Spooked

Amberjw · 08-05-2017, 03:12 PM

Please help! I got my hamster about two weeks ago and he has been settling in very well. He was becoming more tame but today, I after my uncle had left my house I found the cage disturbed and left open for him to climb out. The clips that hold the actual cage to the bottom tray were undone as well and the upper part had become dislodged and could have been easily escaped from. Thank god little Boris was still there but he had gone back to being extremely jumpy and nervous. I discovered this after my uncle who has never owned a hamster (so doesn't know how to approach one) had been around. It seemed that he tried to pick him up or stroke him but didn't know how to go about it. I don't want little Boris to be afraid of my hand now after this incident. Does anyone know any tips to try to get him back to normal and to build up trust again? Also, just being picked up would have spooked the little guy because we have not got into that level yet as I was taking it slowly as not to stress him out.

CMB · 08-06-2017, 02:07 PM

He may be ok with you, as he will know you by your scent. Try the taming step you were at and see how he reacts. If he is scared go back to something he is ok with.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 08-06-2017, 02:23 PM

I hope your hamsters is able to calm down with you, try just talking to him & offering treats. Maybe try new treats, if you can find "rice pops" my hamsters go nuts over them. Maybe on the healthier side, fruits & veggies or try baby food & Gerber puffs in the baby section.

I left my hamster in the care of someone once who scared my hamster but the hamster recognized me from the person who scared him, like CMB was saying

cypher · 08-06-2017, 10:33 PM

I wouldn't worry too much, just give Boris a little time to settle quietly & he should come round again soon, if he is still jumpy after a day or two go back to the beginning with taming.

Thin Lizzy · 08-09-2017, 09:07 PM

That was so irresponsible of your Uncle doing that and I would tell him so and that he should've asked first.
Like Cypher says, give him a little time to settle and talk softly to him and praise him. Whenever he's out and about in his cage offer him a tasty treat and praise him, they love getting praise, it builds there confidence.