How-To: Come with Kai

Want to teach your pet hamster to come when you call him like Kai does below?



First, gather your supplies. You will need a playpen, click pen, and your hamster's favorite treats.

*Important Notes*: Your hamster should be somewhat comfortable with you before you begin to train him to come. If he is not comfortable with you, you could possibly end up scaring him, which could harm your relationship.
Also, you don't want to lose your hamster while you are training him so make sure you keep him safe! His cage/bin, a playpen, or hamster proofed room are all safe places to practice.

Here are the steps to teaching your hamster to Come!

Step 1: Set up your hamster safe place without any toys. The smaller the space the better at the beginning. I started in a pen.
Step 2: Place your hamster in the hamster safe place.
Step 3: Have a treat in your hand ready to go.
Step 4: Call your hamster to come, followed by kissing noises until he reaches you. Don't give up if he doesn't come right away, your hamster doesn't have great eye sight and he will need to hear you in order to find you. Keep making nonthreatening noises until he finds you.
Step 5: Once your hamster reaches you, click your click pen and give him a treat.
Step 6: Remove your hand from the pen, let your hamster move away from you and try again.
Step 7: Keep practicing until your hamster can come when there are toys inside his hamster safe place. Then practice in a larger area.

Happy Belated Birthday Boys

Kai in the log.

The boys had their first Birthday a few months ago. They are currently 14 months and 3 weeks old. They celebrated their big day a few days late, but surely enjoyed their extra playtime and treats!

Ever wonder why I named them Kai and Dillan? Well, I love the beach and the ocean so I decided to look for names that represented that. Here's each boy's name's definition and expression thanks to www.sheknows.com/baby-names.

In Hawaiian Kai means "ocean" or "ocean water". People with this name tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely. They are often the center of attention, and enjoy careers that put them in the limelight. They tend to become involved in many different activities, and are sometimes reckless with both their energies and with money. Yep, it seems to fit! He's very outgoing and always willing to come out to play no matter what.

Dillan peeking over the flying saucer.

In Welsh Dillan means "ocean's son". People with this name are excellent at analyzing, understanding and learning. They tend to be mystics, philosophers, scholars, and teachers. Because they live so much in the mind, they tend to be quiet and introspective, and are usually introverts. When presented with issues, they will see the larger picture. Their solitary thoughtfulness and analysis of people and world events may make them seem aloof, and sometimes even melancholy. Yep, sounds like Dillan! He's a little shy and always analyzing what might happen next before he decides if he's got enough courage to check stuff out.

Also, check out the ticker below from TickerFactory.com to find out what their age is today!

Dillan eating a pumpkin seed.

Dillan eating a cheesy chew.

Kai eating a cheesy chew.

Kai trying to sleep in the log.

Ecotrition Contest Prize

A few months ago I entered a contest at Ecotrition's Facebook page for a chance to win some small pet prizes. I didn't think I would actually win, but I did! This time I received some Frosted Donuts, Bites, and a Treat Stick. I haven't given the boys any of it yet because they are still working on their other treats, but I'm sure they will love the Donuts, since they love the Cupcakes from Wild Harvest, and the Bites, since they love seeds of any kind.

In case you were thinking of getting any these products for your little ones, I decided to do a little review on their ingredients and such.


Frosted Donuts

Protein 12%
Fat 6%
Fiber (Max) 2%
Moisture (Max) 12%
Calcium .05%
Calcium (Max) .20%
Phosphorus .10%

Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Sugar, Dried Milk, Dried Egg Product, Dried Carrot, Rice Bran, Egg Albumin, Vegetable Oil, Natural Milk Flavor, Sodium Bicarbonate, Tapioca Starch, Titanium Dioxide, Natural Yogurt Flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Potassium Acid Tartrate.


Bites

Protein 13%
Fat 6%
Fiber 9%
Moisture 12%

Ingredients: White Millet, Red Millet, Milo, Sunflower Seed, Wheat, Whole Corn, Oat Groats, Buckwheat, Modified Starch, Maltose Syrum, Porpylene Glycol, Ground Corn, Alginate, propionic Acid, Vegetable Oil, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Postassium Sorbate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Copper Sulfate, Color Added(Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1).


