1st Syrian ham very scared/biting. Struggling to tame - Page 3

Thin Lizzy · 01-15-2015, 08:17 AM

How's Nessa doing?

Blue_smarties · 01-18-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

How's Nessa doing?

Hi ThinLizzy, thanks so much for asking!
I took her to a different vet who wasnt quite sure the reason as I didnt manage to video the fit at the time so she couldnt tell me but she said it sounded like Nessa had a clonic seizure. She also said she'd seen a male syrian years ago who had similar fits to Nessa's and this little guy also had taming issues and behavioral problems in the same way Nessa does:/
She said p@h would offer a "swap" if I wanted but I personally think if you buy an animal, its for life not just until they get sick..couldnt imagine taking her back with the receipt like a pair of shoes!!

So Ive decided to keep her and tame her the best I can

It might work but she might just be a hamster I provide a good home for but who I'll never be able to play with but thats fine too

i'm just glad she's doing ok.

Thanks so much everyone for your advice & support! it such a huge help for a first time owner like me to get tips, especially with a poorly hamster!

Benbo1 · 01-18-2015, 03:55 PM

I'm 6 to 7 weeks into training my new hammie. And he still nibbles or clamps his incisors on me! He hasn't broke skin yet! The key is patience!!! Rub your hands in your hams wood or paper cage bedding! If he's coming to bite you,as soon as your hand is present? Try gloves rubbed in bedding,until biting subsides! I talk to mine in a voice that I would use in a hamster cartoon! Similar to Alvin,Simon and Theodore!.They like it? Keep talking & putting your gloved hand in his habitat several times a day!! Make sure you have a big enough running wheel!! If hammie stops running to look at you,clap & say good boy or good girl! Every ham needs a friend.My 2 and half year old was similar,& I gave up! Don't make that mistake!! That makes them develop solitary habits! I got another ham named Bear 3 weeks after Bo,( my 2& half yr old) I should have trained Bo first,then got another ham! Bear wanted my time,Bo did not! Treat them like kids. They are! Scared,fearing a giant that keeps popping in.They are smart!! Eventually they realize,this giant hasn't hurt me,he or she also feeds & takes care of me!! Toys & a wheel along with a clean habitat,food,treats, fresh veggies (check to learn what is good & what is bad ,even deadly!) stress can kill a ham! This is important info,because you can't tame a unhappy,stressed ham! I leave you with a saying!(Clean ham'ie equals happy ham'ie)! Also listen to Souffle,& heed the advice!

cypher · 01-19-2015, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue_smarties

So Ive decided to keep her and tame her the best I can

It might work but she might just be a hamster I provide a good home for but who I'll never be able to play with but thats fine too

i'm just glad she's doing ok.

Good for you! I can't imagine you wanting to swap her just because she has problems, I really hope she does ok & you can make more progress with her.

Thin Lizzy · 01-19-2015, 10:06 AM

Blue_smarties, I would be the same about keeping her, as a hammie owner I believe in accepting the rough with the smoothe. Another way of saying I accept they'll be good days and not so good days.
I do believe it's fate that you got Nessa and the way you acted during her first fit (staying calm kept Nessa calm) proves you're a natural! So glad Nessa has you!

Blue_smarties · 01-22-2015, 01:59 PM

Hi everyone, thought I'd all let you know the very sad news that Nessa died last night

she had another fit but didn't get back up this time. Thank you so much for all your advice and support, I loved having her for the short while I did and I am definitely a hamster lover for life. Xx

souffle · 01-22-2015, 02:44 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this BS. You did your very best for her andher short life shared with you was all that a little one could wish for. It sounds as if she was born with some genetic defect that made her the way she was.
You treated her like a princess and she will have known she was loved for all her problems regardless x
Play well at the bridge Nessa little one - free from all your troubles now xx

Pebbles82 · 01-22-2015, 04:20 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this. Poor little thing. She was lucky to have a home with you for her short life. It sounds like the condition was making her aggressive. These things just happen sometimes and she was maybe born with a congenital defect. Don't let this put you off owning a hamster. You have a great cage, and after a bit of time to grieve and get over the shock and stress, you could think about getting another one, although after this experience, I would suggest finding a breeder and getting a hamster who has been weaned and brought up well and is used to being handled - kind of a 'get back on your bike' thing.

SophieB03 · 01-22-2015, 04:35 PM

Hi,
My hammy was the same to start with, I used to talk to him in a soft, calm voice, offering him a treat or a piece of food, he will be nervous getting used to his new surroundings and smells and of course you! It may take him a while to adjust to his new home and family! Mine is 3 1/2 years old now and has never bitten me, good luck!

Thin Lizzy · 01-22-2015, 08:23 PM

BlueSmarties, so sorry to hear about Nessa. It's heartbreaking losing your ham when you only had her a short while. But, you gave her so much love, care and devotion in the short time you had her.
Like Serendipity said don't let this experience put you off getting another hamster.
Give yourself time to grieve her, you'll have good and bad days but please remember we're here to support you. Take Care and sending you hugs xx
RIP Nessa gone too soon xx