A Second Chance for Little Fawn
Little Fawn was just one of 1,479 small pets saved by our member charities last year. She now enjoys her days snoozing peacefully, burrowed deep in cosy bedding, and her nights exploring toys and enrichment activities in her spacious accommodation.
It’s a world away from her past life – confined to a cage far too small, without the opportunity to explore, play, or simply feel safe.
When Fawn, a Syrian hamster, arrived at Blue Cross’ Hertfordshire centre, she was terrified, showing signs of severe stress. Naomi, Adoptions Coordinator, explained: “She didn’t have the right accommodation in her previous home and had been overhandled.”
The team acted quickly, moving her into a large, enriched environment, well above the recommended minimum size. Though she settled briefly in a foster home, Fawn struggled with ingrained stress behaviours – climbing and biting at the bars of her cage.
“Pacing and bar-biting are signs of serious stress in hamsters,” Naomi said. “Even with lots of bedding, these habits can persist if they’ve been under stress for too long.”
That’s when the behaviour team stepped in. They designed a bespoke glass tank setup for Fawn with deep layers of safe, dust-free bedding to encourage natural burrowing and wooden obstacles and food foraging activities. Fawn now had plenty of space to rest and explore on her own terms.
And the transformation has been incredible.
Fawn began burrowing for the first time, stopped pacing, and now rests peacefully during the day — just as a happy, nocturnal hamster should.
“This is the calmest she’s ever been. She’s grown in confidence and even takes treats from our hands,” Naomi shared.
We’re thrilled to say Fawn has now found a loving forever home with experienced owners, who were supported by Blue Cross to set up the perfect environment for her to continue thriving.
Thanks to your support, little animals like Fawn get the second chance they deserve.