Your Pet's Age
2
Your Pet's Breed
Syrian Hamster
How and when did you get your pet?
While shopping at a local pet supply store for my dog and two cats, I decided to look around and discovered the small pet section. I had recently lost the second in a pair of male gerbils, and I missed caring for them. Although I was still grieving that loss I decided to adopt a hamster.
Unfortunately not all hamsters and other small pets have good lives. Some people treat them as toys for their kids rather than living creatures with feelings. Others buy cages and fancy enclosures that are far too small, and they don't get the care and attention they need and deserve. I wanted to make a difference for one by providing a healthy happy life.
Tinkerbelle was the only one left, and it didn't take long to see why. She had a patch of missing fur on her face, and it might have been permanent. I was told the wound was caused by a litter mate. It's human nature to look for pets without flaws, and that's likely why she was the last one to find a home.
Unlike gerbils, hamsters don't get along well as they mature. Gerbils live longer when paired, but hamsters are loners. They connect better with their human family members. I didn't care that she had a patch of missing fur on her face, and it didn't matter to me that it could be permanent. She was still adorable and otherwise looked very healthy.
What does your pet like to do for fun?
Every evening, I let Tinkerbelle out to explore. How can a hamster explore without getting lost? I bought a clear exercise ball. I open the ball and let her climb in. That's a great way to pick up a hamster, especially if they're frightened or they aren't used to being handled.
She quickly learned how to maneuver the exercise ball around the family room. After banging into the walls and furniture a few times, she figured out how to apply the brakes and make sudden turns. Now she's an exercise ball expert! She zips through doorways and around furniture without hitting anything now. The ball enables her to safely exercise and explore beyond the confines of her cage. I wouldn't want to be cooped up for days on end, and our pets shouldn't be jailed either.
Do you have anything else to share about your pet?
Tinkerbelle loves Kaytee Blueberry Yogurt Dipped Treats. Hamsters have food preferences just like other pets, and these are by far her favorite snack. She meticulously turns the little ball around and around while gnawing off the yogurt. She eats the inside last. It's fascinating to watch her little fingers in action!
What amazes me the most about Tinkerbelle is her personality and level of intelligence. I loved my gerbils, but they weren't nearly as personable as little Tink. She observes what I'm doing, and we really connect. She's more loving and intelligent than I ever imagined a hamster could be.
After a few weeks the wound on her face completely healed, and the fur grew back. :D
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Awww, little "Tink" is soooooo cute! And what a great mom you are and she must love you to pieces!
Thanks! :) She is a little sweetheart. I never thought I could love a hamster so much. They're cool little animals and smarter than people realize.
Love that you took her in! I think her patch of missing fur is adorable. Thanks for sharing Tinkerbelle!
Thanks. :) I think she looks like a little bear with a battle scar.
Reminds me of having hamsters when we were growing up. My brother took one with him on a date. He put it in his pocket. Don't remember how long he was gone but he brought it back safe and sound.
Ha! That's so funny! If the girl was an animal lover he might have won her over for a second date. I'm glad the hamster didn't escape. :)
TOO CUTE
Reminds me of the hamsters I had as a child. They used to escape their cages and hide in the dresser drawers under the clothes. I had a fox terrier dog who would go to the drawer they were hiding in. She never hurt them but showed us where they were. I had an exercise ball and they would fall asleep in it.
My male peed out the cage too. I had to make aluminum foil deflectors around the cage. Lol
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