Why was/is she like this?

Baron · 06-19-2018, 05:26 AM

Long story short: Somebody I know, lets call her M, rescues hamsters.

Girl of twelve got this hamster, together with a cage I believe is the Ferplast Paula. Girl dind't want the hamster anymore, so she brought him to her grandpa.
Grandpa didn't know what to do, so he put her up for adoption. For free on a secondhand site.
M came along en picked her up. Hamster is about 14 month olds. Apparantly she seemed...very angry. She bit M whenever she stuck her hand in de the cage. She also homed in on M whenever she just stood beside the cage. Those kind of things. No cage bar biting, but just...agressive inside the cage? M is good with her animals, but she didn't seem to know what to do with this little fellow. See pictures for old cage and the new one.

I offered to take her in. At first I had a Detolf, but I moved my own dwarf in here. So, all I have left was a hamster heaven. She...made a complete U-turn. I was able to put my own hand in there, and she just sat there washing herself. She explored, she started collecting food and toiletpaper. I can stand next to her cage and she just minds her own business. For now I will let her get used to my household, which is quiet and unhurried.

I'm just looking for information on why the little lady behaved like this?
Because her cage was too small? Was she bored? Is it possible she's a campbell or an hybrid?

dreamtree1234 · 06-19-2018, 05:41 AM

I'm so sorry that this little one has been rehomed so many times. That is quite sad, but I am very, VERY happy that she has found her way to you. It sounds like she has finally found the perfect place to call home and the perfect person that she can let her truly sweet personality shine through with. It may be that she acted differently with M because she was unhappy with her cage setup at the time or was just feeling a bit insecure after having been with the twelve year old and her grandpa. It could also be that the two of you just clicked and she suddenly felt comfortable and more at ease being in your home with you. Regardless of why she is different with you, I am glad that it all worked out in the end for both of you. I will be hoping that she continues to bond well with you and you both share a wonderful relationship with one another. Congrats on adopting this cutie, and I wish you both the very, VERY best.

Btw, what is this darling ham's name?

Baron · 06-19-2018, 05:44 AM

Thank you so much! She was apparantly quite stressed when M tried to put her in the carrier. But...the moment she came here she sat there washing herself and just now I was capable of putting some more bedding in to her cage. Still no biting!

For a name...she was called Mico But I am still looking. Pending names are Akiko, Ghost, Echo. Maybe Maia? Not sure, so many choices!

dreamtree1234 · 06-19-2018, 06:05 AM

I'm glad that she is doing so well with you. Have a fun time with the little beauty. All your names are lovely; I will be looking forward to finding out which one you choose or she chooses. I look forward to getting to know her and seeing more pics of her whenever she is settled in more and you have the chance. Best wishes to you both.

Baron · 06-19-2018, 06:36 AM

She seemed to have settled and is finally sleeping. I can't wait to see her personality unfolding further!

dreamtree1234 · 06-19-2018, 07:30 AM

Aww, what a sweetheart!!!! I hope that she has sweet dreams.

Baron · 06-19-2018, 07:38 AM

I hope I can make her happy by adding a bag of carefresh or cottoncomfort at one side of the cage.

She only awoke to drink some water, but she's being very lovely

dreamtree1234 · 06-19-2018, 07:47 AM

I wouldn't use any cotton nesting materials in her cage. Although it is sadly sold as being a very comforting and safe material for small pets, it has been widely proven to be extremely dangerous. It can result in internal blockages which can be fatal to your ham, and it also can cause her to get tangled in it which can be very detrimental and painful. For nesting materials, I would strongly suggest using tissues as this is very soft and comforting, but it doesn't pose any dangers. I know that you are trying to make her as happy and cozy as possible and you love her very much; therefore, I just thought that this information will be helpful to you.

Baron · 06-19-2018, 08:26 AM

It's not that coloured cottonstuff. That's something I don't use.

dreamtree1234 · 06-19-2018, 11:23 AM

I'm sorry for misunderstanding what you were considering using; I'm glad you don't use that stuff.