Meet the Boys

Meet Kai and Dillan, my new Roborovski hamsters.

A Robo Hamster Yin Yang!

Kai exploring his new home

Kai (Previously known as Beric)
Born: June 9th, 2013
Breed: Roborovski
Coloration: Agouti
Sex: Male
Personality: Calm, relaxed, and very laid back. He can be found resting in his sand bath, running on his silent spinner, or sleeping burrowed deep down below the surface of his bedding.

Dillan in his food bowl

Dillan (Previously known as Skippy)
Born: June 9th, 2013
Breed: Roborovski
Coloration: Husky
Sex: Male
Personality: Energetic, active, and always on the go. He can be found learning how to run on his new flying saucer, trying to climb the bin walls, or sitting in his food dish eating.


The Boys' new habitat is a 110 qt sq Sterile bin. They have 2 water bottles, 2 hideys, a big food dish (which is temporary until I know how much they eat), a big sand dish, 2 wheels, and some toys.

I got the boys from a breeder, Amy at Moxie Hamstery, in Los Angeles, CA. Since I have never owned a Robo or a pair of hamsters before there were a few things I was unsure of. Amy was super helpful and answered all my questions so that I would have the correct set up. I went to pick up the boys and she sent me home with some food, sample bedding, sample sand, treats, and the boys. They are so sweet. I held them and even though they had been awakened from their sleep they didn't even seem to mind!

Here's a little Amy had written about them on her website, MoxieHamstery.com, and a baby picture.

Beric and Skippy are born to Raster and Bailey in an extremely surprising accidental litter. As with all pups born here at Moxie Hamstery, they’ve been handled and socialized since their eyes opened and has become some of the friendliest robos I know. Although they are always on the go like young robos should be, they are also very calm while being handled with no trace of skittishness. They took after the best of Bailey’s sweet temperament and enjoys exploring our laps, the couch, bed, and other assorted furniture.

How-To: Making a DIY Bin Cage

With Herbert's passing I have decided to get a pair of Roborovski Dwarf hamsters. In preparation for this I built a DIY bin cage since if they lived in Herbert's cage they will surely escape through the bars.

Here's how to make one for yourself.

Equipment/Tools
Bin (I used a 110 qt bin. The minimum space for a Syrian hamster or a pair of Dwarfs is 360 sq in.)
Wire mesh (1/2" or 1/4" spacing)
Wire cutters
Sharpie
Ruler
Razor
Drill
Zipties
Scissors
Decorative duct tape (optional)
Access to a flame (I used my gas stove, but I believe a candle would work too.)

Steps
1. Take your ruler and sharpie and measure out an even boarder all the way around the lid. I gave myself about 1 1/2" all around the top and opted to make two holes instead of one with a 2" center strip, but you can do one big opening if you wish.

2. Once your outline is finished bring your bin lid over to your flame. Heat your razor blade to a nice red hot. Then easily cut along your line. This takes a while and you need to reheat and clean your blade often, but it is much easier than trying to cut with the blade and no heat.

3. Once your hole is cut out measure your wire mesh to match the holes. Use your wire cutters to cut off any extra wire.

4. Place your wire mesh over the hole and outline holes where you will drill to attach with zipties.

5. Grab your drill and using a small bit that's the size of your zipties drill your holes.

6. Attach your wire mesh with your zipties. Cut off the extra strips with your scissors.

7. (Optional) Use your duct to add a little color to your bin by covering the zipties and adding reinforcement to holding the mesh onto the bin.

8. Congratulate yourself on a job well done! Then add bedding, hideys, toys, water bottles, food dish, and your hamster!

Herbert's Final Days

Herbert eating chicken & carrots during his last week with me.

Herbert's activity level drastically declined after my last post. Since I didn't want to stress him out by waking him up and he was coming out of his hidey less and less on his own I decided to stop his training. Whenever he came out of his hidey he would just get play time instead.

In the last week Herbert would only come out of his hidey to drink his water, he would spend all his time sleeping, and he stopped eating his hamster mix. I started giving him egg whites, chicken, carrots, and radish, but his stool was often soft so I changed him to softened food pellets. He would sit in my hand and happily eat his pellets, glad to have some food that didn't require much chewing.

Last night Herbert didn't eat as much food as he had the previous nights. He also seemed extra slow and stumble. Tonight I made him some oatmeal and softened food pellets. I took him out of his cage and fed him while he sat in my hand. Then I cleaned up his bum and we cuddled and watched Seinfeld together. I tried to give him some water because he seemed dehydrated, but he didn't want any. I put him back in his cage and he passed away shortly after.

Even though I had only known Herbert for less than 2 months he was a very sweet hamster. I can only imagine what he was like as a puppy. Playful, curious, and full of life. I only wish we could have spent a little more time together before his age started to make it hard for him to get around.

RIP little buddy. I'll alway remember you and I'll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.