Products featured in this video (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
Hamster Seed Mix: Higgin’s Sunburst: https://amzn.to/36QBHOJ
Arrowhead Mills Organic Oat Flour: https://amzn.to/3zvSNgn
Kaytee Apple Orchard Sticks: https://amzn.to/3rvZ4WA
Clear Hamster Tubes: https://amzn.to/2Jw6ebW * Diameter is 2.1" on these tubes, only recommend for use with smaller dwarf hamsters. Syrian hamsters need at least 3" diameter openings (although many people recommend 4" diameter to be safe with a Syrian hamster)
Kaytee Giant Tube: https://amzn.to/3tPCDfk *Not shown in video but recommend for Syrian hamsters or larger dwarf hamsters. Diameter is 4.75".
Niteangel Water Bottle Stand: https://amzn.to/2X6ZAvW
Niteangel Coconut Hide: https://amzn.to/2UK0r7W
*Please see Hamster Hideout Forum for more info on hamster diets http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/forum/16-food-nutrition/
Music by Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/hx2mwp/
If you are interested in adopting or fostering a hamster, please see my adopting & fostering page.
There are so many hamsters in need of a loving home with a large wheel and lots of burrowing space! Fostering is a great way to help out and very rewarding.
Playtime Nibbles feat. Shirley
Today is a video from little Shirley, the rescue, dwarf hamster, enjoying a Rosewood Naturals Dandelion treat stick in her playpen.
Products Featured in this Video: *as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Nylon Playpen (I suggest getting size L): https://amzn.to/3oGiDtM
Rosewood Naturals Dandelion Treat stick: https://amzn.to/3hMi0gj
Canon G9X (filmed on): https://amzn.to/3rlozJS
Niteangel Dark Cloud Series Hamster Wheel Review
Hi Hamster Friends! I got a new hamster wheel and I just had to share it! If you are in the market for a silent hamster wheel, looking for a hamster wheel review or interested in the Niteangel wheel I hope this video is helpful for you! Links to all products discussed in this video below Steven the Roborovski hamster lives in a 200 qt bin cage connected to a 100 qt bin (approx 1000 sq inches of space total). All of my hamsters have two wheels in their enclosures and I have a few spares that I rotate in and out as I clean the wheels.
Products featured in this video (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
Niteangel Super Silent Wheel (size M): https://amzn.to/3lKs1JF
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner 12” Glow: https://amzn.to/2VG2pD9
Niteangel Dark Cloud Series Wheel (shown size M, 10”): https://amzn.to/3yYBZ16
200 Qt Bins (for enclosures): https://amzn.to/3geplCY
Sheet Moss: https://amzn.to/3mPdqxV or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/3p8XcRb *Pls freeze the moss overnight to ensure no bugs come along with the moss Kaytee Clean & Cozy: https://amzn.to/2LdxIU3 or from PetCo: https://bit.ly/2KknqkV *I freeze all natural materials (like paper bedding) for 48 hours before use to prevent mites.
NIteangel Wooden Log Tunnel (only good for robos): https://amzn.to/36OMhFw
Wyze Pet Cam 2: https://amzn.to/2VNIJNK WATER: Distilled Water- I only give my hamsters distilled water to make sure they have a clean and healthy water source: https://amzn.to/3veOqUM
Ceramic Water Bottle Stand: from Love Drizzles Studio on Etsy: https://tinyurl.com/y8r9lebu
You & Me Printed Water Bottle, Mini (4 oz): from Petco: https://tinyurl.com/yaysa67q
Niteangel Water Bottle Stand: https://amzn.to/2X6ZAvW
Small Hamster Water dish: (set of 4): https://amzn.to/3v12vpv
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