Five Ways to Find a Lost Hamster

Has your cute, furry hamster escaped the confines of his cage to go exploring? You will have to work quickly, since he is so small there are hundreds of hiding places within the home. Do not fear, sit down and think of some strategic ways to lure him back in, and he will be racing on that exercise wheel in no time.

  1. Look Through Holes and Cracks

    • A hamster can slip through any holes or cracks in the wall, as small as an inch in diameter. Make this the first place you search, especially if you have an older home with possible cracks in the wall. Check under the doors of your home to make sure the space is not large enough for the hamster to escape outside. If there is a space, place a rolled up towel under the door.

    Listen Carefully

    • Hamsters are nocturnal creatures. Turn off all televisions and other noise-makers and listen carefully. Notice if there are any strange gnawing sounds or squeaks. Move closer to the source and try to figure out exactly where the noise is. Make a loud noise to see if the hamster responds to it. If so, move closer to the sound.

    Place Food Throughout the House

    • Set your hamster's favorite treats in small piles in the room where you think he may be hiding. Quietly sit in a corner and wait to see if he comes out and discovers the food. If you get tired, instead of waiting all night, sprinkle flour around the dish of food. When you awaken, you will see his paw prints in the flour and be able to follow the prints; then you will have a clue to where he is hiding.

    Set a Trap

    • Set a bucket on the floor and use a wooden board to make a slope on the side. Place food around the bucket and a trail of food on the plank, leading into the bucket. The hamster will consume the food on the board and jump into the bucket to get more. Place something soft and a few treats in the bucket. Make sure the sides are tall enough to prevent another escape.

    Leave Cage Accessible

    • The hamster's cage is his safe haven. He know that it contains comforts such as food, water and piles of shreddings. Leave the cage door open, so that the hamster may find his way back when ready. Hamsters naturally like to burrow, so place extra shreddings in his cage. If he is close enough, he will recognize the aroma of home and find his way back into the cage.