Species: Dwarf hamster

Gender: Male

Estimated age: unknown, 4-6 months old as of Dec 2020

Likes: burrowing, mealworms, millet sprays

Dislikes: being disturbed

This beautiful boy is shy but sassy! And is often willing to squabble with you until you give him a snack! He came from an unfortunate hoarding situation along with more than 120 other hamsters and due to his past Hamry tends to be rather vocal about things he dislikes. 

He is a little protective of his nest and has a tendency to squeak angrily if you disturb it. He has since calmed down but can be easily placated with a treat (while grumpily squeaking in between munches).

He is fine with being hand-fed and will nose around your palm for snacks to pouch. He may gently nibble your fingers out of curiosity but is not known to bite. 

Meatball enjoys burrowing and you can see him sneak through the bedding to find food and climb into his wheel. Or you may see a head poke out through the bedding hoping you will realise it is time to give him treats. Hides like tunnels and peephole boxes will be most appreciated by this boy.

While Meatball is grumpy about being handled, he is easy to pick up and is very docile once you take him out of the cage. He's a bit blur and clueless and would waddle around his free roam area slowly to check everything out. He always carries a bento box with him and once he's settled down he will unpouch his food for a second breakfast. His charm point is once he pancakes on his wheel he will let you pet him. 

He's a great hamster for first time owners since he rarely bites and is rather slow moving when you take him out or pick him up. Be mindful of his personal space and take your time getting to understand his body language and you will have yourself a quirky little fella with a soft demeanour! 

For more videos, photos and a chat with the fosterer feel free to DM @hamcakes.friends on Instagram. 

Requirements

• Cage: 70cmx40cm or bigger (min. 2800cm² unbroken floor space). Currently housed in an IKEA Samla. 

• Wheel: 21cm or larger. A 25cm wheel is preferred. 

• Diet: Fatpouches or Rodipet. He gains weight pretty easily so regular weighing would be helpful! Foster is willing to provide guidance on this. 

• Enrichment: minimum 3 hideouts

• Bedding: Paper bedding. Currently in a mix of paper and aspen. You'll need to provide enough for burrowing otherwise he won't leave his hide.