Hammie Haven

Goodbye Evie

2012-01-14T12:15:00.000+08:00

Evie had passed away an hour ago.

Adopted on 24 May 2009

Not Good

2012-01-10T23:17:00.000+08:00

Earlier this week, I noticed something is not right with Evie.

Upon closer inspection ... one of her eyes is covered with mucus. And that same side of her face is distorted. Her lower body is swollen.

Last but not least I suspected that she is having wet tail.

Haiz ...

Just when I comforted myself that Evie is still healthy & eating well, I saw her moving about like an elderly.

Haiz ...

She will be next.

Haiz ...

The 2 Black Boys

2011-12-17T16:19:00.000+08:00

Oh ... Did I mention that Kootra & Zeeke are brothers?!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I had finally managed to take clear pics of the boys'.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kootra

Zeeke

Dinner is Served

2011-11-28T23:35:00.009+08:00

Ever since the commercial brand Vitakraft increased their price by 50%, plus I have 5 hamsters, I decided to feed the brood purely on fresh food.

And so far so good. Esp with Evie nearing her 2.5yrs with me.

These are the brood's staple food.

The white cabbage is said to be too "watery" so purple cabbage is the alternative.

From today onwards, I will adding a half quail egg for that added boost. *cheesy grin*

Updates

2011-11-27T23:23:00.003+08:00

The Brood
A week after I adopted Kootra, Snowie passed away. So I went back to Kootra's breeder to see if she has anymore pups to rehome.

And lucky me, she had. So I adopted another blackie which I named him Zeeke. Unfortunately I do not have a decent picture of him. Becos he is super skittish, just like Kootra. And he loves to put his face right in front of the camera. Kekekeke!!!!

The Hamster Villa
With Zane's passing, I have one spare NPF Cage. And since Nova is having some coat/skin condition, I have decided to join the two NPF cages for him. So that he can have a better living condition, hoping that it will stop &/or help his coat/skin condition.

With this, it gave me the idea to do the same for Kootra. Esp since Evie is not well herself. Well, she is as fit as a bull. Just that she is close to 2.5yo and I suspect that she is blind. There is a "cloud" in both her eyes. So I wanna downgrade her to a smaller cage. And lucky me I managed to get a 2nd hand Habitrail Cage during the weekend.

Yes, I sold mine off a few months ago. And now I'm buying it back. What an irony eh.

So now, I have connected two NPF cages for both Kootra & Nova. Oh. Kootra is having the same coat/skin condition as Nova. So hope the new living conditions will help.

Kootra is on the left. Nova is on the right.

And this is how the four small cages look like together.

The other two - Lola & Zeeke are housed in the iMac Fantasy & Ferplast Cage respectively.

Left: Lola in iMac. Right: Zeeke in Ferplast.

Zane Boi

2011-09-14T09:00:00.004+08:00

Zane passed away last nite ... after suffering from an internal growth which lasted for 2 weeks.

Last weigh-in on 10 April 2010: 70g

****************************
Zane, Male Pearl WW
(Adopted on 28 Sept 2009)
(28 Sept 2009 - 13 Sept 2011)
****************************

RIP, Zane Boi. You had led a wonderfully long life.

Run Free ... Run Wild ...

****************************

(PS: I will not be continuing keeping hamsters once this batch has run its course.)

My First Syrian

2011-04-20T22:13:00.025+08:00

Was Snowie ... and she passed away earlier today.

A week ago, I noticed that she had some bloody discharge. And she had also stopped running the wheel. It was then I knew she will be the next to go. As the days passed, I noticed that Snowie was breathing very heavily. Yet she still took her fresh food. Esp the pumpkin & sweet peas.

This morning when I checked on her. She was munching at the fresh food in her sleep. I stroked her before I set off for work.

After work, from a distance I saw her carcass in the dreaded familiar position.

8 Feb 2009 - 20 April 2011

Snowie-ger, I'm glad that our paths crossed. Cos you introduced to me the joy of having a Syrian. And I know that you're glad to be part of my life. Cos you had lived a full 2 years under my care.

I'm already missing you, Snowie. But I know we shall meet again

Kootra: K9 Naturals

2011-04-06T23:20:00.002+08:00

Evie: K9 Naturals

2011-04-05T23:14:00.000+08:00

A New Blackie

2011-04-03T23:32:00.015+08:00

After Yuki's tragic passing, I really have no mood nor the heart to bring home a hamster. But a fellow hamster lover offered her one of her litter ... should I changed my mind.

Yes, she knew about Yuki's tragedy. But she is still willing to offer me one of her pups.

After sleeping over it, I just cudn't resist another lil furball. And it was a pleasant surprise when she rehomed her newest pup to me. And he was only 3 weeks old. And such a lil furball too.

GC was so delighted to have another male furball, so he had named it Kootra ... after one of his pc-thingy-characters. As I am lazy to think of "better" names, the name stays.

So here is Kootra, a LH Black Syrian. DOB is 12 March 2011. The first thing he did upon arriving home was to burrow himself in the bedding.

Then he went into the sandbox and stayed in there for a quite long while.

Altho his food dish already has the organic mix, he didn't touch it. Until I fed fresh vege to the brood later that night.

Snowie: Organic Goodness

2011-04-03T00:36:00.001+08:00

Snowie having an afternoon snack .... in her sleep.
BWahahahaaaaa!!!!!!!

Nova: Organic Goodness

2011-04-02T20:29:00.001+08:00

This is where Nova stashes the big organic nut.

Evie: Organic Goodness

2011-04-02T20:21:00.000+08:00

Evie: Burrow

2011-04-02T20:15:00.000+08:00

A New Organic Mix

2011-04-01T00:14:00.003+08:00

All along I have been feeding the brood this organic mix. But when the seller starts getting busy with school that I decided to look for an alternative.

My initial plan was to do the mix myself. Yes, it was a ridiculous & crazy thought. And I was still toying with the idea when someone point me in this direction. It is more costly but I have to try. Cos I dun like the commercial mix which is more costly. So I went ahead and order 1 pack to try.

I received the pack on Tuesday.

Organic Goodness ... and it smells delish too.

