Wordless Wednesday #13

Hope everyone's having a great Wednesday!

I break up from school tomorrow, yay! Should be able to post more now with any luck.

For now, here's a clip of Willow for this week's Wordless Wednesday.

                                                                                                                                                  

My hamster's eating his/her poo?!

Hamsters eating their poo is a common cause for concern amongst hamster owners everywhere.

- The idea of eating waste that has been digested is disgusting!

But I would like to put your minds at rest. Eating their poo isn't bad for hamsters!

Hamsters are very curious creatures, and their digestive systems do not work the same as humans.

You could say their digestive systems were less efficient, as some of their poo is still filled with nutrients which means that they have not absorbed all the nutrients while being digested. But there is a reason behind this, which is explained below.

As their poo is filled with nutrients, they eat it so they can get the most out of their food. It's simply like putting food through your digestive system twice to get the best out of it. Not gross at all if you think of it like that!

Picture via here.

There are two types of excrement from hamsters:

1. One that's only partially digested and therefore contains lots of nutrients
2. One that's that's just waste with no nutrients at all

Now hamsters are highly intelligent in working out which is which, and they use a skill called coprophagy: the act of eating the nutrient-filled excrement to get the leftover nutrients from it and digest it fully.

Why do hamsters partially digest some, and fully digest others?

This is because in the harsh deserts and environments in places like Syria where hamsters originally come from, food is often scarce. By only partially absorbing the nutrients and the hamsters being able to eat their excretment again, this allows that food to be completely digested so that the hamsters get the most out of it, and they do not go hungry if they go for days without food.
It also helps to keep hamsters' guts balanced, so not too many nutrients are absorbed at once, and also making sure that there will also be a source of nutrients for hamsters to eat.

Small Furry Pets Feature

I took a bit of a 'blogging break', but I'm happy to announce that I am back!

I'm clearing the cobwebs and starting afresh writing some more hamster posts, so welcome back to the up-to-date Animal Tails! I thought the 1st of the Month was a good time to start, so here goes:

Willow is doing great- in fact, she's famous!

Guess who featured in the April - May 2013 Small Furry Pets magazine? That's right - Willow! 

Willow featured in the "You & your small pet" section of the 7th issue of Small Furry Pets, and I am over the moon! We may not have won the 'star pet' award, but she did get featured and she'll always be my star, as cheesy as it sounds. Hehe ;)

I hope to be back to blogging for good now, so stay tuned and tell your friends in the blogging world that we're back if you get the chance! I will be writing informative posts and continuing Wordless Wednesday, along with extra posts too, so I hope to be writing at least two posts a week.

Apologies (and a cute photo!)

Sorry I haven't been blogging a lot recently - I've been so busy with school work and stuff like that.. + the teachers are giving us tests in pretty much every subject, which sucks.

Anyway, back on topic. I am going to do a quick general blog post about Willow and life etc.

Willow is being her usual self - hyper but adorable. She climbed up onto my neck earlier and it was the most ticklish thing! ;) haha. She has also decided to move her 'nest' out of her little green house and into the bottom corner of the cage.. It looks like a complete mess! Oh well, at least she is happy. If she wants to sleep there she can ;)

Will try to get posting more often. I hate neglecting my blog but I don't seem to have any free time anymore!

Here is a photo of Willow. Sorry it's not very good - will try to do more photo-shoots soon.

Wordless Wednesday #12

Have a great Wednesday everyone! :D

Willow now has instagram!

When I looked through instagram, I saw that lots of pets had their own accounts, and there were accounts for almost anything. So I thought I would make Willow one, where I could share even more pictures of Willow than I do on my blog.

The account name is: Willow_the_Hamster (not sure if capitals matter or not) so please follow if you want to and if you have instagram!

I only created the account today, so it is really new and doesn't have many followers or photos yet, though I will be adding lots of photos and possibly updates on Willow from here, and hopefully I will get more followers eventually.

What do you think? Please comment and let me know wheter you like the idea, or if you don't, or any suggestions etc. Also, if anyone has instagram already for their pet or pet blog, if possible please give me a shoutout, and I will give you one back.

Sneak peak at a photo from instagram:

Wordless Wednesday #11

Here are some photos of Willow being adorable as usual ;)

'Hello?..'

