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Old 07-24-2018, 01:35 PM   #1
Space Hamster
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Default Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

Hello hamster friends,

Skyler is my third Syrian hamster and unfortunately, she has me at my wits' end. As such, I would be immensely grateful for any and all advice you can please offer!

A little background; Skyler came to live with us as a young hamster in April, so she's now around 5 months old. She lives in a cage in line with the forum's size recommendations, with an appropriately sized wheel for a Syrian and lots of different toys that provide opportunity for exploration, play, chewing etc. I scatter feed her to help keep her occupied, too. She's 100% to handle, although she's so active she can sometimes be a bit of a liability!

I let Skyler out to play every night but after an average of around 15 minutes, it's as if she becomes bored and will revert to her endless behaviour of trying to bash the cardboard barriers of her playpen out of the way and repeatedly and relentlessly chew the carpet in two or three chosen areas. I'll discourage her and she'll move on to another spot or just keep coming back to the same spot, over and over and over until, hugely frustrated, I have to admit defeat and put her back in her cage.

I try and vary her playtime between my room, a combination of sofa/hamster ball/front room, the hall/stairs/landing and/or carrying her around and letting her explore different (safe!) surfaces to make life more interesting for her. Some rooms are safe for her to freerange, other we use the playpen, but again after 15mins or so freeranging any area she'll then go back to her 'usual' corners within that area and try to trash the carpet.

She is INCREDIBLY tenacious and gets so focused on it that she'll just keep biting at whatever obstacle gets in her way – which can include my hands if I try to pick her up, hard enough to draw blood on occasion, though I'm sure that's not intentional; I'm just another object 'in her way' but it displays her singlemindedness that she's so fixated on chewing that she doesn't realise it's me!

I've now resorted to scooping her up with a box or some such both for my own safety and because I was worried about accidentally injuring her; she's so relentless when she starts, we have had incidents where I've ended up hanging on to her hindquaters in trying to pick her up whilst she kicks me away and furiously keeps chewing (she's insanely strong!) and I'm concerned I could end up inadvertently harming her tiny hamster joints. Mind you, she's so hyperactive that when handled, she'll jump from my hands before they quite reach the floor and very often land on her nose or face, but it doesn't faze her, she just zooms off to go cause mayhem again

I've tried dissuading her by blowing a sharp puff of air at her but she doesn't take much heed. I've even tried the small water bottle I mist my plants with - I thought it'd be something to give her a little shock and create a negative association with that behaviour whilst being ultimately harmless - but all I ended up with was a very soggy hamster still trying to wreck my carpet!!

I try to give Skyler at least a half an hour of freerange time every single night - ideally I'd love to let her out for longer - but it's not an achievable goal with her behaviour. She was bad as soon as I let her out last night so we only managed about 15-20 minutes of playtime. I feel bad I can't give her longer. I'm spending my evenings in a battle of wills with her and going to bed feeling angry and frustrated, instead of winding down and enjoying my evening chilling with my hamster buddy after a long day at work. I love my pets and always try and do my utmost for their wellbeing, but it's now impacting my wellbeing

I feel like whatever I do, I'm unable to satisfy her. It's incredibly frustrating and sometimes I just get SO angry with her. She was a really sweet, slightly timid little ham up until I started freeranging her out of her cage...then she turned into a tyrant. Part of me wishes I'd never let her in on the secret that there's an 'outside'! Hamster playtime feels like a tedious, horrible chore I have to do every night rather something to look forward to and enjoy. I I feel like my only hope is to pray that she might mellow out as she ages...but that's not guaranteed.

I chose Skyler, she's my responsibility for as long as she lives and I wouldn't ever part with her - but it's getting me down so much I'm definitely reconsidering whether to keep a hamster in the future. When I think I could possibly have up to a couple of years of this to contend with...I don't wish Skyler's life away, but I certainly don't look forward to it! It probably doesn't help that my last hamster was my very best friend, my soul-ham...Hodor just loved running and would happily enjoy the run of my room for a good hour every night and I could trust him not to trash anything. I can't trust Skyler on her own for a minute!

I don't want to wish Skyler away, but a part of me feels like I should have stopped at a good thing after Hodor passed on. I can't call Skyler my friend. I'm not even sure I could say that I love her. I feel like I'm definitely distancing myself from her emotionally to keep my sanity. Both of my previous hamsters had their naughty moments, of course, but ultimately they were well behaved, I loved them to bits and loved having them around. It was so hard when it came to say goodbye to them. But I'm really not enjoying hamster ownership this time around.

