taming help please

[catslovelycats]

Feeling down. My lovely chinese, Evey, who I rescued 2 months ago has gone from being happy on my hand to hiding in her burrow if she is out when I'm around. I'm currently getting over pneumonia which means I haven't been sitting or talking to her much the last few days. I hear her on her wheel and she is taking food. Don't know how to win her round. She doesn't even take food from me anymore. Any thoughts about what I can do (once I'm better)? She is due a clean and I am worried this will stress her even more. thanks

[cypher]

That's a real shame, I hope you're feeling better now.
I would just go back to talking to her quietly for a while until she gets used to you being around the cage more, if you have to clean her cage then there's not much you can do about that but I wouldn't think it would stress her out too much.
When is she normally out & about? Mine's out a fair bit during the day but I have noticed she's been a bit jumpy again since the days have got longer & lighter so maybe that could be part of it with yours too.
I'm sure she'll come around again soon enough so try not to worry about it too much, just let her take her time. Patience always seems to be the key with these little ones.

[Thin Lizzy]

I hope you're better soon!
I agree with Cypher with gently talking to him and being patient. It might be a step backwards but, you'll get that bond back.

[racinghamster]

Definitely go back a step as Lizzy suggested because it`s the best thing to do. Baby steps. Sorry to hear you have been ill, that`s rotten luck. But spot clean around her for now and gain back some trust, even if she doesn't express it, she knows your scent now and just let her hide while you talk to her and spot clean. My hybrid Russian sometimes doesn`t even bother to come out of bed when I`m spot cleaning, lazy sod!

Chinese hamsters can be hot and miss with personality but they are either very shy and tend to stay that way, or they come round in their own time and become very friendly and intelligent. A patient approach and consistency are all that`s needed. x