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Old 06-11-2022, 04:20 PM   #1
Fluffy_Unicorn
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Default Taming baby russian dwarf

The way I learned to tame hamsters was by using food to get them interested in your hands. My hamster will not take food from my hand. He just does not seem to want to. Have tried several different foods.

He has a playpen I put on my bed. He climbs to the top of the playpen then on to the palm of my hand and I just gently put him back down.

I did try petting him today very gently but he chirped so I decided to put him back into his enclosure for the night.

This seems to be a different way of taming but could this work? Or does he really need to take food from my hand?
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Old 06-11-2022, 04:33 PM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

I don't tame by using my hands for food. Food's in a bowl or to be foraged for but that's just the way i see it.

Hands are for picking up, carrying, petting and most importantly, a means to get out of the cage. That's the message i give to my hamsters while taming.

I don't think there's a set method because every hamster is different. Whatever works for you and your hamster is the right method.
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Old 06-12-2022, 11:44 AM   #3
ilguy
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Ria gave a great answer. I just want to add I've also run into this with my late hamster Pearl, they don't necessarily need food to interact. Some days she just wanted to check it out due to curiosity, and eventually try to climb up my arm.

That he's climbing on you without biting or freaking out is progress! He's interested in you, give it time and maybe he'll be receptive to petting one day
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Old 06-15-2022, 11:31 AM   #4
Fluffy_Unicorn
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Thanks so much for your replies. This was really helpful.

Do you think I'm doing the right thing by putting him back in his cage if he makes a chirping noise? I think it means he is scared but I'm not sure.
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Old 06-15-2022, 12:32 PM   #5
Ria P
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffy_Unicorn View Post
Thanks so much for your replies. This was really helpful.

Do you think I'm doing the right thing by putting him back in his cage if he makes a chirping noise? I think it means he is scared but I'm not sure.
What's his body language like when he chirps?

I have a chirping Syrian but his body language tells me that he's annoyed when he chirps.
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Old 06-17-2022, 03:29 PM   #6
Fluffy_Unicorn
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Hi Ria,

That's a good question. Do you have any tips on reading body language?

I am still getting to know Fluffy. I find it difficult to tell when he is getting stressed or scared. I don't think the chirping is a happy noise. He doesn't usually chirp, only has happened a couple of times during taming and when I first got him.
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Old 06-17-2022, 04:48 PM   #7
Ria P
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffy_Unicorn View Post
Hi Ria,

That's a good question. Do you have any tips on reading body language?

I am still getting to know Fluffy. I find it difficult to tell when he is getting stressed or scared. I don't think the chirping is a happy noise. He doesn't usually chirp, only has happened a couple of times during taming and when I first got him.
I can't say that i have tips on reading body language because it's really down to getting to know your hamster which can take some time. They are all so different.

I remember when i got my first hamster Henry i was often at a loss because i couldn't figure out what he liked and disliked.

I'd do the same you do and put him back in his cage when you're not sure what he wants. At least he's in a familiar environment then where he feels safe.
He'd come to his door or front of the cage if he'd want to come out again.
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Old 06-17-2022, 05:18 PM   #8
Fluffy_Unicorn
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

I took him out tonight and he was happy, climbing on my hands and up my arms. I tried to pet him and he chirped.
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Old 06-17-2022, 11:00 PM   #9
Ria P
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffy_Unicorn View Post
I took him out tonight and he was happy, climbing on my hands and up my arms. I tried to pet him and he chirped.
Maybe hand to hand exercises would help him to get used to touch?
To let him walk from hand to hand (palm up) by putting one hand in front of the other but slightly touching his back with your thumb.

It takes babies a while to get used to handling and you may have a vocal dwarfie there.
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Old 06-18-2022, 12:59 AM   #10
cloudy
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Default Re: Taming baby russian dwarf

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffy_Unicorn View Post
I took him out tonight and he was happy, climbing on my hands and up my arms. I tried to pet him and he chirped.
Aww, I think it is wonderful he was happy and climbing on you! That is so sweet.
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