The brood's 1st feed.

Digging In.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is what's left after two days.

And I also fed them some fresh veges,

Which is dearly missed by the two small ones.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What we will do for our hammies *cheesy grin*

Lola: Rock'N'Roll

2011-03-24T21:28:00.000+08:00

Lola's first run in the exercise ball while I clean her cage.

And she was in this position, rocking away. Until I was finished with her cage.

Which is just like Juno's first taste of the exercise ball.

Yuki: A Tragic End

2011-03-17T00:13:00.001+08:00

Sad to say that Yuki had passed away due to a tragic incident. The incident happened during the night of 14 March (Monday). I wasn't aware of it until the morning of 15 March (Tuesday). When I came back from work on Tuesday evening, she was gone.

*************************

Yuki, my SPCA-ger

20 Nov 2010 - 15 March 2011

Lola: Naptime

2011-03-06T21:24:00.001+08:00

Change Address

2011-03-02T23:36:00.001+08:00

Nova's new address is the iMac Fantasy, while Yuki's new address is the Ferplast Mini Duna.

The change is due to the fact that Nova loves running and he was causing a big ruckus while running in the Ferplast.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Nova (Feb 2011 - 86g; Mar 2011 - 90g).

I might get him to exchange address with Lola.

After that last shot was taken, before I cud do anything, the lil fella just PLOPPED onto the floor. BWahahahaaa!!!!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yuki (Feb 2011 - 103g; Mar 2011 - 104g)

My Lil Senorita

2011-02-27T23:19:00.014+08:00

With the passing of Juno, I have space for another Syrian. And lucky me that someone was rehoming his accidental litter. So I grabbed the opportunity and brought home a senority - Lola. (FYI: Her previous owner named her Lili and I was out of creative juices so I just twitched that name to Lola.)

And she is one big momma ... weighing a 126g. And she is one big eater. Cos she finishes her share of the fresh vege while the others would have some leftover.

According to her previous owner, his mother fed the litter thrice a day - dry mix (morning), fresh vege (afternoon), dry mix (at night). It sounded exactly like what I am doing. Nevertheless, she is one beautiful senorita.

Currently she is housed in the NPF cage. I might move her to the iMac cage. Especially since Nova doesn't seem to grown in size.

Oh she is born in July 2009. Since the owner cudn't remember the date, I will use the date I brought her home as her birth date too. So her birthday falls on 26 July 2010.

Juno: PTS

2011-02-22T22:48:00.003+08:00

Juno was PTS at 7.30pm on 21 Feb 2011.

Over the course of two days, Juno's condition didn't improve. It had worsen ... the lump at the neck had growth twice in size ... I cud feel some stone-like thingy in there ... the tummy-lump seems to have grown bigger too ... her eye-mucus was also not any better.

Seeing her breathing so difficulty, it just pained me more. So after work on 21 Feb, Monday, I brought Juno back to the vet to be euthanized.

******************************************

Juno

Adopted on 18 Nov 2009

(17 July 2009 - 21 Feb 2011)

Juno: No Good

2011-02-18T21:56:00.001+08:00

Juno's condition didn't improve since the last vet visit. Instead, there is a very soft & wobbly lump at her neck. And the lump in her tummy seems to be bigger. (Note to self: weigh Juno before vet visit.)

Her breathing is still the same. Her appetite is still the same.

Haiz!

Come to the worst, I will euthanize her :(

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

ETA: 19 Feb 2011

After an x-ray ... the lump at her neck is confirmed to be a mass surrounded by liquid. The growth in her tummy is confirmed to be another mass of suspected-infection. Both masses are suspected to grow. And she is given the most 2 months.

As Juno is not showing signs of physical discomfort, I will hold onto her ... for as long as I can ...

Zane: Photo Update

2011-02-12T13:05:00.000+08:00

The cutest guy in the neighbourhood

Another yo-yo weight management.

- 70g (25 Sept 2010)
- 64g (20 Nov 2010)
- 68g (9 Jan 2011)
- 64g (12 Feb 2011)

Yuki: Photo Update

2011-02-12T13:01:00.000+08:00

Yuki is a super light sleeper. She will wake up at the slightest disturbance.

I try not to worry to much abt the weight. But still ... haiz ...

- 103g (20 Nov 2010)
- 108g (9 Jan 2011)
- 103g (12 Feb 2011)

Snowie: Photo Update

2011-02-12T12:58:00.000+08:00

Another nocturnal animal.

And I'm glad to report that Snowie is slowly gaining her weight back since her leg injury in Nov 2010.

- 97g (25 Sept 2010)
- 84g (20 Nov 2010)
- 88g (9 Jan 2011)
- 91g (12 Feb 2011)

As the saying goes ... Slow & Steady Wins the Race ...

Nova: Photo Update

2011-02-12T12:55:00.000+08:00

Nova is a typical nocturnal animal. Nothing will stir him from his beauty sleep.

His weight in Jan 2011 was 64g. Now he is 86g. KEWL !!!!!

Juno: Photo Update

2011-02-12T12:52:00.001+08:00

Since the vet visit, there's been an improvement in her breathing ... less laboured. And her appetite has improved slightly. Hope it continues this way.

Before I brot Juno to the vet, she weighed at 116g. But she has gained another 2g which I am hoping it's not due to the growth inside her :(.

Evie: Photo Update

2011-02-12T12:49:00.000+08:00

No change in weight since Jan 2011 @ 33g. Generally, she's still the samo-samo.

Juno: Time Flies

2011-02-09T00:41:00.001+08:00

Who would have thot that the Dark Princess is now 1.5yo?

Times flies.

A few nights ago, I noticed Juno breathing real hard. On top of that, she wasn't eating her usual amount of the fresh food. Upon closer look, I realized that her tummy has a growth & feels tender. With this, I took half-day leave today and brought her to the vet.

And the vet did confirm my suspicious abt Juno's tummy, esp the growth. So she suggested surgery or medication. I opted for the latter cos the situation is just 3-day-old. So hopefully the ailment can be eliminated with the help of the meds.

And that stained chin was due to the medicine-feeding.

