Glass Jars

Question
Hi Sheila
My two long hair Syrian hamsters use glass jars as their sleeping areas. (separate cages) The jars are on their side. One of the hamsters however seems to fill the opening of the jar with the bedding (carefresh and shredded tissue), sealing himself in. After he's in their a while I can see condensation forming on the inside of the jar, so if I notice I unplug the bottle a bit. I check the bedding every night and have noticed on occasion it is damp, so I change it.(no doubt from the condensation) They love the jars, it is the only thing they've really stayed interested in. They've rejected all the store bought homes I've provided. The condensation concerns me, is it harmful to them? It certainly doesn't bother them, but I know that hammies have rather sensitive respiratory systems. I'm sure in the plastic homes the same thing might happen...but that doesn't necessarily make it okay. Do I have cause for concern, or are they just being hamsters?? Otherwise, they're great.  Thanks

Answer
Hi

I know your hamsters love their jars, but out of love for your hamsters I think you need to be ruthless and take the jars out.  You are correct in that condensation isn't good for hamsters - this is especially true if they store any of their food in their bed, or if they pee in it and the area becomes damp.  Fungal spores can grow on the food/bedding and if they are released into the air and the hamster breathes them in they can become seriously ill and die.  This illness is known as aspergillus and isn't always treatable or detectable until the hamster collapses.

You could see if you can get a coconut shell, or some wooden house that 'breathes'.  I recently found some hamster houses called 'Snack Shack' - these are in fact edible and mine love sleeping in them and they can munch on them if they are too lazy to go and get some food.  

Good luck with this - I hope you find a suitable replacement sleeping area that they are happy with.

Regards