Hammy Christmas!

Teddy’s post!

Well, Hammy after Christmas!

How is your hammy? Teddy is good!

Just a quick post to say hi!

Gonna post more often in the new year,new years resiloution!

So hope you had a great Christmas,and I’ll post more often!

♥ Teddy!

Keeping Small Animals Warm in the Winter!

Hey everyone :)


I'm so sorry I haven't been posting! I've actually been so busy with sport during the week and christmas carolling plus exams...


But I'm here now with Winter with Small animals 101 :D 


Even though they have a nice fur coat (usually) a hamster feels the cold, too. Remember that Syrian hamsters are originally from a very warm part of the world. Though hamsters have evolved some in the 60 years they have been commonly kept as pets, they still are not very used to our changing seasons. Sudden temperature drops can be very dangerous for them- as their bodies react drastically and they can slip into hibernation.


Animals of any size require many basic necessities: food, water and love. During the winter months, small animals may require additional help in staying warm. This is crucial no matter what the animal is: a small dog, kitten, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or even a lizard. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep small animals warm during the cold winter months.


Stay Indoors! 
Even outdoor animals, such as rabbits that are kept in kennels outside, should be brought inside during the colder months of the year. 


Additional Bedding!
Depending on the animal, additional bedding can help keep them warm.  For a hamster, this could translate into adding additional shredded bedding to the cage for him to build a warmer place to sleep.


Source of Heat!
Certain animals may benefit from adding a source of heat such as a hot water bottle. Be wary when using a heating pad, as these can be fire hazards if left unattended. Furthermore, heating pads can cause burns or even kill small animals, especially when left on too high of a setting. 

WHAT IS HIBERNATION?

Hibernation is the slowing or stopping usual activity during the winter for some animals. Usually it includes the slowing of the animal's metabolism. Most commonly, people think of bears hibernating. Gophers, Ground Hogs, as well as some species of bats, frogs and snakes hibernate. Black and Brown bears are efficient at hibernation. They eat more in the fall and store lots of fat. While they hibernate, their metabolism, heart rate, breathing, all slows down so they do not burn as much energy. Syrian hamsters, however, are not so good at hibernating. Mainly, they need to be awake so they can drink and prevent dehydration. They can, and do, slip into hibernation sometimes as a last-ditch effort to survive. In slowing down their heart rate and breathing, they conserve energy and produce a little more warmth, but the need for water is still there.

WHAT CAUSES HIBERNATION AND HOW TO PREVENT IT?

Hibernation, most commonly, is caused by an extreme drop in temperature. However, even a slight change in temperature, combined with lack of food or water can trigger hibernation. Even in warm months, a hamster with no food might fall into a deep sleep to conserve its energy. A hamster can fall into hibernation in a matter of hours. You should check your hamster morning and night for activity during colder months. No one has control over the weather, unfortunately. Considerations must be made, however, for your hamster's comfort. At all times, keep your hamster's cage out of drafts. Check to see if the room your hamster is housed in is not cooler than other parts of the house. You may need to let him winter in a different room, or take steps to bring the room temperature higher. Electric space heaters are relatively inexpensive, and made to be safe, but they are difficult to maintain a constant temperature with. A good idea might be a heating pad under the cage. Heating pads for humans, though, are not designed to stay on full time and present a fire hazard. Do not think that just because your hamster has built an enormous and cozy-looking nest that they are not going to be at risk of hibernation. In fact, an uncharacteristically large nest may be a clue that your hamster is trying desperately to keep warm in a cold room.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIBERNATION?

Many people remark that on first glance, the hamster appears dead. Looking closely, you will notice that it is still breathing, though not very strongly. The hamster will be very limp, as opposed to the stiffness that occurs soon after death. It will also be very cold to the touch. Check feet and noses and ears- places with less fur- and they will be quite icy.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY HAMSTER GOES INTO HIBERNATION?

Three things are key to bring a hamster out of hibernation- getting them warm, keeping them awake, and rehydration. Immediately bring the hamster into a warm room. If possible, place the hamster on a heating pad or hot water bottle with several layers of towel between the hamster and the heat source. You may want to cover the hamster partly, too, to try to trap the heat next to their body. Rub the hamster- not roughly, but vigorously. The friction will help to warm them as well as wake them up. A medicine dropper or syringe is always helpful to have around when you have pets. You will want to try to get the hamster to drink. Once awake, there will be little change at first, but offered liquid, a hamster will try to swallow or lick at it. This is a very good first sign.  As the hamster begins to perk up more- to the point of actively drinking and opening their eyes a little, you might need to add some safe, soft foods to grab their interest and help to keep them awake. Baby foods, mashed potatoes, fat free chicken broth, oatmeal, pureed vegetables- anything they can lick off your finger is good. Just make sure you stick to the safe food list. Continue to offer the liquid as well. Keep some soft toilet paper on hand as it is very absorbent. Mop up any dribbles, as being wet is not going to help your hamster get warm.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I EXPECT?

