How to Find an Escaped Hamster, Mouse or Other Pet Rodent
Posted 10/18/2011 by Pet Deals
Uh Oh…Who Left the Cage Open?
Whether it was an accidental release or an outright jailbreak (they’re fabulous little escape artists),
your furry friend is on the loose. The world outside one’s cage is a big, scary place and the little squeaker is no doubt frightened. You’ve no time to lose getting him back to safety. Although they’ve been known to turn up
after days or even weeks, the sooner you start looking for him the less likely he’ll be to go far or get hurt.
First of all – leave the cage open with excellent, highly-sniffable treats inside…peanut butter on a cracker
or a lovely chunk of parmesan, for example. He may just saunter back in on his own. But just in case he’s out in the cold for awhile, leave fresh water in several places and, oh, confine the cat.
The Initial Search
First check likely rodent hiding places, working your way out from the open cage. If possible, design a computerized 3D scale model of your home with color-coded zones radiating from the site of the escape to ensure a thorough and organized search. Then think about all the dark, warm little hidey-holes your pet might be seeking out. Here’s a start:
- Underneath and behind beds, furniture, and appliances
- Under sofa and chair cushions
- Inside drawers and cabinets
- Holes and spaces beneath or behind cabinets that may lead into the walls
- Behind or underneath water heater or other heat source
- Behind draperies in a warm window
- Inside boxes, especially boxes with tissue or packing materials
- Inside backpacks and purses
- Inside shoes
The Tracking Techniques
If the initial search proves fruitless, you’ll need to employ some tracking. Since your little friend is nocturnal by nature, most tracking will have to take place at night. If you’re not up to an all-night vigil, you can set up some of these up before you go to bed and leave the detective work for morning. Unless you have a cat.
- Set Up a Motion Detector. If you’re a light sleeper or don’t mind sitting in the dark waiting, you can try strategic placement of cellophane or other loud, crinkly paper near suspected hideouts, in doorways, or surrounding treat piles. When trod by tiny rodent feet, the paper or cellophane can make enough noise to give his location away.
- Count The Treats. Place a small pre-counted pile of sunflower seeds or other favorites on the floor in each room. The location of a treat pile with missing seeds will help narrow down your pet’s hiding place.
- Follow the Tiny White Footprints. A little flour or cornstarch sprinkled across thresholds and near treat piles can give you positive evidence that the little guy is on the move and even indicate his general direction. Get out your magnifying glass.
- The Peanut Trick. Tie long, lightweight strings or yarn around individual in-the-shell peanuts. Set in various key locations. Wait. Follow the string.
- The Bucket Trick. If all else fails, you can use a deep-ish plastic bucket with a wooden plank “ramp.” Lure the little fellow inside and he’ll have no choice but to sit tight until you retrieve him. Pad the bottom only with a towel and place a dish of tasty, sniffable treats in the center. Wait for your pet to scamper up the ramp and into the bucket with sides too slippery to climb. Don’t forget the cat.
- The Last Resort. A humane (catch and release) mouse trap. Follow the instructions to the letter. Iffy, but you’re desperate.
This Pets Love Deals, Inc. article is intended for general information only. It is not intended to be professional medical advice and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified veterinarian. Pets Love Deals, Inc. makes no representations or warranties in relation to the information on this website. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your licensed veterinarian. If in doubt, call your Vet! Nothing in this article or elsewhere on this website should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of veterinary medicine.
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