Oh, she weighed 116g which is a 10g jump from the last weigh-in. And it's probably due to the growth.

Jan 2011 Weigh-In

2011-01-09T12:10:00.000+08:00

As at 9 Jan 2011
Nova
- 64g

Yuki
- 103g (20 Nov 2010)
- 108g (9 Jan 2011)

Juno
- 106g (25 Sept 2010)
- 112g (20 Nov 2010)
- 106g (9 Jan 2011)

Snowie
- 97g (25 Sept 2010)
- 84g (20 Nov 2010)
- 88g (9 Jan 2011)

Zane
- 70g (25 Sept 2010)
- 64g (20 Nov 2010)
- 68g (9 Jan 2011)

Evie
- 29g (25 Sept 2010)
- 27g (20 Nov 2010)
- 33g (9 Jan 2011)

WOW!!!!! I did notice that Evie has been eating more than usual. And the scale confirmed that.

I'm real glad that Snowie is gaining weight. Keeping fingers crossed that it will continue.

Strangely enuf, Juno has lost quite a bit of weight. Hmmm ... upon recollection, she didn't quite finish her fresh food during this past week.

I was told that Yuki can go as high as 190g. Esp when she's still under 1yo.

In-Out In-Out

2011-01-08T23:08:00.010+08:00

I hereby declare that I'll not stop keeping hamsters as pets. With this, may I present you with my newest addition ... a male Syrian ... Nova. He was born on 25 Nov 2011.

And he'll be housed in the Ferplast Mini Duna Cage.

First order of the day was to check out his new crib.

Then make sure the fridge is fully stocked up ...

Then the gym ...

Last but not least, the cupboards for some snacks ...

And it seems like a good place to nap too.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-12-29T22:31:00.002+08:00

Earlier this evening, I sold 1 porcelain hamhead & 1 porcelain cube.

Tomorrow night will be the 2ft tanks' turn. As Snowie's been licking her rear end and the ventilation is real bad, she is stinking up the tank. So with Pixie gone, Snowie is now housed in the Orange NPF. With this, I have space for one more hamster ... one more Syrian to be exact. And if & when I do adopt one, I will get the Ferplast Mini Duna.

And lucky lucky me ... cos I managed to be able to adopt one baby Syrian, less than 6mo. On top of that, Kimchi's ex-owner has to rehome her Syrian. And since she knows I'm eyeing the Mini Duna, she has offered to sell me the same cage plus the full set of accessories at a dirt cheap price.

So come Tuesday 4 Jan 2011, I will be collecting the Mini Duna. Then followed by the baby Syrian on Saturday 8 Jan 2011.

I'm so excited manz!!! I'm back to a full house of lil furballs. On top of that, I would have FOUR SYRIANS !!!!

!!!!!! YAAAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYA !!!!!

Too Sudden

2010-12-25T13:12:00.003+08:00

Pixie-ger passed away in the wee morning of Christmas Eve. And it took me so long to blog abt it was becos it was too sudden for it to sink in.

***********************************

The night before Christmas Eve, I fed the brood as usual. I watched them take their first bite as usual. Then I saw something which took my breath away. Pixie's posture was very off. Esp at the shoulder blades. And my first thot was ... same as Snowie ... stroke ... lost the use of the legs ... etc, etc, etc. On top that, Pixie seemed to hv difficulty in breathing ... panting.

So I picked her up for a closer look. And true enuf, all of her four legs were moving in a distorted manner. Esp the left fore leg. And her rib cage seemed to be have closed up around her chest area. With that, the physical body had a hunchback-and-tensed-up look. Then I noticed that her eyes, they were so ... so tired ... so lifeless. It was then I knew it ... the end was near.

When I placed her back in the cage, she immediately went into the sand box. And stayed in there ... panting. Speaking of sandbox, she didn't pee at all during the week which was strange. So unlike her. Yet ... yet I didn't ... didn't trust my instincts to have a look at Pixie-ger. That makes her passing even more difficult to sink in.

***********************************
Pixie came to me unexpectedly when I was supposed to adopt a pudding.

^{12 Dec 2009 - 24 Dec 2010}

Altho she didn't like my handling her, she always looked forward to mealtime.

***********************************

So long, Pixie-ger.

Yuki: Hamhead No More

2010-12-19T16:19:00.002+08:00

Altho Yuki loves the hamhead, I have decided to change it to the porcelain dish. Cos she's been peeing in AND sleeping in the same spot. Then another hamster-owner suggested the dish to wean Yuki off that habit.

So off I went to IMM's Diaso, the everything-is-S$2-store, to get the dish. To be frank, I have been there several times. But I just cudn't seem to find anything I like. So this time, I forced myself to pick up two dishes.

And I am so relieved that Yuki is okay to sleep in it too.

Yes, the grills are very rusty. So all the more I should get a new cage, right? Like the Ferplast Mini Duna Cage? *cheesy grin*

The Hamster Hospice

2010-12-18T01:00:00.000+08:00

With Snowie's leg injury, I just dun like the thot of her running the OVO Trainer. So I've decided to trade the OVO Suite for the 2ft tank.

And lucky me cos I had managed to find a buyer for the OVO rather quick. With that, I went ahead to buy the tank from the local hamster forum.

At first, I was so not liking the tank. Even contemplated getting the Ferpalst Mini Duna. But after forcing myself to let it sink deeper, I think it's the best for Snowie. Especially when she loves running the wheel.

And I've finally found the right layout for the tank.

But again, the Mini Duna Cage is still on my radar ... for Yuki.

Snowie's Miracle Recovery

2010-11-29T12:11:00.000+08:00

From this, this and this to this.

And now the official announcement of it.

Click at the pic to be directed to the newsletter.

This is a STEAL manz !!!!

2010-11-25T19:30:00.001+08:00

Earlier today, I saw this BIG BIG porcelain cup in the neighbourhood provision shop. And the first thot that can to mind was "Yuki". It looks so much bigger than the big hamheads the other two gers are having. And it was so much cheaper too ... at $2.50 only. So I just grabbed for it !!!!

And Yuki is loving it to bits ... forgoing the OVO Dens for it.

