If a hamster can get his head through a gap, then he can probably squeeze the rest of his body through, too. Prevention is better than cure: make sure that you always close the cage door (and so do the children!) and always put the cage back together correctly when you clean out your pet. There will always be an unforeseen event, however, and when your hamster has escaped, then how do you find him?
Where has the Hamster Gone?
When you find your pet hamster gone, consider the possibilities – where could he have gone? Do you know how long he has been gone and what small places could a hamster get into in that room?
Where your hamster has gone depends on how much time he has had. A hamster that escaped in the middle of the night has disappeared far more thoroughly than a hamster that nipped under the settee when your back was turned. Check in all the obvious places first. Your hamster may try to go behind kitchen units because he can smell food there.
Listen for Sounds of Your Hamster
If your hamster escaped in the night, then he will have found somewhere to sleep for the day. To track this hamster down, you will need to wait until he becomes active in the early evening. The first thing to do is to listen. Turn all sounds off and listen for scrabbling sounds or movement that may give you an indication where he is. Try to isolate rooms where he might be by closing doors and listening in each room in turn. Finding out where he is will be a good start.
Try a Bucket Trap
When you think you might know where he is, then build a trap. Use a high-sided bucket and build a ramp of books up to it with a small trail of food. A smear of peanut butter on the rim will help, too. Put a little food and a slice of cucumber for moisture in the bucket and leave it in the room where you think the hamster is most likely to be. In the morning, hopefully your hamster will be in the bucket, wondering what happened to his big adventure.
Sometimes hamsters can get themselves into more tricky situations. Some have managed to get behind the gas fire and into the chimney space, others have hidden inside sofas. In these situations, you may need some professional help.
It is important to track your hamster down as soon as possible as no animal can survive without water for longer than about three days. So keep listening, and setting bucket traps to try to entice your hamster out.
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