Missing Hamster/Mouse Problem

Question
We have had our syrian hamster Winnie for about 2.5 months.  We came home from an overnight stay a week ago to find her escaped from her cage.

Even though we were worried, we decided to remain calm and search for her and set out a few bucket traps to try to catch her.  After two days it was becoming apparent that the bucket traps weren't working.  We dusted flour around several areas we thought she would be hiding and found a concentration of her tracks near a small doorway in the linen closet that leads under the floor boards (her cage is also right next to the linen closet).  We set out food and water for her to see if she would come get it.  The next morning the food was gone, so we were excited at the prospect of finding her.

Yesterday, with Winnie still missing, I was in the kitchen and spotted a mouse.  Having heard of the dangers of Tyzzer's disease, I started to freak out.  We bought some humane mouse traps (large, cage-like) and set one up near the closet and one near the kitchen where we spotted the mouse.  We were hoping to catch the mouse, but also to catch Winnie as the trap seemed perfect for catching her.

Today we found a mouse in the trap near the closet and let the mouse free in the woods.  We re-baited and reset the trap.  Tonight we awoke to the sound of the trap near the closet and ran out to find another mouse inside.  To our horror, the mouse escaped and ran into the space in the closet where we assumed Winnie to be hiding.  

Now we are officially freaking out.  We have seen a few signs of Winnie (one of her droppings up near the linen closet, larger paw prints next to her cage in some flour), but have not actually seen her for a week.  We have so far been unsuccessful at trapping her, and it is now apparent that we have a mouse infestation, and that the mice are hiding in the same spot where we thought Winnie would be.  I am very worried that Winnie will be/has become infected with Tyzzer's due to her proximity with the mice.  If not that, I am worried about her coming into contact with the mice in general as I have heard they are territorial.  We have no idea how to get Winnie back or how to know if she is safe, or even alive.

We are very worried and any advise would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Lindsey

I'm sorry to hear about Winnie.  It is always a real worry when a hamster escapes.  It is a shame that you found mice too. Right now I wouldn't worry about her picking up any disease - the key thing is to find her, then you can perhaps get her checked out by a vet if necessary.

I would suggest that you continue with the mice traps - it is important to try and get them out of the way.  The problem with mice is that if you release them too close to the house they find their way straight back in again, so if you're not careful and release them a long way from your house you will find yourself catching the same one over and over again.  

If you put any food down it is best not to put too much as you don't want Winnie stashing it all otherwise she won't come out again in search of food for a while.  Regarding the place where you think she is, does it lead anywhere?  Are there any tiny openings at the back that she could get out of?  It is incredible what a tiny space they can get into as they can change their body shape.  Providing their head can get through the rest of them will be able to as well.

The key thing is not to give up on her - nor block any holes in case you trap her.  I would suggest that you keep calling her especially in the evening when she is more likely to be awake and might make a noise in response.  Also continue to put out some food and water for her - if you count the food such as peanuts or sunflower seeds then you'll be able to know exactly how much is missing.  Are you putting her cage on the floor with the door open so she can get back in it?  If not, it would be an idea to do this, especially if you haven't cleaned it as she might be able to pick up her scent on it.

I'm sorry I can't give you any guaranteed solutions.  The only thing is to keep hoping you will find her.  I have heard of hamsters turning up weeks later and they have been fine so please don't give up on her.  If you find her, let her settle in her cage with plenty of food and water and monitor her closely for a few days to see if there are any noticeable problems - if so it would be best to get her to a vet urgently in case she has ingested anything.  She might just want to sleep for a while.  I have been lucky in that all my escapees have been found within 24 hours and most just want to sleep when they go back in their cage as they all seem exhausted after their adventure.

Good luck with this - I hope she turns up soon.

Regards
Sheila