In the beginning, your hamster will be totally limp. It probably will lay flat on its belly, its limbs outstretched. As your hamster begins to wake up some, you will notice slowly increased movement and control. First will be the eyes opening a bit and it may twitch its whiskers or nose. Then your hamster may soon be able to lift its head briefly, working up to where it will be able to hold its head up for some time. As wakefulness continues, your hamster may pull its limb beneath it, sitting quite crouched. Eventually, they will take slow steps to getting to their feet and wobble around a bit until they eventually have complete control of their body. Some time around the point where your hamster is no longer lying flat, it may begin to shake and shiver quite a bit. It is very disconcerting to watch, but be assured it is quite normal. As his body temperature rises closer to normal, the muscle tissue begins to twitch or spasm awake. It may take as much as an hour to get to this point, but as long as some progress is being made, and you continue with the constant warming, rubbing, and feeding, he should continue to improve. It may take three hours or more before he is able to walk around again, but rest assured, he will be himself again very soon, as if nothing had happened. If there have been no increased signs of life and strength within the first half hour to hour, but you are certain he is still with you, then you will probably want to take him in to the emergency vet straight away.

WHAT SORT OF AFTER CARE WILL MY HAMSTER NEED?

Once your hamster is to his feet, place him back in his cage in a warm, quiet place. Be sure he has plenty of food and water and leave him to finish recovering on his own. You may want to add half Pedialite to his water for the next two or three days for added energy. Now will be the time to take steps to insure that he will be quite warm. Give him plenty of fresh bedding and/or toilet paper to build a nest with. He will still be quite weak, so he will be grateful if you help him shred it. He may want to sleep, or he might be more interested in food and water. At any rate, you should check on him every hour for the next half day or so to make sure that all conditions are favorable and he has not tried to slip back into hibernation. Do not be surprised if he is up running in his wheel or picking up on his favorite activities again in just a few hours.

Special Holiday Tips

The holidays can create special dangers for your pets. Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe during this special time of year.

• Increased activity and visitors during the holiday season can upset your pet's routine. Try to keep your pet on his regular schedule for feeding and exercise and be sure he gets plenty of love.
• If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holiday season, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during this season, it might be best for you and your pet to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter.
• Alcoholic beverages, holiday treats such as chocolates, rich, fatty food scraps and bones from poultry, pork and fish can be harmful or toxic to pets. Keep your pet on his regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet "special treats."
• Never put ribbon or yarn around your pet's neck and do not allow your pet to play with plastic or foil wrappings or six-pack beverage holders.
• Cover or tack down electrical cords.

Some Other Dangers Common to this Season of the Year are Listed Below

PLANTS

• Mistletoe - Very toxic, all parts, especially the berries.
• Holly - Moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves.
• Poinsettia - Leaves and stems low in toxicity.
• Christmas Greens such as Balsam, Juniper, Cedar, Pine and Fir - All parts of these plants have a low level of toxicity.
  
  
  HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
  • Bubbling Lights - Moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.
  • Fireplace Colors (fire salts) - Moderate toxicity; symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and a variety of other manifestations, including convulsions.
  • Angel Hair (spun glass) - Low toxicity; can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Christmas Tree Preservative Solution - Low toxicity, depending upon formulation and quantity ingested.
  • Snow Sprays and Snow Flock - Low toxicity, dry particles are inert; however, toxicity from inhalation can occur if sprayed directly in mouth.
  • Styrofoam - Low toxicity; can cause choking from mechanical obstruction.
  • Christmas Tree Ornaments - Non-toxic, but mechanical irritation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract can occur if ingested.
  • Icicles (tinsel) - Non-toxic, however intestinal obstruction and choking are potential problems.
  • Snow Scenes - Toxicity may come from organisms possibly in the water, most notably Salmonella.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

GIFTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Button Battery (disk battery) - Caustic, potentially high toxicity depending upon the position of the battery in gastrointestinal tract.
• Aftershave Lotion, Colognes, Perfumes, Alcoholic Beverages - Ethanol in various concentrations is moderately toxic depending upon the amount ingested. The high concentrations of essential oils in true perfumes are especially toxic.
• Plastic Model Cement - Moderate toxicity.
• Epoxy Adhesive - Uncured hardener: moderate to high toxicity. Uncured resins: low toxicity, primarily irritation and sensitization.
• Adhesives, Super Glue - Low toxicity, most difficulty occurs when eyelids become bonded together.
• Artists' Supplies: Crayons, Felt Tip Markers, Pencils, Water-based Paints - Low toxicity; however, may cause more than a mild mucous membrane and gastrointestinal irritation.
• Petroleum-based Paints - Low toxicity; primary concern is possibility of aspiration.
• Toys - Avoid toys with parts small enough to be pulled off and swallowed and toys with toxic materials, etc. Use same precautions as with children.
• Chocolate - Avoid candies and foods made up of or with chocolate.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sources - http://puppy-dogs.com/2011/11/09/pet-care-101-keeping-small-animals-warm-in-the-winter/
  http://www.hamsterific.com/HamsterUniversity/HamsterHibernation.cfm
  http://www.executec.com/winter.htm
  
  
  
  
  
  

Taking ages To Post...

Taking ages to post…

(Teddy’s post!)

So, I seem to be doing most of the posting. Nibbles, where are you?

So…how are you? I’m good J Looking forward to Christmas?  Are you getting your hamster a present? I’m getting Teddy a chew thingy made of hay in the shape of a bell… and toys, too, of course! Leave a comment below, about what you’re getting your hamster!

 

^That’s not my hamster, just a clipart. Would you believe it was called ‘’Gerbil on the top of its wheel, exercising?’’

Stupid Microsoft… Unless its more the less a hamster gerbil.

Oh, well. So I’m thinking of getting a penpal. Anyone know a safe site? Of course, I’ll be talking a lot about Teddy…

That’s enough for now, and I’ll try to blog over the weekend.

Cya!

 ♥ Teddy and Teddy J

Haven't posted in AGES!

Teddy's Post!

OMG! HAVEN'T POSTED IN AGES!

(I think I said that...)

Yes,it's another thing I couldn't keep up.Like my random word dictionary.Like Animal Crossing on the Wii.Like my diary when I was 9?Yeah.(All I wrote was ''Dear Diary,It was my birthday today,and my friend bought me this diary.''Or something like that.Sorry Nibbles!)So,I'll try to keep this up.And I'll write in my dictionary thingy-ma-bob tonight.Maybe.MY SIMS ARE CALLING ME!AND THEY HAVE WOMBATS ON IT.AND THEY LOOK LIKE HAMSTERS.BECAUSE WOMBATS ARE THE SIZE OF SMALL DOGS.I THINK.Here is a picture of a typical wombat.





Maybe it's the size of a normal puppy...

Ok,so technically...Whatever.Just wanted to say hi.Yes,this post is useless.So get Nibbles to post instead.Ok?OK?Yeah....


Cya! :3

Happy Birthday Teddy's owner :-)

Happy Birthday!!!


Hey everyone, its Nibbles here and I just wanted to tell Teddy that I really hope she has a lovely birthday ;-) Since we are best friends I will be over with her tonight and tomorrow so you might see a joint post! Please wish her a very happy birthday in the comments. I know this isn't a hamster related post but...ITS HER BIRTHDAY!

Will be putting u pics of Nibbles soon :-) 


♥Nibblesx

Teddy’s post!

Ok, so it’s Teddy here, and I wanted to show you a few pictures of Teddy! She  is really cute and I love them! Sorry, sorry, but if you love cute hammys ,you will love these!

                                               
                                                 I know, I was just born cute, really.

                                                             Peek-a-boo!

Vote Michael D. for president! 

                                    Wanna go for a spin?

Cute, right? Which one is your favourite?  Please leave a comment below.I love all of them! The Michael D. one was taken when I was giving Teddy some food and thought  it would be funny if I put it on the card and took a pic, so it would look like she was reading it. Michael D. is a guy who was running for president of Ireland, and he won.

So back to the pictures.If you look at the one of Teddy in the car,the oldest one,you will notice she is smaller than she is now.I took that pic only about 2 weeks after I got her!If you look at the Michael D. one,the newest one,taken about a month ago,you will see she is much bigger now!In that pic,Teddy is eating organic porridge oats,just in case you were wondering.Oh,and here is a music video of Teddy for a Parry Gripp song, Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom.

I also made it around 2 months ago?So,I hope you like it,and if you have any hamster videos of your own,please send us the links and/or Youtube links in the comments.If we get a lot of videos,we will hold a competition,if Nibbles is happy to judge as well.Thanks for reading,since it was a pretty long post!Me or Nibbles will post again soon,and please leave comments.Oh,and sometimes the video doesn't load.I don't know how to remove it,but I can delete and re-post this post to get rid of it if it doesn't work,so tell me in comments if it doesn't.Thanks!

