Things You'll Need
- Hamster food
- Hamster treats
- Bucket
- Large book, wood plank, or DVD case
- Towel
- Hamster cage
- Tin foil or newspaper
Instructions
Lock up any animals in your home that can hurt your hamster. If you have a pet snake, cat or dogs, secure them until your hamster in found.
Close off every room. No matter which room your hamster has hidden itself in, you don't want to make it easier for it to run from room to room. This will only prolong your search. Close all windows, cover all holes and shut every door. Use towels to block the crack under doors so the hamster can't squeeze through.
Lay out food in every room your hamster may be in. Put out a sheet of tin foil or newspaper, and in the center of the foil or paper, sprinkle your hamsters favorite food and treats. The foil or newspaper will crinkle when your hamster walks on it to get to the food, and this will help you determine which room your hamster is in.
Place the hamster's cage on the floor where the hamster can get to it. Place it next to the foil or paper with food on it. Your hamster may decide to return to the cage one night after snacking.
Set up bucket traps in each room. Get a bucket with deep sides your hamster can't climb over. Line the bottom of the bucket with a towel to provide a soft landing, and sprinkle in your hamster's favorite treats and food. Create a ramp on the outside of the bucket leading to the top using books, DVDs, a piece of wood, anything that will stay sturdy and let your hamster climb to the top. (Use treats to lure your hamster onto the ramp). Each day, check the buckets to see if your hamster has fallen into one of them.
Turn off everything in the house each night when your hamster is the most active, except for a dim light. Listen carefully for any scuffling, rattling or even chewing.