Helpful tips?

mmmim256 · 08-08-2013, 01:41 PM

Skittles is my new Chinese dwarf who is 2 weeks old (says the guy at pet smart).. I have never had that young of a hamster before. Is there anything I can do to help her not be to frighten??
She tends to be really scared when she's in her ball and when I am trying to hold her.

Nikkigrace · 08-08-2013, 04:28 PM

At 2 weeks old, there is no way she should be away from her mum. Are you sure you weren't told she is 2 months old??

mmmim256 · 08-08-2013, 04:45 PM

Sorry I meant to put 2 months

POLAR WHITES · 08-09-2013, 06:49 AM

I don't like hamster balls they isn't enough air in them when they are closed up and also the little hamsters feet can get caught in the sits and they can the ball can slice them off, so I wouldnt use them. it is still very early days for the hamster it is still settling in. I would give it a bit longer try sitting next to her and slowly intro your hands with treats on them she will start to come up to you then move on to handling her above her cage so if she does fall she wont go far and wont hurt herself.

mmmim256 · 08-09-2013, 10:23 AM

Okay thanks

Anthorn · 08-12-2013, 04:27 PM

Not a lot you can do about the ball. It's just something your hamster has to get used to. If there is room in the cage put the open ball in there and put a treat inside the ball.

Do you have bare arms when you attempt handling? Most animals don't like bare arms so try wearing long sleeves and see if it helps. Also if you are apprehensive about being bitten wear gloves - rub the gloves in your hands to transfer your scent to them. White cotton gloves as used by coin collectors are best but don't offer very much protection against strong bites.

Kiki_3173 · 08-12-2013, 05:24 PM

I always used to rub my hands in the substrate of my dwarf hamsters cage before trying to handle her. She had quite the cage rage & having her scent on me helped to calm her, when I was handling her...maybe this will help with your hammy's nervousness.

racinghamster · 08-13-2013, 05:18 AM

Hello mim. First of all, Chinese hamsters are shy by nature, so using a ball isn`t a good idea. She`s still getting used to being in your home, so trying to do too much too fast will just unsettle her. Chinese hamsters are very much mouse-like and love to climb, so they require a very narrow barred cage that isn`t too high. Failing that, a good secure tank style cage is fine as long as it has a good wheel and opportunities for her to fulfil her needs.

She will also need a hamster food that is sugar free. Hazel Hamster is the only one I know of that is sold in the US so hopefully members from your country can advise better on that. She will appreciate having Canary seed mixed into her hamster food as well. They love the small seeds. Millet spray is also loved. Both are sold for caged birds and found in all good pet shops.

Allow her plenty of time to settle in before you begin the taming process. If you rush her, it will just hamper any attempts to do so and she may even nip, as Chinese hamsters can if they feel scared.

Chinese hamsters are a favourite of mine. If you can give more information on her cage and what you feed her, we can advise better. But I would ditch the play ball. Chinese hamsters don`t appreciate them.

mmmim256 · 08-25-2013, 09:33 PM

Update on skittles:
She is doing much better of letting me holding and thanks for your guys advise, they seemed to help. And she loves being in her ball and having fun adventures around the house in it..