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Old 09-02-2015, 01:37 PM   #1
Book_lover
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Default Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Iv had my little Teacake my Syrian for two days, I left him in his cage for 24 hours. I'm using the bath with a old towl and his toys out to tame him. Last night I played with him and he was nurvis but lasted for a hour, playing, being stroked and picked up. Tonight he's more willing to run about and play, he's ok with being stroked but he bit me when I picked him up. Please can someone give me advice. One confused and upset hamster owner.
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Old 09-02-2015, 01:43 PM   #2
Wanna Hamster
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Ideally, you want to wait about 1 week before handling your new hamster. I think the best thing to do is leave him alone for 5-7 days, then take it very slowly. First, just let him get used to taking treats from your hand, then being picked up for a couple of seconds then set back down. Then just take him out for about 5 minutes at a day. You can add 1-2 every day and he should be a lot better about biting.
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Old 09-02-2015, 02:02 PM   #3
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Thank you! I'm just worried that he won't be socialised. I'll start going slower from now on, thank you for your advice.
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Old 09-02-2015, 02:23 PM   #4
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Wanna Hamster has it right, I'm going to give a bit more detail but basically you need to slow down and take it step by step. Before you even think about picking your hamster you should be able to have your hands around them and stroke them without them getting nervous or worried.

So start with getting them used to your voice and smell but talking to them gently and quietly and maybe putting a tissue with your scent on it into the cage so hopefully they take it to their nest and associate your smell with being cosy and safe. Sticking a tissue up your sleeve or in your bra for an hour is what I did. Taking food and treats from your finger tips is the next step, then put the food on your flat palm. Maybe see how they get on with having you stroke them but keep your hands moving slowly and come towards them from where they can see you, not from above or behind. As they get used to that you can move the food further back on your hand so they have to stand on your hand to get it. Once they are 100% with that then you can start to lift your hand up for a few seconds. Keep your hand low to the ground in case they jump off and slowly start to bring your other hand into it so you have them cupped in your hands. That's how you always want to pick them up, as a scoop.

This is a very slow and steady approach, some people might think it's too slow and too conservative but this way you're not risking going too fast for them, freaking them out and setting yourself back when they jump out of your hands or bite. It's about building trust slowly. If your ham is very confident or has been handled when they were young then you can whiz through the steps but try and make sure they are 100% confident with the previous step before moving on.
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Old 09-02-2015, 02:38 PM   #5
Book_lover
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Thank you iv been wanting a pet for ages and I am now finally in a position to have one, I was actually really up set when he bit me. I wi take your advice and go a lot slower.
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Old 09-02-2015, 02:41 PM   #6
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

It's not nice at all to get bitten but I'm sure everyone on the forum has been there at some point! Teacake (LOVE the name btw) probably won't even remember it happened soon enough
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Old 09-02-2015, 03:19 PM   #7
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Thank you for your reassurance!
Im not sure where you are, but in Scotland we have a biscuit which is biscuit base, marshmallow and covered in chocolate, that is a tea cake to us, and as he is brown, white and fluffy, teacake is a rather fitting name.
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Old 09-02-2015, 04:38 PM   #8
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Oh I know what a teacake is, only the best teatime treat ever invented! unfortunately though I have ceoliac and the gluten free ones are complete trash compared to Tunnocks!
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Old 09-02-2015, 05:57 PM   #9
Wanna Hamster
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

Sadly, I don't think we have Teacakes in the U.S. Someone please tell me I'm wrong as I'm becoming very hungry right now LOL!
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Old 09-02-2015, 07:59 PM   #10
Nancy's Hamsters
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Default Re: Taming tips- I'm I going too fast?

We have Coffee Cakes here
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