I feel like these are such negative, poisonous, ugly thoughts to have and it makes me feel so guilty. I am desperate for and would so appreciate any advice you can offer, please and thankyou!
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Old 07-25-2018, 01:00 AM   #2
CookieBlossomBella
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

As I have not been in this situation before, I am not sure how much good advice I can provide you with but i have a couple of notes that may help you out.

Normally, playtime in hamsters can last anywhere between 5 minutes and 1 hour. It may just be that Skyler likes a small amount of playtime but she gets a bit frustrated and just wants to go back home.

I saw that in your post you mentioned that she sometimes goes in a hamster ball during playtime. Like many other members on the forum, I have very strong negative thoughts on them. I personally believe it can be slightly cruel to force a hamster into a tiny space with poor circulation and extreme humidity. If i were you i would throw it away and prevent her from using it again as most hamsters hate them very much and it would probably increase her happiness and well being.

Sorry that i could only provide you with a small amount of advice but it is better than nothing i suppose! Hopefully another member can offer you some more advice which will help you with Skyler

Kind regards and the best of luck,
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Last edited by CookieBlossomBella; 07-25-2018 at 01:00 AM. Reason: spelling error
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Old 07-25-2018, 05:23 AM   #3
Inca
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

Quote:
I feel like whatever I do, I'm unable to satisfy her. It's incredibly frustrating and sometimes I just get SO angry with her. She was a really sweet, slightly timid little ham up until I started freeranging her out of her cage...then she turned into a tyrant. Part of me wishes I'd never let her in on the secret that there's an 'outside'! Hamster playtime feels like a tedious, horrible chore I have to do every night rather something to look forward to and enjoy. I I feel like my only hope is to pray that she might mellow out as she ages...but that's not guaranteed.
This is exactly how I feel with my Syrian right now. I let him roam around my bed a few times, and now he just sees me as a means to get out of his cage and go exploring. He's also extremely tenacious in trying to get out, he'll try for so long to just climb out of his bin cage that it honestly just frustrates me . I'm sorry I can't give you any advice on this, I just wanted to let you know that others might go through the same struggle. I also hope my boy calms down with age, but so far it's not looking too hopeful.
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Old 07-25-2018, 05:35 AM   #4
anciem
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

Hey, I'm not an expert on hamsters and this is just a suggestion, maybe she needs more bedding to burrow in (few more inches perhaps?)

Sorry I couldn't be much help, hope someone can give you more advice on this situation! Best of Luck x
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Old 08-02-2018, 09:53 AM   #5
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

I'm so sorry that you have become so frustrated with Skyler's obsession with destroying your carpet that outside of cage playtime with her isn't as appealing for either of you. I'm sure it must be extra emotional for you considering that your previous hams have been such heart-hams and weren't as destructive. Hugs to you.

First of all, I just want to mention that I also do not have any experience in any of my hams (previous or current) being so determined to do something destructive relentlessly so I do not have as much advice as I would have wanted to give to help you, and I'm sorry for that. All hams are extremely unique and their personalities may vary greatly so your relationship with them will differ as well. That being said, your bond with them and the way you interact with them can be wonderful in different ways. Whereas Hodor and Arwen may have enjoyed an extended period of outside of cage playtime without causing any havoc, Skyler may need her playtime to be more constructive and in shorter sessions so she won't get into too much mischief. Instead of letting her free-roam in a hamster safe area of your home like you previously did, you may want to consider creating an exciting labyrinth (out of wood) play area for her to explore with treats for her to enjoy. You can possibly even have it so the labyrinth path can change, too. This way, she will be able to use up some of her excess energy, fulfill her desire to explore, and also regain trust and bonding with you through play and treats. You may also want to consider having a playpen set up on top of a wooden base filled with lots of new toys and enrichment that she doesn't have in her cage currently. Therefore, she will look forward to interacting with them and be so full of excitement and curiosity that she won't have as much desire to be naughty. However, if she does begin to chew the base of the playpen, it will still be fine since she won't be destroying your carpet and will only be gnawing on the wooden base instead. If none of these options work well for you, you can possibly consider getting a large bin and interacting with her while she is in there instead. That way, she still feels like she is having her special time out of her cage and playing, but it is in a more controlled environment for you to not have to worry about the repercussions of the playtime sessions. Regardless of whatever you choose to do, I would just keep playtime periods short for a time and see how things progress. If it works well, then you can increase it gradually if you both so desire. No matter what you decide to do, I would suggest you not spritzing her with water or blowing on her as hamsters tend to not enjoy it and it could cause her to become mistrusting or fearful. Either way, it could potentially result in a negative reaction. I hope that my suggestions will work well for you both. I am truly wishing you and Skyler a wonderful, loving bond with one another as I can tell you really care for her since you are requesting help and miss having a close, playful relationship with a hamster. If any means of outside of cage time is unsuccessful, she may just be one of those hams that are much happier and content inside of her cage, and you can periodically take her out and hold her for very short periods of bonding time. Btw, I would also suggest being sure to have lots of substrate in her cage so she has tons of burrowing capability to enjoy as this may reduce her desire to do so when she is outside of her cage. Regardless of how much interaction you have with her, I hope that your bond will grow and you will find happiness being a ham parent of this little one. Please try your best not to get too discouraged and disheartened; sometimes it may just take extra time for bonds to form and trust to be gained. Best of luck to you both and please keep us updated on progress. Hugs.
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Last edited by dreamtree1234; 08-02-2018 at 10:15 AM.
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Old 08-03-2018, 06:16 PM   #6
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

