Hamsters love food. Your hamster may have made his way into your kitchen because he smelled the food. [2] X Research source Hamsters are nocturnal. You probably will not have much luck finding your hamster during the day. You may have more success if you start your search late at night. [3] X Research source Hamsters are timid animals. Even though your hamster probably found a dark and warm place to hide, he would much rather get back to a familiar place, like his cage. [4] X Research source
Cracks and crevices are more common in older apartments or houses. [6] X Research source Your hamster may have gotten himself stuck when he squeezed through the crack or crevice. [7] X Research source If you are unable to get him out, consider calling an animal removal service for assistance. You can try listening for scratching noises in the wall or door to locate where your hamster is hiding. [8] X Research source
It may help to first look where you last saw him. [10] X Research source Consider searching one room at a time to make your search more methodical and efficient. In the kitchen, pay special attention to looking inside, underneath, and behind all appliances. [11] X Research source Do not forget to check bags, shoes, and boxes (including tissue and shoe boxes). [12] X Research source Laundry bags or baskets may be particularly appealing to your hamster, since they provide a dark and warm place to hide. [13] X Research source Bookshelves, couch cushions, beds, and chairs are other potential hamster hiding places. [14] X Research source Because your hamster could have gone anywhere, the list of items and places to check could feel like it is endless. Check every possible place where your hamster could hide, and then think of even more places where he could be.
As you search more rooms and determine that your hamster is not in those rooms, you can give your cat or dog less restricted access.
Leaving the doors closed may not be as helpful in areas of your home that are more open, such as the kitchen or family room.
Your hamster may be a little thirsty, depending on how long he’s been hiding. Leave out treats with a high moisture content, such as seedless grapes, cucumbers, and apples. [18] X Research source Peanuts and raisins are also good treats to leave out for your hamster. [19] X Research source Cut up the treats into small bits to make it easier for your hamster to eat them.
Place the treats in areas where you think your hamster is hiding. If you decide to stay up late, you could sit quietly near where you placed the newspaper or tinfoil. The noise may help confirm the general area where your hamster is hiding. [23] X Research source If possible, tie a long string or strand of thread to some of the treats. [24] X Research source If your hamster takes the treat back to his hiding place, you may be able to see the string or thread sticking out. [25] X Research source Count the number of treats you leave out so you can determine if your hamster ate any. Be mindful that leaving treats out in multiple areas at the same time could make it more challenging to narrow your search. Your hamster could have moved from one area to the next eating treats.
The further away from the treats that you sprinkle the flour or cornstarch, the better you will be able to track your hamster’s movements.
Placing the cage sideways on the floor would make it easier for your hamster to climb in. [28] X Research source Keep in mind, however, that he could easily walk back out of the cage if he wants to continue exploring.
The shallow pail or pan should be shallow enough to lessen the likelihood of your hamster injuring himself, but not so shallow that he could easily climb back out. Use books to create a stairwell up to the top of the pail or pan. [30] X Research source The books should be fairly small so that your hamster will not struggle with climbing them. Once your hamster climbs into the pail or pan to get to the treats, he will not be able to grip the sides to get back out. [31] X Research source
If he is not in either the cage or trap, consider moving them to a different potential hiding place and trying again.
You can try to manually correct the irregularities in the bars. If this is not practical for you, you can purchase an external wire grid and attach it to the outside of the cage.
You would place the locking clips on each corner of the lid to keep it in place. [37] X Research source
Over time, the pegs would become so loose that the lid may just flip open when your hamster is in his ball. [39] X Research source Use a generous amount of tape on the ball’s lid, especially where it connects to the ball. [40] X Research source You may need to apply the tape each time you put your hamster in his ball.
