Hey everyone, i've just joined as i got my hamster (Tofu) two days ago
There's a few things i'm worried/wondering about and hope you guys can help!
He's a male syrian hamster and is about 8/10 weeks old!
1. I have one of those huge Rotastak set-ups for him but he immediately started building his nest in the long tubes! I'm worried about this as i know they're not very well ventilated. Other than this, is it a problem? Should i try and persuade him to move?

2. He moved all of his food up into the tubes, which i know is normal but i don't know whether i should keep filling his food bowl everyday when he has lots of food up in his nest already? Should i try and get the old food out? It isnt fresh fruit and veg, its readily prepared dry hamster food. How often should i give him fresh fruits and vegetables?

3. I've only had him for two days so am slowly trying to introduce myself to him before picking him up, i've let him smell my hand, given him treats from my hand etc but is there anything else i could do to get him more comfy with me?

Thank yooooooou! xx

1. I have one of those huge Rotastak set-ups for him but he immediately started building his nest in the long tubes! I'm worried about this as i know they're not very well ventilated. Other than this, is it a problem? Should i try and persuade him to move? If possible, I'd get hold of a new cage for him immediately. Rotastak are notorious for killing Syrian hamsters as the tubes are too small for them and poorly ventialted as well. They are also too small to fit a Syrian sized wheel in. If he's building a nest in the tubes I would be very worried. You can move it, but chances are, he'll just move it back each night. Please, if you can get a proper cage, do so. You can find some great suggestions on here, and cheap cages on ebay. If you want any cage advice, I'd be happy to recommend some.

2. He moved all of his food up into the tubes, which i know is normal but i don't know whether i should keep filling his food bowl everyday when he has lots of food up in his nest already? Should i try and get the old food out? It isnt fresh fruit and veg, its readily prepared dry hamster food. How often should i give him fresh fruits and vegetables? Don't fill his bowl everyday, it will only get wasted. The average Syrian needs only 10g of hamster mix daily, so what I do is only give them that, scattered around the cage for them to forage for. The dry mix should last fine in his bed until his cage is cleaned weekly. Fresh fruit and veggies can be given every 2 or 3 days. Veggies are better than fruits as fruits can be a bit too sweet and sugary. I find broccoli and carrot is good for mine.

3. I've only had him for two days so am slowly trying to introduce myself to him before picking him up, i've let him smell my hand, given him treats from my hand etc but is there anything else i could do to get him more comfy with me? You can rub your hands in the woodshavings/bedding so your hand will smell like him. Other than that, you are doing everything right. Talking to him gently too will get him used to your voice.

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I would love to see piccies of him. Can't offer any more advice than happysaz has there is a bargain cage thread on here where people put good chaep cages they have found on Ebay etc and a hamster treat thread, both are really useful
Hamster Bargains
Hamster Treats.

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gsds (Henrick and Bella), the cats (Syd, Lilly, Elvis and Dizzy), the gerbils (Honey, Lisa, crusty, Millhouse, Flanders, Bart and Homer), the rats (Valentine, Flower, Petal, Blossom, Koda, Cava, George), the mice (Minnie, Pop, Seudag, Caraid, Silver, Trouble, Athena, Pandora, Aphrodite, Meep, and Springtime)

Thank you so much for all of your help and advise! Should i just remove the tubes from the cage and put the rest of it back together so he has to make his nest elsewhere? xx

Rotastak is small enough, without the tubes it will probably be even smaller. Do you have a picture of the cage you have?

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I am in the process of finding add-ons, the main priority being a wired part for added ventilation. Also one of those attic bedroom parts that he may feel safe in and use as his nest instead? I bought two little hideaway homes for him but i think they're too small and thats why he hasn't used them! I've for the moment fashioned a little hideaway out of a box and put some of the bedding from his nest in it! Is that ok?
Aaah i'm really worried xx

If I were you I'd probably get a new cage like a Savic Cambridge or something (if you can afford to and stuff) as I think the Rotastaks are a little to small for Syrians on their own and I worry about the tubes. But, saying that, someone on here (can't remember who now!) has their syrian in a Rotastak setup, which I think has 13 parts or something and they seem perfectly happy! But I think syrians prefer a large floor space which you can't get with rotastak parts.

If you can't afford to buy a new cage at the moment you could make a temporary bin cage (if you don't have other pets that will eat your hammy!)

You have to post piccies asap!!

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Sadly that whole cage is a bit too small. You need height for a syrian hamster so they can have a safe wheel. Cages like these are more suitable...

Savic Cambridge Navy Blue Hamster Cage 62x36x43cm by: Savic - Amazing

Hamster Heaven Hamster Cage by Savic-Cages and stands-Pets at Home: Buy Pet Supplies from our Online UK Pet Shop

If you are going to be buying add ons for the rotastak, I would just save money and buy a more suitable cage.

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Ooooh you're in Brighton Sorry, just noticed! If you get a new cage but can't get it for any reason, I'm usually travelling so if you need it delivered gimme a PM.

Peace
Akai-Chan