Traumatized Aria

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 12-10-2014, 03:18 PM

So last night I attached a wooden base to her wodent wheel and placed the wheel back where it was in the bin. Aria eventually made her way upstairs to her wodent wheel but as soon as she saw the base she was on high alert. She'd stretch out as far as she could to smell it at a distance. Then she'd flinch with each sniff. Eventually she made her way onto it but you could still tell that she was on high alert and scared.

Then I made the stupid decision of trying to open the bin top to cover the base with aspen. At the sound of the latch she bolted across the bin and down the stairs. Then she got on her flying saucer and started running. This wasn't fun running. This was terrified, I want to get out of here running.

I probably should have let her be for the night but I tried to talk to her softly and offer her a treat but it didn't work. It did make things worse. She took the treat, ate some and put it on the saucer. When she took off running it flew and touched her and she flipped out more!

I let her be for the night but then this morning she didn't come out to greet me for her morning treat.

A bit of background for those that don't know. She was housed with another hamster at the pet shop that would bite her and start fights with her regardless of the fact that she just slept in the corner. Then the pet shop cage cleaner was very rough with the hamsters. I'm sure this didn't help.

So now im searching for advice. Maybe comfort that all will be alright with time? What should I do now? What shouldn't I do? I've covered her bin with a towel so she feels less afraid to come out and eat. Right now I've of seen her come out of her nest to pee and then go back in her nest.

Also, would it be OK if I read out loud to her tonight? Softly? I did this while taming Kit Kat to get her used to my voice. But I don't know if it's too soon and will scare Aria.

BrainGirl · 12-10-2014, 03:27 PM

Gosh, poor Aria

Was the piece of wood anywhere near other animals that would make her so cautious or is she always suspicious of new things in her territory?

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 12-10-2014, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

Gosh, poor Aria

Was the piece of wood anywhere near other animals that would make her so cautious or is she always suspicious of new things in her territory?

This is a first. She has been fine with everything else that I've been placing in her cage. Mind you I have only had her for about three weeks. I am still in the process of gaining her full trust and hand taming her. This is a very saddening set back for me. :'(

And no, it wasn't anywhere near other animals. I had just gotten it from the store.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 12-10-2014, 04:14 PM

I'd just give her a bit of time to settle down, maybe leave her alone tonight and sit and read to her tomorrow?

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 12-10-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

I'd just give her a bit of time to settle down, maybe leave her alone tonight and sit and read to her tomorrow?

Should I keep the TV on with low volume? I'm worried that sudden noises, both quiet and loud, will spook her. But if I have a background noise it might not take her by surprise.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 12-10-2014, 04:35 PM

Its up to you, if you feel that would help then go for it

BrainGirl · 12-10-2014, 06:30 PM

Maybe it was because the wood had a stronger smell different from all the pre-built toys because it had (presumably) been freshly cut? And 3 weeks isn't so long to have her and it sounds like she could still be skittish. I'm sure she'll get over it in time. If you do try music, I've found that my chinchillas at least are especially attracted to guitars and steel drums

Skeever · 12-10-2014, 06:37 PM

Sounds like you're so spooked now, that you'll spook her? Hams freak out over things we don't percieve, and just as quickly forget it/ get over it. Last time Pook heard or smelled something he freaked out, my hand going in to check on him freaked him out, so he hid by his water bottle.....which dripped on him, and double freaked him out.....

She's fine. Some normal, run of the mill peace and quiet would probably be best. She doesn't need stories or TV chatter in the background. She's a hamster. And they like routine. Carrying on as usual, and giving her a bit of space to resettle herself is really all that's needed.....

I have found that 'white noise' in general (fans, A/C, anything that creates a background hum) seems to mask a lot of neighbor sounds and noises...which is why people zone out and sleep to a TV when the station goes off air....and they often wake up when you turn off the 'static'.....

If you want a calm sound environment, you might try something like that.

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 12-10-2014, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

Its up to you, if you feel that would help then go for it

Thank you

Oatmeal_Cupcake · 12-10-2014, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

Maybe it was because the wood had a stronger smell different from all the pre-built toys because it had (presumably) been freshly cut? And 3 weeks isn't so long to have her and it sounds like she could still be skittish. I'm sure she'll get over it in time. If you do try music, I've found that my chinchillas at least are especially attracted to guitars and steel drums

Thank you! I hadn't thought about music. I personally love me some classical music. That sounds really relaxing. I'll have to play some tonight before bed.