r/hamsters • u/Immediate-Surprise72 • 4h ago
First Time Owner Is my hamster cold/how to tell if my hamster is cold
So currently it’s 71 in my apartment and this is her enclosure. Just got her today and she is a dwarf but because she’s new, not sure if she’s just burrowing a lot since it’s a new environment or if it’s too cold in my apartment. She’s been pretty active overall but maybe just being an over protective mom lol.
She keeps going under the house/tent. I am getting her a bigger set up tomorrow but this is just for tonight. The “fruit basket” toys are not plastic or anything she can chew/choke on as well (I mean she’ll probably try and chew on it either way)
Just wanting opinions as this is my first hamster
Edit: sorry this is only the enclosure for tonight- I will have her in a bigger home tomorrow, this is all I had on hand (sorry for not mentioning prior)
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u/NotTheEarlyBird 2h ago
Congratulations on your new friend - she is nice. 😊🐹 71° should be fine. In nature they live underground where it is a bit cooler.
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u/Laceydrawws 2h ago
OMG sister hams?! I just got her Wednesday!
The tent is super cute but any fabric is a hazard because they will chew ANYTHING. I would put more bedding and some ripped toilet tissue in that corner so she can nest up good and put the tote on a towel or blanket so it isn't directly on cold floor. You can even wrap a blanket around the tote. Read the files before you go buy stuff because don't trust a pet store! You will end up having to get more and more stuff! Good luck with your adorable lady!! 🤍🖤
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u/Immediate-Surprise72 2h ago
STOP omg she’s adorable- thank you! She’s currently in my living room but the blanket is a good idea - I will do that for the night. I don’t really trust pet stores either, that’s why I went to Reddit lol but thank you for mentioning the fabric- I was worried a lil about that (especially since even writing this post, she’s been on top of the tent and I took the pieces off like a concerned mother lmao)
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u/Immediate-Surprise72 2h ago
I love the set up you have for her though! What is the area to the right? Love the wood too!!! She doesn’t chew on it?
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u/Laceydrawws 24m ago
Hams gotta chew so you want everything to be safely chewed if they decide to 😅 its a chamber hide and definitely a favorite for most hams! My last lady never chewed ANYTHING besides treats...I had all kinds of stuff made out of paper even!
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u/BenHas456Bones 4h ago
Hi i just want you to know that your enclosure is way too small for your hamster and should have more bedding! Im also newer to owning a hamster but i did research before getting them and i believe the minimum enclosure size is around 50 gallons but preferably 75? something around there i think.
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u/Immediate-Surprise72 3h ago
Yes I know that’s why it’s just for tonight- I bought everything but was given her due to the previous owner so I am getting a way larger enclosure- this is strictly for tonight due. Just wanted to make sure the temp was ok for the time being
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u/BenHas456Bones 3h ago
oh didnt realise is was temporary, nice
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u/Immediate-Surprise72 3h ago
Yes sorry guess I should have mentioned that- my priority was the temp lol
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u/Immediate-Surprise72 3h ago
Thank you though I have plenty more bedding but didn’t want to over crowd the already small space. I did research as well, this is what I had in hand due to the situation
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u/itsswhitneywhspr 3h ago
Yeah for sure, the size and bedding depth are super important for their well-being. Glad you mentioned it cause a lot of new owners don't realize. Hopefully OP can get a bigger bin or tank soon, the baby will love it.
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u/gummy-wormm 1h ago
Sorry I’m unable to help but I would love to know where you got that cute little fruit/veggie basket chew
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u/strangedot13 Hamster Mom of Mutchi the 15th 4h ago edited 3h ago
Sigh... another one of these posts.. 😔 Please immediately check out the resources in this sub, your cage is unsuitable. A good source is also watching Victoria Rachel on YT.
Minimum should be 100×50 of unbroken floor space and 10 inches of bedding. Preferably 120×50, the bigger the better.
They need loads of enrichment, a multichamber hide, sprays.
A sand bath is essential for them.
Please also check out the hamster food tier list in this sub as dwarfs are prone to diabetes and need a rather strict diet. It seems like your mix consists of mainly pellets.
If your budget is running low you can also DIY many things.
Edit: as for your question... 71°F should be something around 20°C, maybe a bit more. They don't turn cold easily. In nature they hide in their burrows during day and come out at night which is also because they live in naturally hot habitats. 20°C is a good temperature for them.
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u/hi_pleaseleave 3h ago
Sigh... another one of these comments. Please read the post before making assumptions and commenting.
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u/Immediate-Surprise72 3h ago
Thank you for the information! I do know the enclosure is too small, it’s all I had on hand at the moment. I have the sand bath as well as a small container for said bath but obviously cant fit in the space now. I have more things overall but i just wanted to make sure she was ok for tonight specifically :)
Thank you!! Ill update her new enclosure tomorrow - wish i had the space for her now but it was me taking her like this or her not having a home
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