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Old 09-07-2018, 04:06 PM   #1
chloelclarke
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Question Advice for handling robos

Hello again!
So for the last couple weeks I’ve been doing my best to get Ron used to me so I can eventually hand feed him or even hold him occasionally. I know robos are skittish little things so I’m not expecting wonders. However, does anyone have any tips on ways to get him used to me? So far I make sure to run my hands through his sawdust to leave my scent, and when he’s awake I’ll put him in a deep cardboard box and just hold my hand still in it so he can sniff and get used to me. Anything else I can be trying? He still runs a mile if I so much as twitch! Thankfully he’s actually only properly bitten me once, and tried to go in for a nibble twice which is better than I expected! What works for your hammies?
Thanks!
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Old 09-07-2018, 04:31 PM   #2
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

This sounds a bit strange but I like getting on the stairs with them (as well as using a playpen) as you can put them higher up and get more to their level which helps. You’re also not coming in from above like with a box, but from the side which is better. Just stick your hand on the stair and eventually he should come over for a sniff and get on. Helps if you have food in your hand! Usually then lift them up a stair and let them walk off themselves. It’s worked really well for any particularly difficult hams to tame I’ve had - with the playpen it did work but more slowly as there’s items in there for them to get distracted by, and they often choose to ignore you entirely. The stair taming can be quite stressful for them though so limit it to short periods of time, but I’ve found it really does help.
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Old 09-07-2018, 04:34 PM   #3
chloelclarke
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

Quote:
Originally Posted by mangoandmimi View Post
This sounds a bit strange but I like getting on the stairs with them (as well as using a playpen) as you can put them higher up and get more to their level which helps. You’re also not coming in from above like with a box, but from the side which is better. Just stick your hand on the stair and eventually he should come over for a sniff and get on. Helps if you have food in your hand! Usually then lift them up a stair and let them walk off themselves. It’s worked really well for any particularly difficult hams to tame I’ve had - with the playpen it did work but more slowly as there’s items in there for them to get distracted by, and they often choose to ignore you entirely. The stair taming can be quite stressful for them though so limit it to short periods of time, but I’ve found it really does help.
Hmm I’m worried about him getting away from me though as he’s so fast! Won’t he just run off? I’m worried about letting him into an open space as he escaped from his cage before and it took me 2 hours to catch him!
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Old 09-07-2018, 04:42 PM   #4
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

I’ve never actually had a robo or any dwarf attempt to leap off the stairs but I do see your concern. Usually if my robo gets close to the edge I put my palm out to encourage her to walk on it instead of off the edge which also works. Maybe my stairs are more enclosed though because on mine there’s nowhere to run off to. Nothing worse than an untame robo escaping though lol I do understand!
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Old 09-07-2018, 04:45 PM   #5
chloelclarke
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

Quote:
Originally Posted by mangoandmimi View Post
I’ve never actually had a robo or any dwarf attempt to leap off the stairs but I do see your concern. Usually if my robo gets close to the edge I put my palm out to encourage her to walk on it instead of off the edge which also works. Maybe my stairs are more enclosed though because on mine there’s nowhere to run off to. Nothing worse than an untame robo escaping though lol I do understand!
Hmm perhaps I’ll give it a go, with someone else to help grab him if he makes a run for it! Maybe I’ll be able to block them off a bit
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Old 09-08-2018, 01:23 AM   #6
cypher
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

I have to admit I've never tried it but the idea of a tiny dwarf ham of any species loose on the stairs sounds a bit scary to me! I'd stick to the playpen personally, it may take a bit longer but it's safe & probably a lot less stressful for both ham & owner!
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Old 09-08-2018, 02:11 AM   #7
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

Yep it is stressful for me but I always have someone there too. Had some (usually rescue) robos and no amount of playpen taming for months on end did the trick so thought I’d try something else. I thought it’s worth it as hamsters really must be at least semi tame, or if they get ill and have to go to the vet then there’s no hope. With Chocho her nails are a really big issue and I can’t cut them myself so again I had to do something about it and quick lol!
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Old 09-08-2018, 01:18 PM   #8
Teddy001
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

I’ve had Robo’s, and currently have an robo. It has taken months to tame her. I start with trust building.. which has taken many months. I’ve not used the traditional training methods with her. I’ve let her be, for the most part. After 7 months, she trusts me, to the point of walking into my hand, and allowing to be held. When I tried bin taming it stressed her very badly.
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Old 09-09-2018, 03:01 PM   #9
chloelclarke
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Default Re: Advice for handling robos

Thanks everyone! Just gonna keep taking it slow and see what happens!
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