Nov 2010 Weight Update

2010-11-21T10:07:00.002+08:00

As at 20 Nov 2010
Yuki
- 103g (20 Nov 2010)

Juno
- 106g (25 Sept 2010)
- 112g (20 Nov 2010)

Snowie
- 97g (25 Sept 2010)
- 84g (20 Nov 2010)

Zane
- 70g (25 Sept 2010)
- 64g (20 Nov 2010)

Pixie
- 41g (25 Sept 2010)
- 39g (20 Nov 2010

Evie
- 29g (25 Sept 2010)
- 27g (20 Nov 2010)

It seems like all has lost weight except for Juno.

Poor Snowie, she lost so much weight. I suspect it's due to her leg injury. Hope she is able to gain it back.

Whereas for Juno, I suspect it's becos I removed the wheel. So she has nowhere to exercise. Kekeke!!! Maybe I should put the OVO Trainer back, eh.

New Gal - Ms Yuki

2010-11-20T16:27:00.000+08:00

Earlier this week, there's a mention in the local hamster forum that someone had "dumped" a litter of 15 Syrians at the local SPCA. When I heard the word "Syrian", I just went bonkers. Cos I adore Syrians.

Altho I do have a spare cage setup, I also have a floor-space-problem. And I was more or less had no intention to bring in another Syrian. But the hamster community (esp those who know me well) kept cajoling me that there are ways of having ONE MORE lil one. And it nagged at me until I decided to drop by the SPCA .... Yes, and adopted one lil one.

As I had no experience dealing with male Syrians, I was hoping to adopt a ger. And lucky me, there was one ger left when I arrived.

And may I present you with Ms Yuki (renamed from Yuji).

"My mummy is so ecstatic that I love to wear skirts.

Cos my two older sisters dun."

First taste of Organic Feed.

First-Class Gym

"Once again, my mummy is super ecstatic that I wear a skirt to the gym too."

Ms Yuki giving her new home a look-over.

(click at the picture to view it in animated version)

Oh ... Ms Yuki weighs a whopping 103g. The heaviest among my three Syrian gers.

Almost there

2010-11-12T09:46:00.002+08:00

It's been a week. And Snowie's hindlegs are back to working condition, altho not as good as before.

!!! Hallelujah !!!

I'm gonna continue with the physiotherapy for a while more before moving her back to the OVO. Or rather add the OVO extensions to the iMac cage. Cos it seems like she prefers the 21cm wheel to the OVO Trainer.

A Miracle?

2010-11-02T15:11:00.001+08:00

Just last week, after much observation, it was confirmed that Snowie has lost the use of both her hind legs.

And since I am feeding the Nzymes to Gi for her arthritis, and there are excellent reviews of the product doing wonders for the pets’ legs, I decided to feed Snowie too. There's no harm trying.

I first fed Snowie on 29 Oct. Then two days later, I noticed that left hind leg is back to working condition. But not back to normal. And she’s using it to run the wheel. Then during the subsequent days, I noticed that the right hind leg is starting to move too. With this, I really wonder if it’s the working of the Nzymes. Cos it is not having any effects on Gi *cheesy grin* Then I decided to feed it to the others as an added boost to their health.

Now I am really glad that I had moved Snowie from the OVO to the iMac cage. Cos running the wheel is like a physiotherapy for her.

Double Whammy

2010-10-27T08:43:00.000+08:00

Haiz!

It is confirmed that Snowie has lost the use of her hind legs. BOTH of her hind legs. Last night, I noticed that her rear end was being dragged when she moved.

With this, I had moved her from the OVO (w/lots of tubes & all) to the iMac Fantasy Cage. It's a good thing that I am unable to sell it off.

Initially, I wanted to change to a smaller wheel for her (lighter to run w/just her forelegs). But the moment she saw the 21cm wheel, she rushed to it and were on it for a while. With that, then I realized that she really loves running on the wheel. And I suspect that the OVO Trainer doesn't allow her to run. So the 21cm wheel remains.

Haiz!

My poor poor Snowie.

But on the other hand, she is in good health. No other obvious health issues. *keeping fingers crossed.

A Grave Discovery

2010-10-22T13:41:00.000+08:00

A week ago, I noticed something weird about Snowie's right hind leg. It appeared to be dragging behind her. I did a few tests then but it appeared normal.

Then for the past few days, I noticed that she has difficulty climbing up the tubes. That made me all the suspicious of that hind leg's condition.

And this morning, after several more tests, and taking a closer observation while she moves, it is confirmed that she has lost the use of the hind leg.

Haiz! My poor Snowie.

With this, I've removed the long tube and moved the OVO Den up with the elbow.

Now I Remember

2010-10-20T22:45:00.000+08:00

Once I remembered the reason why I decided to house the two big gers in the OVO series, I went ahead and bought more extensions.

Juno's setup is the OVO Studio.

While Snowie's setup is the OVO Suite.

And below is how both setups looks like.

Weight Update

2010-09-25T23:59:00.000+08:00

As at 25 September 2010
Juno - 106g
Snowie - 97g
Zane - 70g
Pixie - 41g
Evie - 29g

Random Updates

2010-07-04T22:54:00.000+08:00

The Weigh-In Results
Juno - 105g
Snowie - 99g
Zane - 72g
Pixie - 41g
Evie - 29g

OVO Loft
It has been sold. Next will be the IMAC Cage before I bring in the OVO Suite.

Big is Good

2010-07-03T01:15:00.000+08:00

There's been talk of a bigger hamhead in the local hamster community. It is bigger than the one from Daiso but smaller than the one for the Chinchilla.

And since Juno is not taking to sleeping in the dens and transporter, I decided to get one for her. AND since I am getting it, I might as well get one for Snowie, altho she loves the dens to bits.

Not surprisingly, Juno is loving the bigger hamhead to bits. Cos she has made a comfy mess in it.

Blunder Blunder

2010-06-25T11:49:00.002+08:00

Due to my wish-washy-ness, I had missed the chance to sell off my OVO Loft. So now the Loft is somewhere "up" there ... collecting dust. Keeping fingers crossed that the Dowager won't make noise abt that.