'I see you!..'

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Review - Large Supreme Hamster Play Fort

As some of you may know, for Christmas I got given a present for Willow, which is this lovely play fort, with lots of different rooms with tunnels leading into each of them, for Willow to explore in.

Today I am going to write my opinions of it, with both the positive and negative sides of it, before finally reaching my conclusion. I hope you like this review!

Name: Supreme Hamster Fort Large Play Maze Small Pets Hamster Dwarf (Rabbit?) Gerbil Mice

Brand: Supreme

Price: From £6 to £11, depending on where you buy it

Shop I bought it from: It was a present so I don't know where my parents bought it from.

First Impression:

I thought this looked really fun and perfect for Willow, though I was slightly worried that she would escape! It compacted easily which is great for storing, and was easy to put together.

I liked how simple yet fun it looked, and it was big enough to keep a Syrian hamster entertained and let her wonder around and explore.

Pros:

• It kept Willow entertained and she enjoyed exploring the different rooms
• It was easy to keep an eye on Willow while she ran around in it, and she didn't get bored easily
• It is made completely of cardboard, so if your hamster tries to eat it it won't harm your hamster (and knowing Willow, it's always important - seeing as she always tries to escape)
• You can use it for many different small pets: hamsters, mice, gerbils, rats etc.

Cons:

• It states that you can use it for a rabbit. Really? That is just ridiculous! A rabbit would definately never fit inside that. It is ridiculous. 
• After a few times of using it, Willow finally managed to work out how to escape... out of the sides of the fort. And once she learns something, she won't forget it and stop doing it... Never mind!
• She chewed some of the corner off, though it didn't go completely through to the other side so it doesn't really matter (pic above)
• £10 is quite expensive for some cardboard, though I have to admit it is quite cool..

I think this is a great toy, which is perfect for hamsters. I think this would be better/ more suited to smaller animals than Syrian hamsters, like dwarf hamsters or mice, as they wouldn't be able to climb up over the sides of the fort.
Still, I love the whole thing. It is such a cute idea, and you can put treats and toys in different rooms to keep your hamster or small pet entertained.

Overall, I give this hamster play fort 4 stars out of 5. :D

Saturday PhotoHunt - 'Celebrate'

So today's Saturday PhotoHunt theme is 'Celebrate'!

So I thought I would edit a random picture of Willow and add in some fireworks (and 3D glasses, for reasons unknown to myself..)

I hope everyone is having a great start to 2013, and is CELEBRATING the start of the new year.

Sorry I haven't posted much this week - I have been so busy!

Will try to post more often this week!

Myths and Misunderstandings

So today I thought I would just point out some basic myths and put them straight - as sometimes it is hard to know what is true and what isn't. Here are 3 myths I have chosen, but I can always do more if they are helpful!

Myth: Syrian hamsters can learn to live together/ 'my Syrian hamsters live together and I haven't had any problems so far so it is fine.'

Truth: Even in the wild Syrians never live together, so why would they in captivity? Syrian hamsters only come together to mate, then the male leaves almost instantly. They are together for sometimes only 10 minutes (though this depends on conditions etc.)The female hamster raises it's young on its own, without the male. The young then go and find their own place and territory, and the 'cycle' repeats.

They are solitary by nature, so they are solitary in captivity too. By putting your Syrian hamsters in the same cage it is asking for trouble, because they are bound to fight and hurt each other at some point. I know someone who put her two hamsters in the same cage, and one ate the other... So you should be really careful.

Remember - this only applies to Syrian hamsters.

Fights between two Syrian hamsters can lead to injuries, expensive vet bills, stressed hamsters or even death. Don't tempt fate and put them together - it just isn't worth it.
It is also easier for hamsters to catch illnesses from each other if they share a cage, so even if your hamsters do miraculously get on, it still isn't worth it.

Don't put your Syrian hamsters together. they won't be lonely, they will be fine.

Myth: Sunflower seeds are unhealthy and should only be fed as treats or not at all.