♥ Teddy & Teddy J

Reccomended Cages :-)

Hey everyone! Nibbles here ( Or as you can call me :O ) 


Today I'm going to be talking about some of the cages that '' Teddy '' and I recommend. 
First off I'm going to start off by saying my three recommended brands of cages and accessories are : 

• Habitrail.
• Rotastak
• Crittertrail

So what I have for my hamster Nibbles is the Habitrail Ovo Suite. 

I really like this cage because of the space and entertainment it provides for my hamster. 

As you can see above it has the main room at the bottom which contains a wheel that joins onto the 

stairs leading up to the food bowl. And underneath the food bowl is a hidey hut in which your hamster 

can nest. Also the food station and wheel can be taken out.

Then on your left you see the green small area which can be used for anything really e.g. Toilet ; Food storage ; Sand bathing area etc.. Then on the top you see the blue Travel compartment which you detach from the cage so you can use to take it travelling or used when cleaning the cage.  Also on the left you see the blue water bottle. Its a vacuum seal bottle and to vacuum seal it you must shake three times and wait till it stops dripping or it won't stop. 

http://www.habitrail.com/

Rotastak

Rotastak and Habitrail are more the of the same thing. Cages and accessories for hamsters.

Teddy has the Rotastak Tunnel of Fun cage.

As you can see there are three levels to this cage. The main area at the bottom is the biggest space for toys and the small bottle of water. This is also where you get to each floor. Coming out of the bottom cage is the biggest tunnel with a yellow ball for sitting or resting in. This is a wonderful feature to the cage as its act almost like a window so your pet can see. This brings us to the second largest area in this cage. This space has bit of barring over the plastic dome. I think this would be a good area for treats and the food bowl. Then there is the sleeping hut. You can add this just above the bottom floor as shown or make a third floor by adding it over the second floor. Just like every other hiding space its perfect for nesting in. Fill this with bedding and its the perfect place for your hamster to relax.

http://www.myrotastak.co.uk/

CritterTrail - 

Crittertrail is also just like Habitrail and Rotastak. My younger brother also owns a Syrain hamster and he has the CritterTrail Z.

You can see in the picture above that this cage is fun and spaceful. It also consists of three compartments. 

The main bottom floor is spacious and has the corner for the small food bowl , a corner with a small window which you can not see in the photo and a corner in which the water bottle hangs from. Here on this floor I would put the toys and treats owned my your furry little friend. There are two tubes leading to other areas in the cage. The first tunnel I will talk about is the tunnel on the right hand side. This leads up to the green hamster ball that your  hamster can run about in. What I really like about this is that you can detach the hamster ball , secure it with the escape proof door and let your hamster run about on the floor. Now the tunnel on the left leads you to the sleeping area. As I said with the Rotastak cage fill it with bedding and its a cosy place for your hamster to nest. What I like about this is that it opens easily and shuts easily. If you do buy this cage please note not to fill the sleeping area up with too much bedding as the door can open if too full. 

http://www.superpetusa.com

What I love about all of these cages and brands is that all the products are colourful and fun and something you would like to add too and have fun with :-) Highly recommended :D

♥Nibbles xxx

The First Post!

Teddy's post!


Ok,you can call me  Teddy,(in honour of my hamster)and welcome to our FIRST  post!Well,I hope you all had a great Hallowe'en,and I'm pretty sure it's time to be stocking up for the winter.So fill your CHEEK POUCHES with this handy winter info for your hammy!

• If you live in a place where it snows or freezes during the winter,it would be probably be best to stock up on bedding,sleeping fluff and food for your hamster.This prevents starvation if you run out of food and don't have access to anywhere close.
• Before the weather is bad,buy a few bottles of bottled water.This isn't just for you,but if the pipes freeze,it will mean your pet won't have anything to drink.So if you use bottled water,your hammy won't be left thirsty,and you can leave the water without changing it for around 2-3 days.
• Keep hammy-boo in a warm place.Hamsters can fall in a deep,coma-like sleep if their body temperature falls below around 5.C (41.F) which is like hibernation.To prevent this,keep his cage in a warm place,and wrap blankets around the cage.If the hamster goes into ''hibernation'',put his cage in a warm,dark place and leave it their for a few hours.Just before you turn the heating on at full blast,they can get heat stroke(I know,it's ridiculous since it's winter)in surroundings above 20.C(68.F).

Ok,theres a few facts,if you need help,just comment!

♥ Teddy!

(Sources:Hamster Family Pet Guide,by David Alderton.)