Treat Stick

Protein 13%
Fat 8%
Fiber 9%
Moisture 12%
Calcium .05%
Calcium (Max) .55%
Phosphorus .35%
Vitamin A 1,500 IU/kg
Vitamin D3 100 IU/kg
Vitamin E 8 IU/kg

Ingredients: White Millet, Red Millet, Milo, Sunflower Seed, Wheat, Whole Corn, Oat Groats, Safflower Seeds, Gelatin, Buckwheat, Ground Corn, Feeding Oat Meal, Wheat Middlings, Propylene Glycol, Split Peas, Dehydrated Carrots, Vegetable Oil, Citric Acid, Soybean Meal, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Honey, Glycerin, Urea, Soybean Oil, Corn Gluten Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Yeast Culture, Calcium Carbonate, Monoammonium Phsophate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Riboflavin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, D-Biotin, Zinc, Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Ethylenediamine, Dihydiodide, Sodium Selenite, Artificial Flavoring, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Blue 1.

Red Light Special

Kai under his red light

After having Dillan and Kai for a few months they still tend to only come out at night once all the lights go off. It was upsetting me a lot. I was at the point where I was frustrated and exhausted from waiting up all night to see them. I thought to myself, why have a pet if you never get to see and enjoy it?

I did some research online and found that Roborovski hamsters can't see red light. Oh boy did that excite me! I did some tests with an iPhone red light app and found that it seemed to be true. I decided to go on eBay and buy 2 red LED Red Light strips to hang over each of their cages. I wasn't sure how bright they would be so I opted for 2 that would be able to light up Kai's section since it's a little bit smaller, about 2 feet long.

When the lights came in quickly installed one over Kai's spot and I was quite impressed. They were very bright and Kai didn't seem to notice a thing. I decided to install the second light over Dillan's spot and kept my fingers crossed as I turned off the lights and turned on the red lights. Dillan is more timid than Kai and he came right out of his house just as he usually does as soon as I turn off the lights. I was in awe! I can finally watch the boys at night without having to sit in the dark and hope I can make them out.

Pros and Cons: Hamster Ball

Kai eating inside the ball.

There is a lot of controversy on hamster balls. Some people like them and some people don't. I tend not to use hamster balls. However, I did get one for the boys since every once in a while they both wake up at the same time. This allows me to place one into their playpen and, using the ball, prevent the other from just going back to sleep in his bin. This way we can switch half way through our play time and I can be sure both get playpen time. Sharing is Caring!

Here's a little information for you to decide whether you would like to use one with your hamsters or not.

Dillan running in the ball.

Pros
-  Better than being in their cages all day and night and never being able to come out to play.
-  They can explore more freely than just being held the whole time.
-  They are enclosed so they can't run away and get lost.
-  Owners don't need to watch them as much.
-  Can get a track which will diminish crashes.
-  They look cute running around in their balls.

Kai resting in the ball. He's not a big fan, though getting better.

Cons
-  They can't get out to rest.
-  Their toes might stuck/caught in the air vents.
-  Crashing into a wall is like crashing a car. The sudden jolt could injure your hamster.
-  There is not enough ventilation in the ball.
-  They do not naturally run the way they run inside the ball. On the ground they run with their noses along the ground so they can sense what is coming. In the ball they often run with an arched back and their noses high towards the sky.
-  They don't have good eye sight as it is, so even a clear ball reduces their sight even more.
-  Dwarfs tend to go to the bathroom inside and the ball and your floors can get messy.
-  They could chew through the ball.

Wee! Look how fast I can go. I love this ball!

I believe if you get the correct size ball for your hamster, a track, keep in mind that after about 5-10 minutes your hamster will probably need some water and a break, and watch your hamster so he doesn't stop the ball, chew it and escape you can very safely let your hamster use a hamster ball. However, if you are looking for a more fun way to bond with your hamster allowing him to walk freely and explore without the cumbersome of a ball I believe playpens are the best way to go.

Halloween in December

Kai eating a pumpkin seed

For the past couple weeks I've been trying to find time to carve a pumpkin. At first I wasn't sure what to carve. I kept thinking autumn leaves, a cat, a hamster, the words"Happy Halloween!" I just couldn't decided, but once Halloween past I realized it really didn't matter anymore. The main reason to carve the pumpkin was to gather the seeds for the little hammies instead.

I opened the pumpkin, took out all the guts, and separated the seeds from the goo. I rinsed the seeds in some water and laid them out to dry. Then I decided to carve the pumpkin into a cat face. Once it was finished I decided to play a little with the hammies. I took each boy out and we had a little photo shoot.

Dillan eating the pumpkin

Dillan peeking out

Dillan all covered in pumpkin trying to escape

Kai sitting in the pumpkin

Kai peeking out

Is that Kai or the cat's tongue?

