A hamster has survived almost unscathed after spending several minutes passing through an industrial shredder.

The rodent is thought to have got into a skip of rubbish that was taken to Recyclo recycling plant in Flintshire.

 

It survived a giant shredder used to destroy waste such as washing machines and was found in a sorting area with no injuries other than a sore foot.

 

The hamster, named Mike, has been adopted by Liam Bull, 10, whose father Craig works at Recyclo.

 

Liam said: "I can't believe he's still alive after what happened, but he's doing fine now."

 

The hamster's ordeal, which lasted around four minutes, began when it arrived at the plant in Sandycroft, probably aboard one of the many skips of waste which arrive there daily.

 

As well as surviving the giant shredder, Mike passed through a rotating drum and vibrating grids before he was discovered by staff.

 

The plant's general manager, Tony Williams, said: "We deal with 300 to 400 tonnes of dry waste a day from all over Cheshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

 

"Some of the material is shredded and then goes through a series of conveyor belts and grids that enable smaller pieces of waste to fall through.

 

"It seems that the hamster was small enough to pass through the blades of the shredder, but big enough to pass along the trammel without falling through an aperture.

 

"We don't get very much animal activity here, but we're delighted Mike survived and is now being cared for."

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk

Lucky escape: Mike the hamster - click the image to see a graphic of his perilous journey

You go, Mike the Hamster.

Awwww :)

Hamster must have come from Liverpool, because it's tough :)

Hamster must have come from Liverpool' date=' because it's tough :)[/quote']

 

So you don't think it's a Hampshire Hamster, then?:thinking:

Nah, we have Hampshire Hogs

Nah' date=' we have Hampshire Hogs[/quote']

 

And Hampshire hoodies??

And Hampshire hoodies??

 

Yep, although the hampshire hoodies have all been shipped to the isle of wight ready for the festival next weekend :D

Aw, that hamster is a little fatty :laugh3:

lol thanks for the link to the map MC

 

that's one lucky and cute hamster

Aw' date=' that hamster is a little fatty :laugh3:[/quote']

 

Fat Hamster perhaps???

 

:P

That hamster is huge. How it didn't get minced into many pieces, God only knows