With this, I have decided to try selling the IMAC Cage. Whichever got sell off first will decide my next move.

Sell off IMAC cage = buy OVO Adventure Pack
Sell off OVO Loft = buy OVO Suite then sell off IMAC cage.

Haiz! What a blunder munder !!!!

Another New Set up

2010-06-22T20:53:00.007+08:00

Now ... Snowie is being housed in the IMAC Fantasy Cage. And Juno in the OVO Pad.

With this set-up, I am so tempted to get another OVO Pad. Cos there's ample space on the lower deck to build it upwards. On top of that, Snowie is showing signs of cage-gnawing. *roll eyes & bang head* Which also means I am starting to regret selling the OVO Loft.

No !!! Selling the Loft is the right decision. No backing off.

So if & when I do want another OVO Pad, what to do with the IMAC Fantasy Cage? It's not available in Singapore. So it's a rarity. On top of that the grills are in rather bad condition all over the place. I doubt anyone want it. But I can use it as a storage for my hamster stuffs. Provided I can find a space to place the cage in the storeroom. Headache manz!!!! Think I will just let it be and see how ... my mood goes. *cheesy grin*

Oh! The moment Juno found the OVO Trainer, she was running it for close to 5mins. WOW!!!! What a surprise. So it's a good thing that I was unable to sell it off. And the Trainer's size is just nice for her. Which means it'll be the same for Snowie too. Another push factor to get a 2nd OVO Pad. *cheesy grin*

With the arrival of the Orange NPF Cage and the OVO Pad, this is what greeted me upon arrival at home everyday.

Need vs Want

2010-06-20T21:59:00.000+08:00

The two big gers are housed in a HUGE set-up.

But with the extensions of tubes, dens & all, they haven't been using the space to the max. Therefore I've been wanting to downgrade. Esp for Snowie's OVO Loft. But not for Juno's IMAC Fantasy which is not available in Singapore.

And guess what??!! I've finally managed to find a buyer for the Loft. With this, it's either I downgrade to the NPF cage or the OVO Pad. Butt I hv problem connecting the tubes PROPERLY to the existing NPF cages I hv. So OVO Pad is the one. But I can't place the 21cm wheel in the Pad. So I've decided to switch places.

Juno will be using the Pad while Snowie the IMAC Fantasy. Cos Snowie runs more than Juno. So the 21cm wheel will be more suitable for her.

Then ... my next "problem" is the OVO water bottle. I just dun like the way to drink from it. But have it to give a try before doing something abt it.

The New Cage Set-up

2010-06-19T21:41:00.013+08:00

Is an upgrade for ...

Pixie: from Habitrail Safari to Orange NPF Cage
Evie: from normal cage to Habitrail Safari

A close up of Pixie's new cage

New Cage

2010-06-18T17:01:00.000+08:00

YAAAY !!!!! I am finally upgrading one of the hamster cages. And it's my all-time fav NPF Cage.

I bought NPF orange cage which will be used by Pixie. And Evie will take over the Habitrail Safari Cage. With this, the blue 3-storey cage will be sold to someone else.

The new cage is arriving tonite. The blue 3-storey cage is leaving 2mrw.

Two Incoming

2010-05-29T12:44:00.002+08:00

I will be housing two aged ww for a gf who is following her hubby to Shanghai for a few years.

++++++++++++++++++++++

2 June: Edited to Add
No news from gf. So maybe the deal is off? Hmmm ... ...

28 May Weigh-In

2010-05-28T13:36:00.002+08:00

Snowie:
21 Jan 2010: 93g
4 Feb 2010: 91g
25 Feb 2010: 93g
13 Mar 2010: 95g
2 April 2010: 96g
10 April 2010: 99g
28 May 2010: 95g

Juno
21 Jan 2010: 106g
4 Feb 2010: 100g
25 Feb 2010: 100g
13 Mar 2010: 99g
2 April 2010: 105g
10 April 2010: 107g
28 May 2010: 104g

Zane
21 Jan 2010: 34g
4 Feb 2010: 41g
25 Feb 2010: 49g
13 Mar 2010: 55g
2 April 2010: 64g
10 April 2010: 70g
28 May 2010: 71g

Pixie
21 Jan 2010: 39g
4 Feb 2010: 36g
25 Feb 2010: 36g
13 Mar 2010: 38g
2 April 2010: 40g
10 April 2010: 44g
28 May 2010: 42g

Evie
21 Jan 2010: 29g
4 Feb 2010: 29g
25 Feb 2010: 30g
13 Mar 2010: 27g
2 April 2010: 33g
10 April 2010: 33g
28 May 2010: 30g

Kimchi: Another Fighter

2010-05-26T19:03:00.006+08:00

I found Kimchi's lifeless body upon my return from work.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I adopted Kimchi when her first owner had to rehome her due to unforeseen circumstances. She was a lil bundle of joy & a fighter ... refusing to let me handle nor sayang her. Guess it's due to my uncertainty which she cud sense it distinctly.

I discovered that Kimchi had a lump on her hind legs on 17 May. A few days later, she started to have breathe heavily, her movements started to slow down ... and she didn't run away from my touch. Initially.

Just yesterday I noticed that she had mucus on her eyes. Yet she still managed to run away from me when I tried to grab her to clean her eyes.

This morning, Kimchi was positioned next to the food bowl ... breathing heavily. Then I knew I dun have much time with her.

Upon return from work at 6.15pm earlier, I found her lifeless-body next to her food bowl. With this, I am comforted by the thot that Kimchi ate her fill before going.

30 July 2008 - 26 May 2010
Adopted on 4 Oct 2009

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kimchi: Poor Ger

2010-05-17T16:12:00.006+08:00

Kimch-ger has a lump at the hind legs.

It is causing her so much stress that she's starting to sleep in the sandbox. I'm just keeping fingers crossed that it's due to the horrendous heat wave instead.

As my last two hams died in the sand box, it just freaked me out to see her in there.

And Kimchi-ger seems to have lost some weight too.
And her coat condition is not as good as before :(

Sleeping It Off

2010-05-15T19:59:00.000+08:00

On a Saturday morning ...

