Choosing a healthy hamster without handling it

[Snowyhammies]

You can't tell when female dwarfs are in heat by odor. They can be less smelly than the males.

Is that a crocheted fruit? You might want to save that for playtime, so you can remove it when it starts to come apart. Hamsters wreck soft items, and loose yarn can pose a hazard.

I would limit the Whimzees, so she doesn't fill up on it. The occasional Whimzee is okay though. Hamsters can be particular about chews, so you may need to try several types to see what she likes.

I would keep the bottle as backup, even if you switch to a bowl. Bowls can tip or fill up with bedding.

Ooh, I love James Herriot- have you seen the TV series too (All Creatures Great and Small)?

I've been watching the new series, but the old series is great too. The books are better though. Great fun as audiobooks (which may be available on Libby or Hoopla via your local library)!

Yep it’s a crochet strawberry hide that I ordered off Etsy. My old hamster never chewed it but I can take it out if this hamster seems to chew? Should I take it out just in case?

[Lillias]

Yep it’s a crochet strawberry hide that I ordered off Etsy. My old hamster never chewed it but I can take it out if this hamster seems to chew? Should I take it out just in case?

You could keep an eye on it, but you'd have to check the bottom frequently since the damage may not show from the top.

[Snowyhammies]

Yep it’s a crochet strawberry hide that I ordered off Etsy. My old hamster never chewed it but I can take it out if this hamster seems to chew? Should I take it out just in case?

You could keep an eye on it, but you'd have to check the bottom frequently since the damage may not show from the top.

I took it out, as she was chewing literally everything in the enclosure when I first put her in

[Spud]

Yep it’s a crochet strawberry hide that I ordered off Etsy. My old hamster never chewed it but I can take it out if this hamster seems to chew? Should I take it out just in case?

You could keep an eye on it, but you'd have to check the bottom frequently since the damage may not show from the top.

I took it out, as she was chewing literally everything in the enclosure when I first put her in

Sensible decision- every hamster is different.