Later the next night the boys got some of the seeds that came outta the pumpkin. They were a big hit!

Kai eating a pumpkin seed

Hamster Safe Thanksgiving Foods

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

In honor of Thanksgiving, since I know everyone would love to celebrate Thanksgiving with their little hammies, here are some safe and non safe Thanksgiving foods.

Kai and Dillan with a little bit of apple.

Safe Foods:
Apple (seedless)
Asparagus
Banana
Blueberries
Carrot
Celery
Cherry
Corn
Peach
Pear
Potatoes (cooked)
Turnip
Strawberries
Sweet Potato

Non Safe Foods:
Apple SeedsCanned foods and other processed foods
Fruit pits/ most fruit seeds
Garlic (possibly toxic in some animals)
Jams/jellies
Onion (possibly toxic in some animals)
Pickles
Potatoes (raw)
Salt
Spices/Seasonings

So, if you have some leftover ingredients that do not have any spices or seasonings on them you might be able to give them to your hammies. 

Here's a more in depth Hamster Food List.

Hi From the Crazy Boys!

The boys have been up for a long time tonight. Usually they get up in the early evening for a bit and then settle in until late night, 2 or 3am. Tonight they are outta control so I let them each write a little letter for the blog.

Kai

Hi Guys!

Mom thinks I'm getting fat. I'm not though, I'm just a little chubby. Anyways, tonight I got to spend a lot of time in the playpen. I don't mind it too much as long as mom keeps giving me seeds and some time to rest. She makes me run over the teeter totter over and over. The seeds stopped at one point so I just ran around trying everything. Eventually I tried walking over the teeter totter on my own and she started giving me seeds again. Yay! I think I'm starting to get the hang of this. It's so much fun. I'll do anything for a seed.

- Kai

Dillan

Hey Everyone!

Dillan here! I got to play in the playpen twice tonight. Mom says I was acting very crazy, but I just wanted to get outta my house so bad. I couldn't help but try to climb the walls. Mom gave me a bunch or seeds tonight. She doesn't make me work as hard as Kai. He's so stupid. All you have to do is act scared and Mom will basically give them to you for free! But some nights I like to let Mom think I'm getting less skittish so I walked onto her hand on my own about 5 times. Gotta keep her guessing.

- Dillan

Robo Hamsters Fighting

Dillan running on the flying saucer

A few weeks or so after I got my two Robovorski boys they started fighting. Since I had never had a pair or hamsters I wasn't sure what I was hearing and contacted the breeder immediately. She said that it might be play, but keep an eye out for any kind of possessiveness or bullying. At first it was only 2 scuffles a night, but within 2 days they were up to 4 or 5 scuffles within just 2 hours and I decided to give them a short break from each other.

After a night of separation I put them back together. This time I diligently watched. Kai seemed to be following Dillan around and bullying him. Dillan wasn't allowed to do anything, not even go in his burrow and rest. I kept trying to stop the fights, but I wasn't sure if that was helping or hurting the situation. Eventually I couldn't take it anymore and decided to permanently separate them until I could think of something that might help. I just couldn't have a hurt hamster on my hands.

Kai marking the log

So, now it's over a month later and they are still in their own habitats (aka bins.) I've been wracking my brain to see if I can come up with something to help them stop fighting. It's a shame for them to have to be separated for the rest of their lives. They were so cute together. Plus, I'm a dog trainer and would love to figure out a way to train these two boys to co-exist. Obviously not to the extent of either one getting hurt though.

Maybe I can come up with a way to teach Kai to stop being a bully or a way to teach Dillan to stop running away. Either way, at some point I plan on trying to reintroduce them. But gonna make sure it's in the best way possible. Until then, I will continue to train Kai tricks and work with Dillan on his shyness and easy tricks.

Wild Harvest Contest Prizes

I have heard many good things about a small animal pet product company called Wild Harvest. You can usually find their goods at Walmart and they are often much cheaper than the typical small pet merchandise you find at Petco and PetSmart. They have a Facebook contest every week where they pick one winner and that person receives a couple of their products. I have been entering this contest almost every week for the past couple months.

A couple of weeks ago I actually won! I couldn't believe it and was so excited when I received their email. I emailed them back right away to let them know all the information they needed and about Dillan and Kai, my two Roborovski Hamsters.

On Monday a medium sized box arrived in the mail. I quickly grabbed my scissors and opened it.  To my delight it was my prize! They sent me Yogies (cheese flavored), Wood Chews, Carrot Crunchies, and Bake Shop Treat Cupcakes.

