The taming begins!

Seraxil · 08-30-2016, 11:11 AM

Hi again guys.

I've decided to start a thread with stages of me taming Fluffy (name chosen by son!). This is by no means a guide, as I have no real idea what I'm doing apart from tips from here and YouTube! Maybe it will help others who might be a little scared of their hammies biting

She will take treats from me and let me stroke her but the only time I've picked her up was to stop an escape and it led to a few days of her being left alone as I think I scared her.

She is a Syrian and I'm not sure of her age. She was in a cage on her own in a pet shop and the other hamster in the neighbouring cage was a long hair and he had lots of hair which means they're older, right? So maybe that will affect how willing she is to be handled.

I'm planning some time in the bath tonight. Any tips?

Sorry for the long post!

CMB · 08-30-2016, 11:15 AM

If yours is short haired and the other is long haired they could be the same age.

Get in the bath first just to be sure the hamster isn't accidentally squashed. If there is room you could add the wheel. They often run on their wheel when stressed.

You can always take the wheel out if they just run on it all the time and don't climb on you.

Seraxil · 08-30-2016, 11:19 AM

That's what I thought, sorry I didn't explain myself properly. I thought they might be the same age and if that one was older, Fluffy may be too. I didn't even think to ask and if I go back they may not remember me! I'll have a go though.

Seraxil · 08-31-2016, 03:02 AM

Sorry for the double post!

We didn't do the bath as it was getting late when she was up happily and people were in bed! I used a large storage container and allowed her to use my hand as a step. She was a bit nervous (maybe unfamiliar smell of box?) but did do it.

Lots of exploring, letting me stroke her and accepting treats.

Then used my hand as a step to get back to cage.

I'm thinking of the treat on my hand but my fingers feel very exposed! Any tips or do I just man up and trust her? Thanks!

AmityvilleHams · 08-31-2016, 03:16 AM

It's one of those situations where you just have to trust the animal in question.Don't live in fear of getting bit,because it will definitely happen at some point.That comes with the territory of working with animals on any level,regardless of species.Just remain calm if a situation with biting occurs and all will end well!

Winterjay · 08-31-2016, 05:49 AM

Like Amityvillehams said, you just need to trust her. Be sure to wash your hands first so you don't smell like food or anything else good to nibble! I speak form experience on that one, my usually non-biting hamster will bite if I hold her after eating or cooking (especially pizza

)

Also, I suggest not wearing any lotion or other scents when handling your hamster. It's not good for them and you want to smell like you and not passion fruit.

I also read that some people put a tissue up their sleeve or in their shirt for a hour or so to get their scent on it, then placed it in the cage so the hamster could get to know them more. This supposedly makes them easier to handle.

Sorry for the long post and if you already know all this. Have fun!

Culprit · 08-31-2016, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterjay

Like Amityvillehams said, you just need to trust her. Be sure to wash your hands first so you don't smell like food or anything else good to nibble! I speak form experience on that one, my usually non-biting hamster will bite if I hold her after eating or cooking (especially pizza

)

Also, I suggest not wearing any lotion or other scents when handling your hamster. It's not good for them and you want to smell like you and not passion fruit.

Sorry for the long post and if you already know all this. Have fun!

When I first started Zero would gently nibble, I washed my hand, and then this is what really worked, rubbed my hand in the substrate. After that I would just put a treat in my palm and he would walk right up.

Seraxil · 08-31-2016, 07:51 AM

Thanks for the tips guys!

I already do the tissue thing but didn't think about scents from soap! I think mine may be carex bubblegum! Haha. I'll be sure to mess with the substrate too!

After the first time I'm sure I'll be fine, just getting over that initial 'I don't want to be bit'! Ha!

Thin Lizzy · 09-01-2016, 04:25 AM

If you appear nervous your hammy will pick up on it.
Just remember to talk softly to Fluffy and praise him.

Seraxil · 09-02-2016, 01:45 AM

She used my hand as a step much more confidently last night. And came it of get house when she heard me talking to her.
I will start picking her up in a few days if I can catch her! She is so fast!