Tips on taming? - Page 2

cypher · 03-31-2015, 08:42 AM

I'm still not sure why hybrids have such a reputation for nipping! Have I been extremely lucky or what, out of 4 only 1 has been a biter & with a bit of patience & understanding she's fine now.
I do think if you're afraid of them biting it does make them a bit nervous & more inclined to do exactly that so, although I know it's easier said than done it helps if you can just take your time & try to be relaxed about it.
If Priscilla doesn't want to go into the ball you could try a smallish cardboard box, I find mine will usually climb into something like that & if you put the flat of your hand over the end they won't bite, if they do bite it's usually finger tips they go for!
I don't force mine to do anything, I have one who really doesn't like being away from his cage much at all which is fine but he is very docile & loves a cuddle, I do think it's worth giving the opportunity to come out & spend time with you, if they really don't enjoy something it's not usually that hard to tell & know when it's time to stop.
It's very early days for Priscilla so I would just continue to take it really slow but give her every chance to come out of her shell when she's ready.

LifeWithPets · 03-31-2015, 08:52 AM

I am definitely taking it slow - I absolutely do not want to push her. The only interaction I have had with her is gently petting her after she takes a sunflower seed from my fingers and talking and singing to her gently. She follows my hand around the cage when I'm feeding her etc but I never give her an opportunity to nip me as I don't want her to make a habbit of it! Once she bit Chloe once, she did it continuously everytime she saw a hand

! So by doing this I'm hoping she will learn that hands aren't dangerous and that she doesn't have to nip people to tell them to go away, as I will only be in her cage very briefly

Blue_smarties · 03-31-2015, 12:16 PM

Hi lifewithpets,
I had similar problems when I first got my ham! It really does test your patience when they're so unpredictable at the start with what they like and dislike and if they will or won't bite! Just a word of encouragement to say keep at it, can't say I can add huge amounts to the advice already given above but it will get better -it'll just need time and perseverance!
Keep going with your lovely little ham, it'll all be worth it in the end!

MummaBorris · 03-31-2015, 12:20 PM

I put tissues in my pockets all day and then rip them up from Borris and Viktoria to have as their bedding so they know my scent. I also used gloves to hold Borris at the start to tame her. If she won't go in her ball - maybe pick her up when she goes in a tube or something.
Once Borris was happy sat in my hands with gloves on, I then removed one glove and stroked her with that hand and then gradually removed the other glove too. It took about 2 weeks.
Good luck!

LifeWithPets · 03-31-2015, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue_smarties

Hi lifewithpets,
I had similar problems when I first got my ham! It really does test your patience when they're so unpredictable at the start with what they like and dislike and if they will or won't bite! Just a word of encouragement to say keep at it, can't say I can add huge amounts to the advice already given above but it will get better -it'll just need time and perseverance!
Keep going with your lovely little ham, it'll all be worth it in the end!

I have had my first wee nip from her but I refuse to let it discourage me! Even if it takes months, I will keep trying. This little girl has been given up on too many times for me to give up on her, too

LifeWithPets · 03-31-2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MummaBorris

I put tissues in my pockets all day and then rip them up from Borris and Viktoria to have as their bedding so they know my scent. I also used gloves to hold Borris at the start to tame her. If she won't go in her ball - maybe pick her up when she goes in a tube or something.
Once Borris was happy sat in my hands with gloves on, I then removed one glove and stroked her with that hand and then gradually removed the other glove too. It took about 2 weeks.
Good luck!

I have been using the tissue trick, hopefully it works well for Priscilla! After a week of in cage interactions and finger feeding I will move onto her climbing onto my hand while I wear gloves. Hopefully it works and my baby begins to trust me! Thank you <3

LifeWithPets · 04-30-2015, 01:24 PM

Hi everyone! Just wanted to update you all!
Priscilla is now hand tame! We are able to pick her up to take her from her cage to her playpen. I also feed her sunflower seeds and millet while on my hand - this can all be done without gloves!
She very ocassionally gives me a wee nip but I'm sure that's just normal for a dwarf hamster

Thank you all for your advice!

cypher · 04-30-2015, 11:06 PM

That's really good to hear