Truth: Many people think that sunflower seeds are unhealthy and too fattening for hamsters. Many people avoid them and only give them once in a while for treats. The truth is sunflower seeds are actually very healthy. They contain essential nutrients that help a keep a hamster's body healthy. Sunflower seeds help health in your hamster's heart and are cholesterol-lowering, so sunflower seeds are really great for your hamster’s well being. This myth probably started because someone fed their hamster too many sunflower seeds at the same time. It is the same as most foods - they are good in moderation, but too many can be unhealthy too. Most hamster mixes you can buy will come with the right amount of sunflower seeds in anyway, so you don't need to worry. Giving your hamster about three to six sunflower seeds a day or so will give your hamster the balance that they need in their diet.

(I use selective hamster food, and those are little hearts with things basically mashed up inside them. These should include sunflower seeds too, so don't worry. I occasionally give Willow some sunflower seeds too, but the selective hamster food also covers that nutritional value, so don't panic if you feed your hamster those!)

Picture via here.

Myth: Hamsters smell really bad

Truth: All animals will smell if they are not kept in a clean environment. Hamsters are not typically smelly hamsters, and often groom themselves and keep themselves clean at all times. They are tidy animals, and usually have special parts of the cage they use as their 'bathroom'. This is the area you should give extra-special attention to when cleaning it.
If the hamster is really smell, it is time to clean the cage. You should clean your hamster out around once a week, but you could always do this more if your hamster is really smelly.

If the cage is not well ventilated this may cause your hamster to smell as well. If this is the case then you may need to change or modify your cage to make it more comfortable for your hamster and less smelly for you.

Also, female hamster may give off a smell when they are in heat. Not all females smell strongly when on heat, but some do. If you are worried about this then you can always get a male hamster. But not everyone can detect the smell of a female hamster's heat anyway, so it isn't much of a problem. I never noticed anything smelly about Lolly or Willow, and they are/were both girls!

I hope this was helpful! Please comment if you want me to do more, cause trust me, there are plenty of crazy myths around!

Saturday PhotoHunt - 'Add'

Me ADD my hamster = a happy Hannah and a happy hamster!

(Don't worry - I didn't really kiss her!)

Visit the Saturday Photohunt Blog to see the upcoming themes and play along.

Wordless Wednesday #10

I can't believe I have already done 10 Wordless Wednesdays! That's 10 weeks! Wow.. time just flies by doesn't it? And it's the beginning of the new year too... Anyway - on with this week's Wordless Wednesday (with a few words beforehand ;) )

These photos are of Willow in her new play fort I was given for Christmas. She loves it! I will be doing a full post about the play fort soon, so watch this space!

Willow trying to escape, as usual! (but not succeeding in the end!)

View of the whole play fort with Willow exploring inside.

'Hello'

Hamster Exercise Balls - Safe or not?

Over the years of me owning hamsters, I have heard many debates about whether these exercise balls are cruel. Personally I think that if you use the balls properly, and make sure you don't leave your hamster in there too long and you frequently check up on them, that these exercise balls are safe. I have had a many hamsters over the years and all of them enjoyed exploring and running around in their ball. However, there are still many people who think that these toys are cruel. So I have decided to share my views on hamster exercise balls, using some common arguments of people who think they are cruel.
No offense to the people who said these comments is meant, I just wanted to show my opinion through examples.

Wordless Wednesday #9

Hope you all head a great Christmas, and are enjoying boxing day!

Here are a few pictures of Willow in her bed - her hair has gone all spiky so she now looks like a punk hamster! ;) Bedhead or what?!

Have a great New Year and enjoy the rest of the holiday!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is finally here! :D YAY!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hope you are having/have a great Christmas and are filled with festive cheer.

There truly is no better celebration than Christmas - I love getting together with the family, eating Christmas dinner, and opening presents!

Via here.

Will try to keep up with the blogging, though I will be really busy and visiting relatives  so sorry if I don't have time to blog as much! Don't worry - I'll try to do at least 3 a week.

Christmas hamster of the day:

Via here.

  

Christmas Countdown - Christmas Eve!

I AM SO EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS TOMORROW! YAY!

Yesterday me and my sisters were busy making a gingerbread house... from scratch!

It took a long time to cook, cause you had to put it in the fridge between stages, but it was worth it in the end - decorating it was so fun!

I am really happy with how it came out, considering that I am not that great a cook...!

(It was a great recipe, and if you want it go to this Chanel 4 recipe page)

I decorated the front, my sister Abi decorated the side saying 'Abigail's House', my other sister Becca decorated the back, and me and Becca (joint effort) decorated the Santa side.

