Hamsters love to move around frantically, especially after being locked away for a while, so don't be surprised if your pet tends to escape the safe confines of his cage every now and then. If upon returning to the house you notice that the cage is empty and the hamster has disappeared, don't worry; Escape is a fairly common episode that all owners of these small rodents have to face at one time or another. With a good dose of patience and perseverance you will be able to retrieve your little friend and bring him back safely to his cage.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Limiting Space for the Hamster
Step 1. Close all doors
Before starting the hamster "hunt", you need to narrow down its scope. First of all, it blocks every possible way out to the outside, as it is much more difficult to retrieve the pet if it leaves the house.
If you know which room he fled to, close all doors to that room that lead outside
Step 2. Plug any crack or opening
Hamsters can climb stairs or sneak into small crevices very quickly. Use towels to block any possible passage under the doors and escape routes of the rooms in the house.
- You should also seal any larger vents or cracks in the baseboards with duct tape to make sure the pet can't sneak into these crevices.
- Check the vents and crevices with a flashlight to verify that the hamster has not entered these spaces before you begin sealing them.
Step 3. Inform all family members that the little rodent is missing
Make it known so that other people can also help you in the hunt by closing all doors and passages.
- If there are other pets or small children in the room as well, take them outside so you can better focus on finding the hamster.
- If you are worried that some other animal (such as the cat) might hurt your rodent friend, put him in another room or ask someone to keep him in another environment.
Part 2 of 3: Look for the Hamster
Step 1. Look around the cage and where it usually hides
Sometimes hamsters don't stray too far from the area around the cage and can be found easily. However, he may have spots where he likes to hide and where he might get lost. These are usually dark, cramped and easy to enter places. For instance:
- Inside boxes like paper handkerchiefs or empty trash cans;
- Under sofas, beds and sofas;
- Behind or under the shelves;
- Inside wardrobes and wardrobes;
- Inside the kitchen drawers and dresser. Be careful when looking for the hamster in these places and don't push the drawer too far to the bottom; it might be hiding right there.
- Behind the large furniture, such as tables, vases and mirrors that are placed on the ground.
Step 2. Pay attention to any chewing or scratching sounds in the room
Most hamsters love to gnaw on objects when hiding in some den or shelter. Furthermore, it may be able to sneak into very small holes, no larger than 2.5cm in diameter, and from there start scratching and chewing on the objects around it, even the walls. Turn off any devices that make noises and do the same with the lights. Sit down and listen to any sounds the hamster might make as it gnaws, eats, or scratches surfaces. This way you can figure out where he is hiding.
Step 3. Check for traces of food and feces
Sometimes, while on the run, the hamster takes some sunflower seeds with it. Check that he hasn't left half-munched food residue along the way and that there are no seed husks in front of his favorite hiding places. You may need to use a flashlight to check dark and cramped places.
The hamster may need to defecate while out of the cage. Look for the presence of a "path of feces" that leads you directly to your lost pet
Part 3 of 3: Setting up a Hamster Trap
Step 1. Create a sunflower seed track
If you know the room where the little rodent hid and you have sealed all escape routes and shelters, then you can try luring him with food.
- Arrange the seeds leading to the cage. Then turn off all the lights in the room and sit in a corner of the room.
- The hamster will be attracted to the seeds and will show up. He might even run into his cage. However, it will take some time for it to "bite" the bait and you will have to wait patiently in the dark room.
- You can also sprinkle the floor with flour all around the seeds. When the hamster comes out to eat, he will leave his footprints, which you can follow to track him down.
Step 2. Set up a trap with a bucket
This is one of the most popular methods of catching a hamster. Furthermore, it is very simple to make; a bucket, a cloth, several boxes or books and a handful of morsels are enough.
- Set up a deep plastic bucket with the opening facing up. Put a cloth in the bucket to cushion the pet from falling into the "trap".
- Put a handful of morsels as bait. You can use a peanut butter-smeared cracker, a few sunflower seeds, or another strong-smelling, inviting treat that will appeal to the hamster. You can also put a piece of lettuce and a drinking bottle so your rodent friend has something to drink when it falls into the bucket.
- Make a ladder that leads to the edge of the bucket. You can use a pile of books, lego bricks, or even boxes to set up a ladder for the hamster to climb up in an attempt to reach the bait and fall into the trap.
- You can also place sunflower seeds or other treats on the steps to make sure the rodent follows the "path" all the way and falls into the container.
- Close the door to the room and check the bucket from time to time to see if the hamster has been caught.
Step 3. Leave the cage door open overnight
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so your rodent friend will also be more active at night. If you've spent all day looking for it with no results, put some sunflower seeds in its cage and leave the door open overnight. The animal could re-enter its "home" and hide inside.
