Well, I may have been keeping a sweet hamster a secret for a week, but I feel comfortable with introducing her to you all now. A special sweet Syrian has ended up getting a home with me. This is completely unplanned as I had decided to take a break from owning Syrian after the shock loss of Maple.
As I had went to my local p@h store to get a few bits for Treacle when I decided to just have a glance at their Syrian to see who they had available and also I needed to see where my heart and head really was. Upon seeing the Syrians I decided that I didn't feel ready although a couple had caught my eye I didn't feel at the moment it was the right decision, so felt a break would be best. This was last Friday 7th.
Later that same evening the image of this particular Syrian kept popping up in my head and pulling at my heart strings. Saturday 8th I was having the same visualisations that I decided that I would clean a few Syrian toys to see where my head was at. After cleaning I couldn't help myself but set up my bin cage for when I felt the time was right. Well after setting up the cage I became paranoid that the Syrian who I had fallen in love with might have already found a home - so Saturday afternoon I had to go to my local p@h to see her. I asked to see this Syrian this time and I knew from that moment my head and heart were in agreement that she just had to come home with me.
My new addition to my hamily is a gorgeous black tortoiseshell female Syrian. I have wanted both a black and tortoiseshell for such a long time know but it was never destined to be. Her beautiful colouring really won me over especially the markings on her tummy. When I was shown her, she started to climb out of the cage plus started picking on her sister and then began stuffing her pouches. I think she had made up her mind too that she was coming home with me.
The one name that instantly came to mind which I also think is the perfect name for my new addition is Liquorice - also as she is a tort her nickname will likely be "Liquorice Allsorts"!. I am so happy with my decision to welcome her home but I would be lying to say I'm not extremely nervous and that I'm praying she lives a long happy healthy life.
Liquorice has been settling into her new cage - IKEA SAMLA 130l bin cage - this week in a different room from Treacle - so she could adjust to a home environment. Today she has moved into my bedroom. Since bringing her home I have noticed that she is quite timid and shy - often hides away when she hears me but now she in my bedroom I hope she will get more familiar with me and realise that I will spoil her.
I thought having a black hamster that she would be easier to spot in her cage however she is managing to camouflage perfectly with the back of her silent runner all I can see is her white feet and also hide in the darkness of her tunnels.
Without further ado her is Liquorice my naughty tortie...
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Taming Diaries - Day 1
Today, I started Liquorice taming sessions. Set up my playpen with toys for Liquorice to explore. At first she was a little hesitant to walk into the box to transport her to the playpen but after a little while ventured in. Initially she was very relaxed in her playpen had a explore and ate/pouched some treats - which I managed to get some quick photos. After a while I think something scared Liquorice as she spent the remainder of her taming session hiding in her extendable tunnel trying to pluck up the courage to venture back out. I decided it was best to call taming session up earlier than I have in the past for my other Syrian and returned her to her cage. I know with time, patience and repetition she will gain her confidence and start to trust me.
I will continue to keep you all updated on her progress.