Hi guys! I’m new here
I’ve had my hamster Hamilton for almost a year now, and in the beginning he would always bite me and all sorts when I tried to pick him up, but now he’s softened up to me and he’ll be picked up and petted, but he’ll usually just try to wriggle away after a minute or two. He does a couple of tricks for food, like when I say the word “stand” he’ll stand on his hind legs, and when I say “through the tunnel” he’ll (sometimes) dash through his tunnel. He’s happy to sleep near me and he’s usually quite relaxed, but lately he’s just been acting a bit less happy-go-lucky, and even more squirmy when I pick him up than usual. I’ve checked him over for ailments and I’ve found nothing. I’ve ruled out age as well, since he’s only 18 months.
I’ve read lots of these threads, and people always talk about how their hamsters will fall asleep in their hands, and sit on their shoulders or in their pockets, and it just makes me feel like maybe Hamilton, although he’s content being around me and being held for short periods of time, just doesn’t really trust me that much. He’d never fall asleep on me, or perch on my shoulder or anything like that, so I’m worried I’ve done something wrong. Should I try and re-tame him?
I’m a first time hamster owner, and even though I’ve done a lot of research, I still think that I’m not that good at raising the little guy yet! I just want him to trust me more, and I need ways to help that. Hope you guys can give me a couple of pointers so I can give Hammie the best life possible