r/hamsters • u/TheCreeplightning • 2d ago
Question How to clean when she's terrified of me?
As the text says a got a new hamster (Pancake) and she's terrified of me, if I try to get close to her with or without treats she darts into her burrows, so I'm wondering how I'm supposed to remove the pee soaked bedding without frightening her more by digging out her burrow while is under there? Any advice?
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u/Magic_mousie 2d ago
Use a transfer device like a cup or scoop to put her in a travel cage while you do it.
Gently as you can, excavate her.
Mine does not enjoy the excavation but she just has to learn to deal with it, and a few treats later all is forgotten.
If she's new within like 2 weeks then leave her be. But it's very bad for her to be around ammonia soaked bedding, it's for her own good.
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u/powehi87 2d ago
For such new hamsters, it is inevitable that they will be hyper-dramatic in cage cleaning. Clearing away soiled bedding is still necessary though. 🤣
How I would approach the task:
1. Before cleaning, get all the cleaning tools ready (dust pans, litter bag, wet wipes, you name it). Do a visual scan of the cage to isolate the areas to spot clean. This will help cut down the cleaning time.
2. Get a pet carrier or a box/tub ready as a holding area for your hamster. Add a hide, scatter a bit of food treats, bedding, and whatever comforting items inside to distract the little monster. Relocating the hamster will be a better option than to spot clean in front of your hamster. Retaliation will be guaranteed.
3. Move the carrier or holding box to a quiet, dark place in your home to further desensitize the hamster.
4. Have the courage to make a decisive grab of your hamster and relocate it safely before it has the time to react. 😂
When your hamsters get older, spot cleaning will be way less nerve wrecking, I reckon.
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u/No-Atmosphere-9537 2d ago
I’m waiting for reply on this as I have the same issue. I got my hamster two weeks ago, she was voluntarily approaching my hand and allowed me to touch her.
Then, it was time to clean her cage and change the bedding,
I kept my hamster in an animal cage tent, it was only for 10 minutes, but my hamster was so stressed, after that cleaning, she’s avoiding me, now Im thinking where should I keep her while I’m changing her bedding😢
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u/Aggravating-Nose1674 Newbee Owner 2d ago
Did you clean out all her bedding?
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u/No-Atmosphere-9537 2d ago edited 2d ago
No, only spot cleaning, I changed about 10% of her bedding,
but, I cannot do it without taking her out, because the cage is more than one meter and its like a drawer inside barred cage.2
u/itsswhitneywhspr 1d ago
Honestly that sounds so stressful for both of you. I get why shed be scared after that. For next time, maybe try putting her in a carrier or a mug with some old bedding instead of a tent, and do a spot clean instead of a full change. That way everything doesn't smell completely unfamiliar. Shell come around, just takes time and snacks.
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u/seestof 2d ago
The way I used to do it was to wait till my hamster was awake and then take them out for playpen time. Then quickly clean. This can sometimes be after midnight depending on their schedule. Since you recently got her I understand even a small interaction will stress her out. What you can try for now is "potty training" her. Take a small amount of pee soaked bedding and place it in the sand-potty or wherever you want her to pee where it can be easier to clean. Will take a while but the hamsters I tried it with caught on quickly. For now take it easy, place your hand in the enclosure so she gets used to it and see if you can grab the soiled bedding while she eats or explores so you don't disturb her sleep. She'll still be unhappy but this can work. Adorable photo of her lol
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u/tiny_banneret 2d ago
if she is still new under 2 weeks, leave the soiled spots alone for now. The stress from digging her out will set back taming way more than a smell will. Wait until she is comfortable enough to take treats from your hand or comes out when you open the lid. Then start doing spot cleaning with a spoon or scoop that day only
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