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Old 10-03-2017, 03:00 PM   #1
tylerandloki
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Join Date: May 2017
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Question Why don't my hamsters behave hamster-like?

Hello everyone! I've had 2 hamsters in my life, 1 male that unfortunately passed away this April, and 1 female that is alive and well. Neither of them have been cuddly at all, although both accepted cuddles for a short while, then they got bored. This question is more directed towards my female, Bernie, as she's the only one alive. She's about 8 months old, and you can hold her for 10 seconds or so, then she gets bored and start to run around. I'd say I've held her for a minute at most. I've seen other people's hamsters fall asleep on them, which only happened half an hour before I had to put my previous hamster, Loki, to sleep because he was so sick. Otherwise, neither have EVER even been near that. I've also seen people's hamsters fall asleep outside their cage - like on the couch or under a blanket (supervised, of course!), and I just don't understand what's wrong with Bernie and Loki. Why aren't they like this? Did I do something wrong? Do I spend more time with them? Is it stress? I really don't get it, and I'm so worried that I've raised them wrong. When Bernie is out of her cage, she runs around NON-STOP. She's currently out of her cage, and she's been for an hour, still runs around without stopping. Is there anything I can do to get her to relax outside of her cage, so she could fall asleep on me, or even get her to allow cuddles for longer? This is because I feel like I can't spend any time with her because she constantly just wants to explore. I hope it doesn't sound like I don't like Bernie as she is - because I do. I wouldn't mind having Bernie just like she is forever, but obviously I want to give her as much affection as I can
Is this normal? Did I do something wrong?
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Old 10-03-2017, 03:41 PM   #2
AmityvilleHams
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Default Re: Why don't my hamsters behave hamster-like?

If anything Bernie is quite hamster-like!Hamsters in general aren't cuddly and don't usually enjoy staying still for too long.I wouldn't be worried at all about this behavior,nor would I try and change it.

Handling in itself isn't completely necessary for every hamster.If she chooses to not be fond of staying still and cuddling,let it be and just enjoy her wonderful unique personality and preferences Find other ways of interaction and positive reinforcement,but don't assume that affection always must include certain things!
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Old 10-03-2017, 04:02 PM   #3
SabreRose
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Default Re: Why don't my hamsters behave hamster-like?

You did absolutely nothing wrong.
Hamsters, like all other animals, are individuals. Some are more chilled and tactile and some are more energetic.
It sounds like Bernie is just an inquisitive little soul with a lot of energy and that’s perfectly fine.
I know cuddles are great but they’re not the only way to interact with her. If you have a room where she can free roam or a playpen big enough for you to sit in with her then she can run around and play with you there.

Also I know some hamsters are happy to sit on their humans hand but often it’s not for very long.

Your hammy is just doing her thing
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Old 10-03-2017, 05:19 PM   #4
tylerandloki
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Join Date: May 2017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
If anything Bernie is quite hamster-like!Hamsters in general aren't cuddly and don't usually enjoy staying still for too long.I wouldn't be worried at all about this behavior,nor would I try and change it.

Handling in itself isn't completely necessary for every hamster.If she chooses to not be fond of staying still and cuddling,let it be and just enjoy her wonderful unique personality and preferences Find other ways of interaction and positive reinforcement,but don't assume that affection always must include certain things!

Thank you so much for your response! it's very relieving to hear that it's normal. I'll be sure to try and find other ways of being with her

Quote:
Originally Posted by SabreRose View Post
You did absolutely nothing wrong.
Hamsters, like all other animals, are individuals. Some are more chilled and tactile and some are more energetic.
It sounds like Bernie is just an inquisitive little soul with a lot of energy and that’s perfectly fine.
I know cuddles are great but they’re not the only way to interact with her. If you have a room where she can free roam or a playpen big enough for you to sit in with her then she can run around and play with you there.

Also I know some hamsters are happy to sit on their humans hand but often it’s not for very long.

Your hammy is just doing her thing
Thank you very much for your message! I do have quite a large, 100% hamster-proofed room that I let her run around in, I'll try and join in more when she's out the next time!

Last edited by Fluffagrams; 10-04-2017 at 02:30 AM. Reason: Consecutive posts
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Old 10-04-2017, 09:11 AM   #5
aliah
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Default Re: Why don't my hamsters behave hamster-like?

I am a owner of russian dwarf hamster for over a year , that is my first ever hamster and I can tell you that he does like to be held when he is sleepy ( if you know what I mean He is active some time during day hours and he likes to be taken out from his cage and he is free roaming in one of my rooms ( hamster proof obviously ) , when I want to put him down to his cage he lets me hold him for about 30 mins in my hands, give him cuddles , eating trats , he falls asleep etc. but when I was doing the same thing in late evening / night time he wanted to explore the room / didnt want to be held at all .
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