Kimchi

Zane

Evie

Pixie

Snowie

Juno

I've created a downward layout for Snowie.
So now she has three bedrooms to choose from.
Her sandbox and food are in the loft.

Snowie: Need Air

2010-04-16T14:45:00.000+08:00

10 April Weigh-In

2010-04-10T13:54:00.005+08:00

Snowie:
21 Jan 2010: 93g
4 Feb 2010: 91g
25 Feb 2010: 93g
13 Mar 2010: 95g
2 April 2010: 96g
10 April 2010: 99g

Juno
21 Jan 2010: 106g
4 Feb 2010: 100g
25 Feb 2010: 100g
13 Mar 2010: 99g
2 April 2010: 105g
10 April 2010: 107g

Pixie
21 Jan 2010: 39g
4 Feb 2010: 36g
25 Feb 2010: 36g
13 Mar 2010: 38g
2 April 2010: 40g
10 April 2010: 44g

Evie
21 Jan 2010: 29g
4 Feb 2010: 29g
25 Feb 2010: 30g
13 Mar 2010: 27g
2 April 2010: 33g
10 April 2010: 33g

Kimchi
(weight of exercise ball is 50g)
21 Jan 2010: 27g
4 Feb 2010: 30g
25 Feb 2010: 28g
13 Mar 2010: 27g
2 April 2010: 22g
10 April 2010: 31g

Zane: The Heavyweight Champion

2010-04-10T12:59:00.002+08:00

Zane
21 Jan 2010: 34g
4 Feb 2010: 41g
25 Feb 2010: 49g
13 Mar 2010: 55g
2 April 2010: 64g
10 April 2010: 70g

Kimchi: Now I know

2010-04-07T17:02:00.002+08:00

Now then I realized that Kimchi is a WHITE FACE / HUSKY Robo -> HERE.

BWahahhahaaaahahahaaa!!!!!

Kimchi: Wet Look

2010-04-02T23:28:00.007+08:00

Recently I've noticed a wet-look about Kimchi's coat. And her coat is starting to have a center-parting.

As compared to the last few months.

With this, it prompted me to check on her age & DOB.

According to her previous owner, Kimchi was bought from the petshop on 6 Sept 2008 and she was just 5 weeks old. That would make her DOB to be late July 2008 = 30 July 2008. And that means Kimchi will be reaching her 2yo mark this year July.

Wow. W.O.W.

It is said that a hamster's lifespan is 2 years max. There are hamsters going beyond that. But it is rare.

WOW.

+++++++++++++++++

Edited to add (4 April 2010)

According to Wiki, Robos have a lifespan of 3.5 years at the max. The longest among all pet hamsters.

So maybe the current coat is of the adult Robo.

2 April Weigh-In

2010-04-02T13:14:00.004+08:00

Juno
21 Jan 2010: 106g
4 Feb 2010: 100g
25 Feb 2010: 100g
13 Mar 2010: 99g
2 April 2010: 105g

Snowie:
21 Jan 2010: 93g
4 Feb 2010: 91g
25 Feb 2010: 93g
13 Mar 2010: 95g
2 April 2010: 96g

Zane
21 Jan 2010: 34g
4 Feb 2010: 41g
25 Feb 2010: 49g
13 Mar 2010: 55g
2 April 2010: 64g

Pixie
21 Jan 2010: 39g
4 Feb 2010: 36g
25 Feb 2010: 36g
13 Mar 2010: 38g
2 April 2010: 40g

Evie
21 Jan 2010: 29g
4 Feb 2010: 29g
25 Feb 2010: 30g
13 Mar 2010: 27g
2 April 2010: 33g

Kimchi
21 Jan 2010: 27g
4 Feb 2010: 30g
25 Feb 2010: 28g
13 Mar 2010: 27g
2 April 2010: 22g

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Everybody seems to put on weight, except for Kimchi ??!!! *puzzled look*

13 Mar Weigh-In

2010-03-13T23:59:00.011+08:00

Juno
21 Jan 2010: 106g
4 Feb 2010: 100g
25 Feb 2010: 100g
13 Mar 2010: 99g

Snowie:
21 Jan 2010: 93g
4 Feb 2010: 91g
25 Feb 2010: 93g
13 Mar 2010: 95g

Zane
21 Jan 2010: 34g
4 Feb 2010: 41g
25 Feb 2010: 49g
13 Mar 2010: 55g

Pixie
21 Jan 2010: 39g
4 Feb 2010: 36g
25 Feb 2010: 36g
13 Mar 2010: 38g

Evie
21 Jan 2010: 29g
4 Feb 2010: 29g
25 Feb 2010: 30g
13 Mar 2010: 27g

Kimchi
(weight of exercise ball is 50g)
21 Jan 2010: 27g
4 Feb 2010: 30g
25 Feb 2010: 28g
13 Mar 2010: 27

I've put them on a diet of organic & fresh food since beginning of March.

At first Kimchi & Juno ain't taking very well to it. But now I can catch Kimchi nibbling at it now & then. As for Juno, she doesn't like such food to begin with.

Altho Juno's previous owner did mention that she has a liking for cooked chicken meat, the first & last time I fed her that (steam chicken meat), she didn't touch it at all. Maybe I shud & will try again.

Like Juno, Zane doesn't like the dry mix too. Instead he prefers the fresh food. Very the much.

Pixie & Evie are the 'normal' ones. Cos they are okay with both the organics & the fresh food.

Last but not least ... Snowie, she'll hoard the organics, as usual. Haiz!

Kimchi: : New Fav Food

2010-03-10T23:36:00.002+08:00

Ever since it was mentioned in the forum that the hamsters won't eat the whole bean. Instead, we have to extract the seeds out for them.

Doing that is a great hit with the hamster brood.

Especially lil Kimchi. Cos it's the first thing she'll attack. And she'll finish it off.

This food has officially replace her Pumpkin Delights.

