Remember, sudden movements and loud noises may scare your hamster away, so ask everyone to stay calm and quiet, and to keep away from the area.
Lower toilet lids to ensure the hamster doesn’t drown. Tell everyone to be careful where they step while the hamster is missing.
Remove any mousetraps, rat poison, or other harmful substances that your hamster may get into.
Decide where your hamster likes to hang out. Where do you think it would like to go? Try to think about its behavior. Look for signs of hamster poop or seed trails. [5] X Research source
If you have an aquarium cage, you can place it on its side.
You can try tying a string with a bell on it to a carrot stick. When the hamster eats the carrot stick, he will move the bell.
Make sure that the bucket you are using is tall enough so it can’t escape. [15] X Research source Put a towel or shavings on the bottom to cushion your hamster when it falls in. [16] X Research source
Put some cucumber inside so your hamster can stay hydrated, do not put a ceramic dish inside in case, it could injure itself in the fall. [18] X Research source
Don’t put too much food on the steps leading to the bucket. You want to lure the hamster, not make it full so it won’t investigate further.
Make a line of food or treats up the ruler and place a few in the center of the paper or foil. Make sure to use a shallow trashcan. The hamster should not fall any farther than 10 inches.
If the hamster escapes often, close the cage with a metal lock on the outside. A plastic lock can be hazardous and useless if your hamster chews on it.