New Syrian hamster

Shelleyzeus · 11-16-2017, 05:38 AM

Hi everyone, we got a Syrian hamster on Saturday (5 days ago) and he was 8 week old when we got him. I've owned hamster's when I was younger so I'm not completely new to owning them its just a long time since I had one. My worry is that he is super shy and only wants to be in he's house. We let him settle in for three days and then tryed to give him treats when he finally came out for something to eat but he wasn't interested. He just gets up stores he's food in he's pouch and goes back in he's bed. I have had to get him a new cage today because the other one we borrowed off a friend was to small. I've just put him in the new cage, he had a good look around and then went straight back in he's new bed. I really don't know what to do, should I give him a few more days? And what's the best step I can make to make him trust us?
Thank you

cypher · 11-16-2017, 06:22 AM

Congrats on your new ham

If he's not staying out in the cage while you're around then you need to get him out of the cage, get him to climb into a tube, mug or something you can safely transport him in & make a safe area, playpen, large plastic storage box or you can use the bath with the plug in & a towel in the bottom.
Keep taming sessions short to begin with, give him a few things to explore then just spend a little time interacting with him before putting him back in the cage again.
Keep talking to him whenever you're near the cage so he gets used to you being around too.
As well as being nervous to begin with some boys are just a bit lazy & at this time of year they do tend to spend more time in bed anyway but if you're get into a routine with him he should soon become tamer & take more of an interest.

Thin Lizzy · 11-16-2017, 07:46 AM

Congratulations on your new ham? What's his name?

Shelleyzeus · 11-16-2017, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

Congrats on your new ham

If he's not staying out in the cage while you're around then you need to get him out of the cage, get him to climb into a tube, mug or something you can safely transport him in & make a safe area, playpen, large plastic storage box or you can use the bath with the plug in & a towel in the bottom.
Keep taming sessions short to begin with, give him a few things to explore then just spend a little time interacting with him before putting him back in the cage again.
Keep talking to him whenever you're near the cage so he gets used to you being around too.
As well as being nervous to begin with some boys are just a bit lazy & at this time of year they do tend to spend more time in bed anyway but if you're get into a routine with him he should soon become tamer & take more of an interest.

Will I be ok waking him up or should I wait until he is awake? I've also moved him cage downstairs today so he can get use to some noise because its very quiet in my daughter's bedroom, am I right in doing this?

cypher · 11-16-2017, 08:37 AM

It's ok to wake him up, if there's a time he normally comes out for some food or when you put his food in the cage do it then, if not just wake him gently, maybe rustle the substrate & make some gentle noises so he doesn't get startled.
If you can stick to about the same time each evening he should soon get into the routine.
Having his cage where there's some but not too much noise is better, if they're in a very quiet room they don't really get a chance to adjust to you being around.

Shelleyzeus · 11-16-2017, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

Congratulations on your new ham? What's his name?

Thank you.
My daughter has called him Ted

We also got a winter white dwarf hamster 8 days ago and my other daughter called him nibbles

I love watching nibbles play, He's such a character. I've never had a dwarf before I've always had Syrians.

SimonandSyril · 11-16-2017, 09:39 AM

Congrats on your new addition!
When I get nervous hamsters I get them used to me by walking past the cage quite alot and just talking outside the cage so my hamster can hear me. Once the hamster starts to peek out I begin the normal taming process. Congrats on Nibbles as well and I hope Ted warms up to you soon

CMB · 11-16-2017, 02:34 PM

Congratulations. Hope they both settle in well.

Shelleyzeus · 11-16-2017, 03:12 PM

Thank you, Ted the Syrian hamster has been out a bit more tonight. We have just been talking to him and I did the tissue scented thing with him. I think the new bigger cage has worked a bit aswel. Fingers crossed we get more progress with him tomorrow

WelshHammi · 11-16-2017, 03:58 PM

With pickles I sat by her cage and just called her name and got her used to my voice at first! It took a little while but she got used to my voice and started coming ou! Now if I am anywhere near she pops her head out and can’t wait to come an have a cuddle