The 3 Munchies

2010-03-10T23:30:00.001+08:00

Pixie

Evie

Zane

25 Feb Weigh-In

2010-02-25T22:28:00.001+08:00

Juno
21 Jan 2010: 106g
4 Feb 2010: 100g
25 Feb 2010: 100g

Snowie:
21 Jan 2010: 93g
4 Feb 2010: 91g
25 Feb 2010: 93g

Zane
21 Jan 2010: 34g
4 Feb 2010: 41g
25 Feb 2010: 49g

Pixie
21 Jan 2010: 39g
4 Feb 2010: 36g
25 Feb 2010: 36g

Evie
21 Jan 2010: 29g
4 Feb 2010: 29g
25 Feb 2010: 30g

Kimchi
21 Jan 2010: 27g
4 Feb 2010: 30g
25 Feb 2010: 28g

Nerve-Wrecking Weigh-In #2

2010-02-04T22:35:00.006+08:00

It's been two weeks since the last weigh-in. And I was so looking forward to see some growth. Instead, I saw ... a ... lot of ... decline. *pulling hair in despair*

Actually I've weighed the brood last week. But seeing some decline, I panicked a bit. But again, this time might be a more accurate session than the last. But still ... Haiz!

What I do different this time is to place a container before switching on the scale. This will enable the container be weighed at zero-gram, for easy reading. I use this method for all except for Kimchi.

OK ... here goes the result *biting me nails in nervousness*

Juno
21 Jan 2010: 106g
4 Feb 2010: 100g

Snowie:
21 Jan 2010: 93g
4 Feb 2010: 91g

Zane
21 Jan 2010: 34g
4 Feb 2010: 41g

Pixie
21 Jan 2010: 39g
4 Feb 2010: 36g

Evie
21 Jan 2010: 29g
4 Feb 2010: 29g

Kimchi
21 Jan 2010: 27g
4 Feb 2010: 30g

As Zane & Kimchi put on the most weight, this means either the last weigh-in was invalid or there is a decline for most of the brood since then. Haiz!

Upon recollection, Juno & Snowie did eat lesser veges (those household-brand types)... aka dun like what I fed them. Whereas Zane will empty his plate.

And what I did different to the feeding pattern was to leave the food all the way from the previous night to the next. Reason being, it had LOTS of leftover the next morning which is such a waste. But I will definitely remove the leftover leafy-veges.

Well, I shall wait for the next weigh-in to evaluate the situation again.

Haiz!

Drastic Situation

2010-01-30T13:05:00.003+08:00

Calls for Drastic Measures

++++++++++++++++++++++

Firstly Snowie has the habit of "digging" out the sand & bedding from the Den to the tubes. Secondly Juno is STILL not sleeping in the penthouse. And Snowie prefers to sleep in the STAINED sandbox.

So I've decided to cut down on the luxuries for both of them. Meaning downgrading the penthouse to a Studio Apartment.

Regards to Snowie's sand-digging, I've placed the sandbox in the Loft. So the digging she'll be doing will be the beddings which will be less messy.

And it seems to be working.

!!! HOORAAAAY !!!

The Booty Walk

2010-01-30T13:00:00.003+08:00

Snowie

Evie

Pixie

Zane

You can view Juno's Booty Walk here.

Unfortunately I am unable to do this with Kimchi. She is too-fast-too-furious for me.

New Diet Plan

2010-01-30T12:47:00.004+08:00

Ever since I started the lil ones on the fresh diet, there's been an adverse result to it. Yes, they are eating their fresh. But not as much as I expected.

And I read in the forum that sometimes it is best to give them varieties - esp in terms of the food item size.

Oh ... ok ... and here is what I've been feeding them the past week. Yes, I've downsized everything - both the food dish and food portion.

And this is what greeted me every morning ... which is both worrisome & surprising. Worrisome cos Juno & Snowie is no longer emptying their plate. Surprising cos Evie is eating more & Zane does empty his plate

Juno: A New Coat

2010-01-23T23:13:00.000+08:00

When I first brot Juno home, she had a silky black coat.

But recently, I noticed that she is becoming more brown than black.

The Two Big Girls

2010-01-22T22:57:00.003+08:00

I made some changes to the two big girls' cage layout.

I had added a Penthouse for Juno.

Hoping that she'll use it as her bedroom.

I've once again changed the design of the puzzle.
I wanted more floor space for Juno so I built it upwards.

And it will lead her to the Penthouse.
Yes, the puzzle doesn't have a "roof"
cos I ran out of the "materials".

And also upgraded to a 21cm wheel for her.

No changes for Snowie's Loft tho.

Pixie: New Fav Food

2010-01-22T22:50:00.001+08:00

Ever since I introduced the egg tofu to the diet,
it has become Pixie's fav food.

Cos it's the first food item she'll attack before the rest.

Altho she didn't eat finish it all,
I'm just glad that she has
her fair share of egg & protein.

Yup, Pixie and the rest just don't like to eat eggs
- raw or cooked.

The Weigh-In: Jan 2010

2010-01-21T07:53:00.004+08:00

Finally I've gotten myself a digital weighing scale. Yes, just for the hamster ville. Well, it's the only way to weigh them accurately. So I shall do a regular weigh-in for them all.

So here are their first weigh-in results.

Juno = 106g

Snowie = 93g

Kimchi =41-14 = 27g

Evie = 29g

Pixie = 39g

Zane = 34g

I'm surprised that Kimchi is trailing behind Evie. That means she is packing lots of mass in her tiny body.

I am equally surprised that Pixie is heavier than Zane. And I'm suspecting the she is more of a pearlie than a sapphire.

As Fresh As It Can Be

2010-01-15T23:54:00.000+08:00

Tonight's Dinner

Herbal Salad + Red Pepper + Red Cabbage
+ Pumpkin + K9 Lamb Treat

Evie

Kimchi

Pixie

Zane

Kimchi: Pumpkin Delight

2010-01-12T23:31:00.000+08:00

Munching Away (2)

2010-01-09T21:55:00.006+08:00

Pixie seems to adore the fresh veges
as much as the dry mix.

Zane - eating the K9 Lamb Treat

Kimchi: Meditating

2010-01-09T21:52:00.001+08:00

Juno: New Cage Layout

2010-01-08T21:49:00.000+08:00

This is a better layout than the last one.

