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05-29-2013, 12:49 PM
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#1
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
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Taming babies
Hi,
I am currently fostering 2 baby Syrians - thinking 4/5 weeks old and boys. (Not sure how to verify this? Can anyone point me in the right direction? Isn't sensible to trust what you are told I guess!)
So, as they will be up for rehoming in a few weeks, how to I tame them? They are friendly, they let me hold them etc. but I want to make sure they get off the best start and being very tame and friendly (like my Luna, who was obviously well cared for from being a baby before she came to me as a rescue) will help a lot.
So, is there anything I should / shouldn't be doing?
Also, how much should they be eating?
Thanks
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05-29-2013, 01:01 PM
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#2
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Hamster Hoosier
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 1,969
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Re: Taming babies
For boy/girl info, I'd check the HC Wiki.
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05-29-2013, 01:02 PM
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#3
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Hamster Hoosier
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 1,969
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Re: Taming babies
Seems to me lots of hand time would be good. Lots of snuggles and quiet talking to them.
Someone with way more experience than me will be along any moment.
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05-29-2013, 01:03 PM
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#4
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 104
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Re: Taming babies
Just handle them lots i guess. Feed them treats. But I'm not sure how much to feed them.
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05-30-2013, 12:30 PM
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#5
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Hamster Pup
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 120
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Re: Taming babies
Thanks everyone - I will just persevere with them then
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05-30-2013, 01:22 PM
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#6
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Adult Hamster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Barnsley, UK
Posts: 268
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Re: Taming babies
I bet they are just the cutest little hammies Really want to see them!
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06-03-2013, 02:49 AM
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#7
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PM Fluffy for custom title
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 2,197
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Re: Taming babies
When they are 5 weeks old they just look like little adults. Most shops accept hamsters at 6 weeks, so if they are closer to 5 weeks they should look, albeit small, almost at selling age. 3-4 weeks of age, they are small, a little wobbily, and have large heads and very round tummies. If they are 4-5 weeks old as you suspect, they should almost fill your palm and be steady and sure on their feet. Hope that helps,it's not a very good description I know. I thought I had some pics but I don't. :/
I would advice just to keep handling them, regularly but very gently. I would hold them over a surface or very low to the ground, as they are very likely to suddenly jump, and at that age they are very fragile. It's a good idea to start by gently cupping them in your hands, and letting them jump off if they want to, so they don't see being handled as a potential threat. Baby hammies are quick learners, and it won't take them long to get used to the idea. Allow them to eat a treat off of your hand, but also handle them without treats so they don't just associate your hand with food.
As for how much they eat, it depends on the age. If they are indeed 4 to 5 weeks old, they should be eating solids (dry complete mix), but preferably broken into smaller pieces. A small teaspoon of this a day should suffice, but it's a good idea to supplement their diet by offering a small serving of milky porridge/oatmeal in a shallow dish, or a piece of high quality dog kibble, either solid to encourage them to gnaw, or if you think they might be younger, soak in a little warm water or milk. Be aware though that milk sours quickly, so if offering milk in the form of porridge or used to soak solids, if after a couple hours they haven't eaten it or have left excess, remove it. A small piece of hardboiled or scramble egg is a good idea for a rich source of protein, but should only be offered sparingly. You could also give a couple of mealworms, live or dried.
Hope this offers some help!
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