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Old 01-06-2015, 09:04 PM   #1
TeeHamster
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Question Uninterested hamster?

Tonight my little guy seems to be very uninterested in coming out of his cage, unlike last night, when he was happy to climb on to get out when I opened the door. I really haven't been able to get him out today, as he does not like being picked up very much. Every time I try, he jumps/squirms out of my hands before I can get him out. He climbs onto my hands if I have food in them, but otherwise sniffs, looses interest, and continues to run on his wheel. I've only had him two weeks, so could it be that he's still nervous/"untamed"?

I just kind of feel like he's been stuck up in his cage all day and not gotten much exercise beside his wheel (which is currently obsessed with) but should I just leave him be and try again tomorrow? what should I do?

Also, on another note, is it just him being nervous, or do all hamster not like being pet? Is there anything I can do to get him more used to me?
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Old 01-06-2015, 09:20 PM   #2
itswendy
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

Honey's like that too. She'll sleep on me and she'll let me pet her but she hates being on my hands, or she's scared of it I'm not sure. I've had her for almost three months now and we've hit a plateau on our taming :/. I'm looking forward to the replies on this thread!
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Old 01-06-2015, 09:46 PM   #3
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

The wheel can be over used by hammies, they can run very long distances in their wheels and some will be on it for hours. He could just be really tired. If he's eating and drinking OK then just leave him to come out when he's ready. Talk to your hammie, encourage him and praise. Make a fuss of him when he does come out.
Some hamsters take longer to tame, all hamsters are different and their personalities are different too.
Try putting a tissue up your sleeve and leave it there for a couple of hours and then put the tissue in his cage, he'll sniff at it and smell your scent, you could do this for a few days and rub your hands in his substrate do that when you place your hand in the cage he'll recognize the smells.
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Old 01-07-2015, 11:45 AM   #4
TeeHamster
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

Okay so I did the tissue thing and rubbed my hands in his substrate. The only thing that concerns me is that when I put the tissue in the cage he stuffed a whole bunch in his mouth... Is that bad for him? I figured he'd probably just spit it out eventually but just making sure.
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Old 01-07-2015, 12:01 PM   #5
Rempanda
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

Quote:
Originally Posted by TeeHamster View Post
Okay so I did the tissue thing and rubbed my hands in his substrate. The only thing that concerns me is that when I put the tissue in the cage he stuffed a whole bunch in his mouth... Is that bad for him? I figured he'd probably just spit it out eventually but just making sure.
That's not bad a lot! They will usually do that to take somewhere else to make a nest. It's good that he's happy using bedding that smells like you in his nest

He's maybe just a bit tired tonight or just not feeling so great - we've all had days like that. I'm sure he'll be fine. Try again later, or tomorrow
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Old 01-07-2015, 07:52 PM   #6
Shannonmcn
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

All my hams have come out of their cages on their own terms, two of them were years and years ago before I knew anything about hamster care really, but I've always stuck by never making them come out when they don't want to. I personally use an exercise ball, I know some people don't, but they know ball means out time and they can say no if they want to. I don't like lifting hams who don't want to be lifted, I've tried and it's set me back. Getting to that stage is great for regular health checks and personally that's p much the only reason I feel it's necessary unless they're about to put themselves somewhere dangerous.

I would let them come you you, taming should always be on their terms and by their pace. Lifting a teeny tiny prey animal is a huge step for them and you should try not to be disheartened if they aren't okay with it. Just take it slow
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Old 01-08-2015, 04:07 AM   #7
herbi7
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

Is it a new wheel for him? I disabled my wheel for a couple of days as my ham was so excited with it she wouldn't do anything else and I was worried it wasn't a healthy balance as she also became withdrawn as well. After a couple of days she was back to wanting to come out and play and altho the wheel is back up and running now she is moderate about it. Make him take a break if it starts to look unhealthy to u.
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Old 01-08-2015, 08:50 AM   #8
Angie B
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

Skittle sometimes won't come out of his cage at night even though he is awake. Also, occasionally when he does "ask" to come out (stands upright on his back legs, looking at the door which is on the top) and we put him in his ball, he just sits there and doesn't roll around. I guess they're like us sometimes; just wanna stay in bed or doss around in our bedrooms! If he's like it regularly then it could be something else, but at a guess if it's only now and then (like Skittle) I wouldn't worry too much.
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Old 01-08-2015, 05:29 PM   #9
TeeHamster
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Default Re: Uninterested hamster?

I left him alone for awhile and today I was finally able to get him into his ball. The tissue thing really helped and now I'm able to get him out of his cage easier. He hasn't come to the door wanting out again like he used to but I'll give him time and at least I was able to get him out today for a little exercise. Thanks everyone so much for your help! Loved hearing about some of your hamsters and that made me feel a lot better. All the advice really helped, very much appreciated.
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