And I am so tempted to get another puzzle playground to build upwards.

Juno: Exercise Ball

2010-01-08T21:41:00.000+08:00

Juno's first time in the exercise ball.

Not sure if she's afraid of Gi's presence
or afraid of being in the exercise ball.

Cos she was in that position all the time.
Even when I gave the ball a lil push. Kekekeee!

Look at the stunned look. LOL!!!

Setup Updates

2010-01-03T15:48:00.005+08:00

Juno

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Snowie

Kimchi: Updates

2009-12-27T22:56:00.002+08:00

Munching Away

2009-12-17T22:52:00.003+08:00

Evie

Juno

Snowie: Red Indian Style

2009-12-17T22:51:00.000+08:00

When One Goes Out, Another Comes In

2009-12-17T22:35:00.006+08:00

With Mae's passing, I have a spare cage ... another space ... for another hamster.

Yet I do not have the intention to bring in another hamster.

Yet, again, fate handed me another hamster. On 12 Dec 2009. And she is another winter white. But it's not clear if she is a pearl or sapphire. Cos she seems to be in her winter-coat. So I shall wait for a few more days to see if there's any changes to her coat.

Oh. I have named her Pixie.

It Matters Not

2009-12-12T20:07:00.001+08:00

Where You Come From

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I collected her from a guy earlier this morning. From the sight of her, I knew she was very very VERY ill. So I called a fellow hamster-owner for help. And she popped by at 2.30pm.

When I was told that she's a pudding. I was very excited. Another breed to add to my experience of hamster rearing.

But when I checked on her again at 6.30pm, she had moved on.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

But How You Go.

Pssst ... let me tell you a secret

2009-12-11T11:47:00.002+08:00

(whispering)

I will be bringing home a young (est 3mo) sapphire winter white 2mrw. Its owner is leaving Singapore for good so needs to be rehome urgently. And since I was the first to know of this, I just grab the opportunity.

Well ... with Mae's passing, I DO hv room for ONE MORE. *cheesy grin*

Juno: House Proud #2

2009-12-04T23:51:00.001+08:00

Juno: House Proud

2009-12-01T23:38:00.003+08:00

Mae: Sorry I didn't send you off

2009-11-29T23:28:00.005+08:00

Mae came to me as an abandoned hamster, found by my mum in a corridor of the Yishun estate.

She was flourishing and eating well. Until she had a growth on her jaw on 9 Nov 2009.

She was very active and responsive to me on 26 Nov 2009 night. But the next evening, 27 Nov 2009, I noticed that she was on the brink of death - lifeless yet breathing very shallowly. As I was on my way out for a holiday, my mum volunteered to check on her the next morning. But we both knew she won't make it thru the night.

I reached home 2 hrs ago and found her cage empty.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

13 May - 28 Nov 2009

Sleep tight, my ger.

I shall miss your fearless squeaking whenever I try to handle you.
I shall miss your lil body hidden somewhere in the bedding.
I shall miss watching you burrow deep into the bedding.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Last Addition to the Family

2009-11-18T22:43:00.005+08:00

And her name is Juno.

I was thinking of names along the line of her color. But can't think of a suitable one. So I tried to recall her birth month - June? July? Then the name JUNO hit me! The more I rolled the name over my tongue, the more I like it. So Juno she shall be.

Mae: Diagnosis

2009-11-14T22:03:00.002+08:00

OK, went to the vet this afternoon.

Diagnosis:

Not a wart.
Not an abscess cos it is very hard.
Cannot be operated on cos the growth starts from the jaw.
Will it grow until it obstruct the airway? Yes & No. But do expect the swell to be bigger in a wk's time. If that happens, PTS is the next best thing.
So Mae was prescribed anti-inflammatory & antibiotics to see if the swell can be reduced.

Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the meds will help.

Mae: 1st Visit to Vet

2009-11-12T23:34:00.004+08:00

It seems like the lump warrants a visit to the vet this weekend.

And it is not an ordinary wart. But something that might restrict her eating & swallowing.

And that might mean a major operation. If that is the case, I'll rather go PTS.

Haiz!

Last One ... I Swear

2009-11-12T12:02:00.004+08:00

... Cross My Heart and Hope To Die

********************************

This is a 4mo Long Haired Black Banded Girl, adopted from here.

Hopefully I can bring her home this weekend. Will house her in either the Imac Fantasy or the OVO Loft. But I definitely have to get the OVO Adventure Pack.

YAY!!!! Now I hv a valid reason to buy the Adventure Pack!!! YAAAAAAY!!!!!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA !!!!!

********************************

Yes, after her, there'll be no more. Cos I hv no more space for more cages.

Mae: Not Well

2009-11-12T09:38:00.002+08:00

A few mths ago, I spotted a lump at the “underarms”. On & off, I will apply aloe vera gel. And it seemed to be under control = no change in size, no punctured wounds due to scratching.

Just this week, I noticed another lump. Right under her chin. *faint* And overnight it has grown to a rather big size. Despite this lump, she is alert but not running on wheel as much … or shud I say I have not seen/heard her running. So I will change it to the smaller wheel and see how. She is also eating well on the dry mix - Vitakraft.

I am very tempted to bring her to the vet. But fear that it’ll be another PTS-case, like Nutmeg. Still, I will monitor her for another week.

Kimchi: Snacking

2009-10-29T23:50:00.000+08:00

Finally caught Kimchi eating the dry mix.

Playing Hide & Seek ... can you spot her?

Exercise to keep fit

Snowie: Tissue Lover

2009-10-25T12:11:00.001+08:00

From a comfy 3-pcs of torn tissue

To a clump of rolled-up tissue where

she sleeps in
she stashes her food in
she pees in (despite her already pee-trained)

Kimchi: A Speedy

2009-10-23T23:56:00.001+08:00

Back then, I tot Mae was fast. Well, Kimchi won the speed-o-race hands down. No one can match her speed manz!

Not even the lure of fresh food can make her stay still.

Finally managed to catch her ...

Until she decided to give me the slip ... again

Snowie: DIgging for Gold

2009-10-18T17:15:00.001+08:00