Handling a new hammy - how long do you find it takes?

jennyfive · 07-23-2017, 03:07 PM

Hi folks

Fairly new on the forum and already had great advice so far

I've had my new and very first hammy (Harry Herb ) since Monday 17th July. I was wondering how long do you all find it takes for your hammy to be comfortable being held? Does it differ a lot?

Harry is already quite comfortable to take treats from my hand, and today he stepped quite far on to my hand (gloved admittedly, know that may slow it down a bit) to take a treat. He isn't at all put off when my bare or gloved hand enters the cage so he seems quite comfortable with my presence. I'm very concious of not pushing him too fast but I'm looking forward to Harry being comfortable enough to be held - what's your experiences in terms of how long a ham has taken until he or she was ok to be held? I don't want to try too soon in case he gets scared!

Drago · 07-23-2017, 03:25 PM

Every hamster is different. Some are tame practically immediately, whilst others never truly become tame. Species also has a lot to do with it as well. The quickest one of my hamsters ever tamed down was, immediately, and the longest was, never! Just take things slow and steady, and if he seems to be making reasonable progress, and seems comfortable and confident, then you're doing things right

Best wishes

jennyfive · 07-23-2017, 03:42 PM

Thanks for your help Drago (twice tonight in fact!), I'll focus on baby steps and go at his pace I think. He seems very curious about me whenever I'm in the room so I hope that to be a good sign! He seems comfortable esp now he has a nice big wheel as his previous one was way too wee.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 07-23-2017, 03:42 PM

Good your not pushing her, try to keep going at her pace, hopefully she'll be swept away in love with you

Drago · 07-23-2017, 04:06 PM

Sounds like you're on the right track! Just remain patient and persistent and he should become tame in no time

AprilPearl · 07-24-2017, 12:48 AM

I've had one hamster who was virtually tame from the start, but the rest (even my breeder ham) have needed time. My first hamster, who actually ended up being the cuddliest in the end, took about a month! In general though, I find they tame within about a week.

Thin Lizzy · 07-24-2017, 01:51 AM

It varies with hamsters but, don't worry about it taking longer, some hams need that extra encouragement. I always ensure that I praise them, tell them how proud I am. Also talking more and quietly and being calm helps them.
You're doing good, just go at his speed.

CMB · 07-24-2017, 12:04 PM

You seem to be doing fine with taming. Keep going at his pace. As others have said taming varies at the speed it progresses.

I have had some tame from the start, while others took longer. I have also had one who never became tame and was so aggressive I could never put my hand in the cage without being bitten.

jennyfive · 07-24-2017, 01:33 PM

Thank you all for your kind advice

I'm going to continue at Harry's pace without pushing things! I'm already so glad he's comfy when I'm close to him/my hand in the cage, it's a nice feeling especially as I'm quite a big creature compared to him, it's no wonder some hammys might never feel quite comfortable with that!

Turrican · 07-24-2017, 02:18 PM

I wish you and Harry all the best! Sounds like you're moving in the right direction. As others have said, some hamsters are tame from the word go and others take time. I had one that never became tame sadly, he just ran away every single time and just wasn't interested in human interaction at all. She was still loved all the same of course, but it is so great when they get tame and worth all of that patience and effort required. Im currently taming my new Syrian. It's going quite well but we've still got a long way to go. I hope you have lots of success soon with yours!