Even the most diligent, careful hamster owner may find that their little friend has turned into an escape artist! Hamsters can fit through tiny spaces and move quickly, so finding a lost hamster can be tricky. Keep in mind that your hamster is probably scared, and will look for a secure, enclosed hidey hole.
- Leave the cage open. Your hamster just might come back on his own while you are going crazy searching!
- Start near the cage and work out from there. Check behind and under furniture, between the sofa cushions, and on shelves and bookcases.
- Look inside cabinets and drawers.
- Look under and around knickknacks.
- Using a flashlight and a small mirror, check the undersides of furniture and mattresses. You may find a hole in the upholstery that could let your hamster climb up into the furniture or bed.
- Check inside boxes, bags, and baskets.
- Look inside backpacks, purses, and shoes.
- Look for holes in the walls, especially behind appliances.
Keep in mind that hamsters are nocturnal; a lost hamster may only move around at night. You can leave out pre-counted piles of sunflower seeds to help you figure out which room your hamster is in. Try sprinkling a ring of flour or cornstarch around the seeds — a trail of little white footprints may help you find a hamster hiding spot. You can do the same across doorways, as well.
Your hamster can usually survive for several days roaming the house. He may come back to the cage on his own — leave fresh food and water to tempt him through the open door. You can also build a bucket trap to catch your little escape artist. Pick a bucket that is deep enough that your hamster can’t climb out. Pad the bottom with a thick towel. Place some treats — like peanut butter, apple slices, or cheese — on the towel. Build a ramp up to the top of the bucket. In theory, the hamster will find the smell of the treats so irresistible that he climbs up the ramp and jumps into the bucket (and can’t climb back out).
If all else fails, you can always try a humane (no-kill) mouse trap to catch your little friend!