Worried About Taming

[Kimmysdaydreams]

Hello Everyone!

I just got my 7 Week Syrian Hamster, Bow, last Wednesday. Everything has been going great, she is a very confident Hamster! I’ve been taking things slowly as I don’t want her to associate me with anything bad at all. Just this week I began to introduce my hand into the cage which she doesn’t mind at all, has been taking treats, and allowing me to pet her! (she even seems to enjoy the odd scratch!)

However, on Thursday I had to go into Hospital for surgery. I’m okay just in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable. I was allowed home the same night but unfortunately couldn’t get into see Bow, I ensured she had food and water but opening the cage etc just wasn’t an option that night. So last night I went in after washing my hands thoroughly with non scented soap to ensure there was no medical smells or of course food that could frighten her. After letting her sniff my hands and she seemed to recognise me, I offered her some sunflower seeds which she took with what looked like joy to see me again and went to fix some of her things with my other hand. Unfortunately, Bow decided to abandon the seeds and instead walked over to my other hand, I expected her to nibble to see if I had any other treats but instead she crunched down and my skin popped and she drew blood ;(. She then ran away from me before I even had time to react, I did not raise my voice or punish her, I never would. I just left the seeds she hadn’t ate, cleaned the blood out her cage, and left the room.

I know she may just have been having an off day but I’m worried what this means for taming her. Since I won’t be able to do much taming this week I’m worried that the biting will just continue, nibbling isn’t a problem but if she is drawing blood I’m worried she’s either unhappy or afraid of me? I can’t find any reason for her doing so, her cage is more than big enough, she is in a very quiet and respectful environment, has everything and more that a Hamster could need, she seems more than healthy, and is still as sweet as ever. If you disregard the bite of course.

I guess I’m just looking or at least hoping for a little bit of advice? Should I leave her alone for a few days or should I just return to giving her treats and no longer put my hand in the cage for now?

Thank you very much in advance, have a wonderful Weekend <3

[Shannonmcn]

That is unfortunate! You’ve been very careful and done all the right things as far as I can see and your reaction was the right one. Of course we can’t know what’s going on in those tiny hammy heads, but I have never been really bitten by a ham that wasn’t in pain or frightened and as you say she if is usually such a sweet little thing I can’t see what else it could be. They can get spooked by things we don’t even notice. If you don’t usually move things about while she’s in the cage it could have given her a fright, or she’s not used to two hands at a time and there is always the chance that you still smelled a bit funny after being in the hospital, they do have excellent noses.

Perosnally I wouldn’t change a thing in your approach. Maybe stick to one hand at a time but keep just giving her treats and trusting the process. Wait a few days if you like but she’s probably forgotten about it already.

I hope your recovery goes smoothly, isn’t this just the last thing you need when you’re already banged up?

[Kimmysdaydreams]

Originally Posted by Shannonmcn

That is unfortunate! You’ve been very careful and done all the right things as far as I can see and your reaction was the right one. Of course we can’t know what’s going on in those tiny hammy heads, but I have never been really bitten by a ham that wasn’t in pain or frightened and as you say she if is usually such a sweet little thing I can’t see what else it could be. They can get spooked by things we don’t even notice. If you don’t usually move things about while she’s in the cage it could have given her a fright, or she’s not used to two hands at a time and there is always the chance that you still smelled a bit funny after being in the hospital, they do have excellent noses.

Perosnally I wouldn’t change a thing in your approach. Maybe stick to one hand at a time but keep just giving her treats and trusting the process. Wait a few days if you like but she’s probably forgotten about it already.

I hope your recovery goes smoothly, isn’t this just the last thing you need when you’re already banged up?

Hello! Thank you so much for replying, it really does mean a lot to me!

I definitely think it was just the smell of the Hospital that’s freaked her out, she was back to normal last night and didn’t seem afraid of me at all. In fact, she wanted nothing more than to come out the cage! I of course didn’t try lifting her yet though, I’ve just went back to one hand for now I’d rather not spook her again! Thankfully though she seems much more comfortable around me again so I’m just hoping I can continue taking as normal and my recovery doesn’t slow things down too much!

Thank you so much, I’m doing well just didn’t expect to be in this much pain but hopefully this is all for the better! Truthfully, I’m in that much I barely even felt her biting me! XD I don’t think I’d have noticed if I hadn’t heard my skin pop and seen the blood, it did upset me quite a bit but only because I thought I had done something to upset her. I just want to give her the best, I love her very much already <3

Thank you once again, I hope you and your Hammy have a wonderfully Sunday evening!

Kim xxx