Logan
07-01-2001, 08:25 AM
I went away on vacation for a week, and left the whole crew at home, knowing that I had a trustworthy petsitter to care for them here. Sunday morning (last Sunday), I got a call from my petsitter, who said that she was upset, but wanted me to know that when she came in to feed everyone and let them outdoors, she found one of the hamster cages overturned, and the little dead hamster, Evelyn, in Lilly's mouth. Lilly is one of my Golden Retrievers. I could not believe that my dogs would overturn the hamster cage, after it had been in the same spot for over 6 months, but we just figured they got bored during the night, and decided to play. The little hamster probably died of fright, or was "mouthed" to death because Kim said she didn't have a scratch on her otherwise.
Phoebe, our remaining hamster was put into a safe place, behind a closed door. Last night, I opened that door and put a baby gate across the doorway, so Phoebe could get better airflow in that room. Guess who I found standing on top of the cage this morning, trying to pry the lid off? Butter!! :eek: I now believe that it was a "team" effort with Evelyn, with everyone participating except for Mimi, who has never shown any interest in the hamsters at all.
I am obviously looking for the safest place to house Phoebe and Evelyn's replacement, which I have promised to my daughter. Plus, I need the safest setup for them too. Right now, I'm using 10 gallon aquariums with screen lids that fit tightly. And strangly enough, I went to the aquariums because they were safer. We rescued Phoebe from my parent's lab's jaws last year, after she overturned the wire cage. Butter is definitely heavy enough and strong enough to have tipped it over. I realize that he has gained a substantial amount of weight and muscle since he came here 6 months ago. Anyone have a suggestion other than having to keep that door closed all the time? Probably the best idea is for us not to have hamsters, but we already have Phoebe, and Helen won't have me finding another home for her.
Logan
[ July 01, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]
Phoebe, our remaining hamster was put into a safe place, behind a closed door. Last night, I opened that door and put a baby gate across the doorway, so Phoebe could get better airflow in that room. Guess who I found standing on top of the cage this morning, trying to pry the lid off? Butter!! :eek: I now believe that it was a "team" effort with Evelyn, with everyone participating except for Mimi, who has never shown any interest in the hamsters at all.
I am obviously looking for the safest place to house Phoebe and Evelyn's replacement, which I have promised to my daughter. Plus, I need the safest setup for them too. Right now, I'm using 10 gallon aquariums with screen lids that fit tightly. And strangly enough, I went to the aquariums because they were safer. We rescued Phoebe from my parent's lab's jaws last year, after she overturned the wire cage. Butter is definitely heavy enough and strong enough to have tipped it over. I realize that he has gained a substantial amount of weight and muscle since he came here 6 months ago. Anyone have a suggestion other than having to keep that door closed all the time? Probably the best idea is for us not to have hamsters, but we already have Phoebe, and Helen won't have me finding another home for her.
Logan
[ July 01, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]