Hope you like it! :D

Christmas hamster of the day:

Via here.

Christmas Countdown - 2 days to go!

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Hamster Style!

Just couldn't resist posting this once I found it... It is simply great (for hamster lovers anyway!)

Enjoy!

I love day 5.. haha :D

Christmas hamster of the day:

Via here.

Christmas Countdown - 3 days to go!

There are only 3 days left til Christmas! I am so excited!

While I was in the festive spirit, I decided to write a festive hamster poem, inspired by 'Twas the night before Christmas'.

On the night before Christmas,

I was asleep on my pillow,

but one creature was stirring,

and that was my Willow.

She was running around,

frenzied with joy,

waiting for the presents,

and hoping for a fun toy.

She raced in her wheel,

like the speed of light,

then went back into her house,

to settle in for the night.

She rummaged around,

preparing her bed,

then nibbled some food,

before finally resting her head.

When she next awoke,

it was Christmas day,

and Hannah was there

to come for a play.

In Willow's cage lay a new little toy,

which Willow discovered, full of joy.

She played with it happily, day after day

and they had a wonderful Christmas, full of play.

Hope you enjoyed the poem, even if it was a little odd!

Christmas hamster of the day:

Via here.

How to make your very own Christmas hamster jigsaw puzzle

Today I am going to tell you how to make a Christmas hamster jigsaw!

There are 7 steps, and I would say it is pretty simple, though if you are under 10 you may want an adults help cutting the jigsaw out, as that part can be pretty tricky.

You will need:

1 x sheet of cardboard
1 x photo or picture (A Christmas hamster perhaps?)
1 x scalpel or craft knife
1 x cutting board/protective surface
1 x glue stick (the bigger, the better)
1 x 30cm ruler or rule
1 x roll of book film
1 x pencil



If you don’t have a craft knife/scalpel, you can use scissors, but with more difficulty.

Click read more to get the instructions!

Hamster Christmas Present Ideas (I)

Christmas is fast-approaching, and I'm sure most of you have got your presents sorted, (or almost sorted anyway!), but have you remembered your pet/s?

I know for many people money's tight at the moment, but isn't it worth it to spend a few pounds on something small for your pet to spread the festive feeling?

I decided to put a few low-budget Christmas presents below, so that all pets can have a great Christmas without you having to pay an arm and a leg.

All the presents in this post are under £4, so enjoy!

1. Pudding hamster bed
    from £3.43

It's simple and fun. A sweet little bed which looks like a Christmas pudding, that your hamster can sit or sleep in!
Who cares how much your hammy uses it long-term, you can plonk it in their cage once a year (be sure to clean it!) and it makes a great little gift for the next few years to come! Hamsters may like to wash, sleep or play in it - and it is also great for some Christmasy photos!

2. Naturals - Christmas Cookies (for small animals)

    from £2.99

If your pets are anything like mine (i.e. Willow), I know that they love to eat food (or at least store their food, in Willow's case).

I was looking around my local pet shop, and found these great 'Christmas Cookies' for hamsters and small animals! One of the treats is even in the shape of a Christmas tree! What could be better?

It is also by 'Naturals', and can you guess what? They use 100% natural ingredients AND it's good for the environment!

So you get a happy and healthy hammy! :D

3. Small Animal Climb and Shred Christmas Tree

    from £3.49

I have been keeping hamsters for years, and if I know one thing about them, it's that they love to climb and eat things. And this fun little boredom breaker combines climbing and eating! Perfect!

It is a fun Christmas tree that your hamsters can climb, but it is also made out of something similar to corrugated cardboard so that your hamster can happily (and safely) nibble away at it after it has finished its climb! What a great yet simple idea!

I found the 'Naturals Christmas Cookies' and the 'Climb and Shred Christmas Tree'

from Animed pet shop (UK), in the small animals christmas gifts section.

I also found the Christmas Pudding Bed off Petmeds.co.uk.

Christmas pudding hamster bed pic. via here.

Small animal climb and shred christmas tree pic. via here.

Naturals Christmas cookies for small animals pic. via here.

How do you like the first installment of the 'Hamster Christmas Present Ideas'? If you like it, I will be doing another post shortly in time for Christmas!