I hope you don't mind me making an observation - but sometimes when you aren't over the grief of a much loved hamster who has passed on, you feel more negative towards the replacement hamster (I read an article on this once). All I can suggest is time and patience. To be honest Skyler just sounds like she is doing what hamsters do - if there's a corner they'll chew it. Our Syrian has chewed the carpet when he was in his playpen - usually the corners.

The other thing is that if you haven't warmed to her - she will sense this and if you feel frustrated and angry that will affect her too and she will be frustrated and angry.

So I would suggest just not trying too hard with her. And please don't spray her with water or blow on her - she will become aggressive with you if you do that and it's not a kind thing to do. It won't deter her because she's a hamster not a human. It will just make her trust you less and be more determined to dig her way out of the house!

It also sounds like she may not be completely hand tame yet. So I would suggest maybe - start again. Leave her on her own in her cage for about 3 days and just talk to her through the bars and offer her treats. If she shows signs of wanting to come out then let her out for a short time in an enclosed area rather than free ranging - eg the dry bathtub with a few toys or a playpen area.

I think you need some time and then you will grow to love her - right now you haven't bonded with her and she hasn't bonded with you. Free ranging will be great fun for her but may also mean she is less tamed.

Also she is still a baby really so will get scared easily. Most of the time when hamsters are naughty or aggressive it's fear. When you realise she is frightened you may stop feeling angry with her and just tell her everything's ok. Maybe hold back a bit from handling her for a while but if you give her out of cage time in the bathtub you could maybe stroke her on the back occasionally with one finger or let her eat some food from the palm of your hand.

And just give it some time. She sounds like a funny wild little thing - and I am sure you two will bond given a bit of time and patience. If she isn't champing to come out every night then don't let her out every night - maybe every 2 or 3 nights instead.

Also avoid over cleaning her cage as this will really stress her - maybe leave it for a couple of weeks now and then spot clean as and when necessary and avoid big clean outs regularly - a bit at a time and only if really necessary.

I hope I haven't sounded harsh but I can hear your frustration with her and maybe that is pent up feelings after the loss of your last hamster. Maybe do something relaxing or go for a long walk and say goodbye properly to your last hamster and then come back resolved to be the best hamster Mum ever to Skyler. If you are calm and confident with her, she will pick up on that.
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Old 08-06-2018, 07:59 AM   #7
hyacinth_girl
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

I don't have any advice to give but I'm having the same problem with my girl. Wherever she is she is always obsessed with trying to escape! If I put her on my bed she runs straight to the edge. If I put her back in the middle she just runs straight back to where she was before. The only safe place for her (apart from her cage) is the bath tube as the sides are too slippery for her to climb up and she can't chew her way out. Maybe they'll calm down as they get older?
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Old 08-06-2018, 09:26 AM   #8
souffle
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Default Re: Skyler is a tyrant at playtime and I'm getting desperate; please help!

I think this behavior is fairly typical of a young female in particular. Their hormones are raging and they will try to get out to find a mate. She has also probably trained you that misbehaving actually gets her out the cage and about. I don't find they like playpens much and even when offered quite a large area to free range the other mans grass is always greener as they say! They do still have a natural instinct to roam and go where they choose and not when you put them! Be confident in what you are giving her and that it is enough. She will become calmer as she gets older but she's unlikely to be a lap ham. Very few are. The thing is that once the have become the sweetest of the sweet that is the time we lose them. Enjoy her youthful exhuberence and let her do things supervised. We make a corridor safe and put out books pillows and boxes so they can climb over those. Sometimes they do climb up the wall though (spiderham manner) on to the window ledge. Hamsters enjoy stair climbing and if you have a carpeted set of stairs set them off at the bottom for a climb!
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