My boys don't get many store bought treats, so these are going to last a long time. I don't think I will need to buy anymore treats for over a year! Either that or I'll have to add an additional hamster to our family.  Anyways, I'm sure the boys will enjoy them.

Thank you Wild Harvest!

How-To: Taking a Trip with My Hamsters

A month back my landlord wanted to come into my apartment and do some kind of check. I am not actually supposed to have pets unless I speak with them first, but who can resist little hamsters? And it's not like they can cause any damage to the apartment, so I had figured why not get them? However, since I like where I live I needed to figure out where I could hide the little guys for the day. (Since then I have spoken to the landlord about it and things are in the works so all is good.)

Dillan & Kai exploring their main habitat

Anyways, I had mentioned the problem to my boss and she offered to allow them to hang out in her office with her for the day. So, that morning I packed them up and brought them to work. They were perfectly, well-behaved, little hamsters all day. Occasionally they came out to get water and such and my boss had said that she heard them at one point, but by the time she turned to look they were gone. LOL. I bet they hadn't even fully surfaced. Sometimes they just poke their heads through the bedding to get to the water and then go back under.

The point of this post is to help you know what to bring with your hamster on a field trip. You want to make sure that the trip is not stressful. So here are a few tips.

Dillan in a small travel carrier

Short Trip
If your trip is only going to be an hour or less you won't really need much, but there are a few things that will definitely help reduce your pet hamster's stress.
1. Small Travel Carrier - Use a small secure carrier that your hamster will not escape from. Hard plastic is a good choice. The Super Pet Small Animal Critter Trail Off To School Habitat is a good choice.
2. Used Bedding - Put some of your hamster's used bedding inside the travel carrier so that he can burrow underneath and sleep or hide if he wants to. This will also make him feel more comfortable because he will have his scent all around him.
3. Food - Put a little of your hamster's food and favorite treats in the travel carrier. This will ensure your hamster is not stressed because he can't get to his horde and that he will not go hungry.
4. Water - If you have a small water bottle that will fit in your travel carrier you can put that in as well. However, I don't feel as though water is absolutely needed if it is only a short trip so don't worry if you can't give your hamster water.
5. Bag - If you can, put your travel carrier inside another bag (not see through) to reduce unusual or unexpected sights. Nothing scares a hamster more than being face to face with a big goofy dog that just happens to be passing by as you are walking out of your apartment.
6. Be Reserved - Don't show your hamster to everyone you see. Doing this will cause more stress. If you absolutely need to show your hamster to someone remind them to keep quiet and move slowly. Try not to startle your hamster as being in a new location will be stressful in itself.

Kai in a small travel carrier

Long Trip
If your trip is going to be longer, a couple hours to a several days, you will need everything from a short trip plus a few more items.
1. Small Travel Carrier - *see short trip* This will be used until you get to where you are going. Once you are there place your hamster into his main habitat.
2. Used Bedding - *see short trip*
3. Food - *see short trip* Plus enough food to last your whole trip.
4. Water - This is a must for a long trip. If the trip to your destination is longer than an hour you must have a water bottle in the travel carrier. If it is less than an hour then having water when you place your hamster back into his main habitat will be sufficient.
5. Bag - *see short trip*
6. Be Reserved - *see short trip*
7. Main Habitat - Once you get to your destination place your hamster into his completely set up main habitat. (Main habitat should have bedding, nesting material, food bowl, food, water bottle, water, toys (tunnels, wheel, things to climb, etc.), chews, and a hidey.)

So there you have it. Two complete lists for both Short and Long Trips. Hope this was helpful!

Playpen Fun

This post is long over due. It should have been up about 2 weeks ago. Anyways here it is, 2 weeks late and not completely accurate anymore since recently Kai has been bullying Dillan, but that's a different post and not what this one is about. None the less, this is a post that gives me hope, as I look back at the photos, that they can work through their differences and learn to share and to get along.

So onto some Playpen Fun! (2 weeks ago.)

The boys have been settling in. They still are a little unsure to come out when the lights are on, but they are getting better each day. They have been having some play time in their playpen. They've been wrestling and chasing each other. No squeaking or biting which is really nice, just play.

Here are some pics of their play time.

Dillan in the sand bath

Kai climbing the ladder

Meeting at a tunnel entrance 

Kai playing with the seesaw

& again

Dillan back in the bath

Dillan chewing on the string for the wicker ball

Nose to nose

Rest time

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.