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Old 01-09-2020, 02:12 AM   #1
Johntu
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Default Robo hamster scared?

Hi guys,

So I recently just got a robo hamster, and I have been giving it treats to get it familiar with me. I am to the point where if I place my hand in the cage, he will go onto my hand by itself searching for treats.

Just tonight, I decided to take it to the bathtub so it can explore. However, once I placed him in there, he started screeching and running frantically. I do intent to keep placing him there so he can get used to the bathtub.

My question is, will he become scared of me before he gets used to the bathtub?

Thanks guys!
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Old 01-09-2020, 10:11 AM   #2
sushi_78
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

To be honest I wouldn't put him in the bathtub just yet if it upsets him so much. It sounds like you are making good progress with the hand taming, but if he learns that when you are around he gets taken to a place he feels scared, he may become scared of you. There's no reason why he has to be comfortable in the bathtub, is there?
I would recommend continuing to put your hand in the cage, and when he comes onto your hand, give him a treat. Only when he's very comfortable with that, you can try raising your hand very slightly while he is on it.
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Old 01-09-2020, 10:52 AM   #3
Ria P
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

I really do not understand why you intend to keep placing your Robo into the bath tub knowing fine that it scares the life out of him. Robos are known to be shy and timid so for a Robo to trust you enough to come onto your hand is a big achievement. Please take it easy with your hamster and don't force him into a situation he doesn't want to be in. Hamsters are sensitive creatures and stress can make them ill. You also run the risk that all the progress you have made becomes undone because he connects you with the unpleasant bath tub experience.

You need to have lots and lots of patience to become a hamster's trusted friend.
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Old 01-09-2020, 12:09 PM   #4
cypher
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

I expect you've probably come across the bath idea quite a lot for taming hams but if used at all it's only really suitable for Syrians & even then you must have plenty of things in there for a ham to explore plus a towel in the base, for a Robo or any dwarf ham it is far to overwhelming a space to be in.
I would begin with a small safe area like a plastic box or cardboard box even, big enough to run around in but not too big & make sure your ham can't escape, put lots of toys & interesting things in plus a wheel as most hams will run in the wheel if they get a bit stressed, you can then introduce your hand & get your ham more used to handling in there but take it slow, just a very short period to begin with, alway stop if your ham appears stressed & place him back in the cage with a nice treat.
After such a stressful time in the bath I would give him at least a few days to settle again before trying anything other than just putting your hand in the cage.
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Old 01-09-2020, 01:36 PM   #5
Johntu
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

Thanks for all your responses. After a few more sessions of trying to put him in the bathtub, he doesn't seem to be getting used to it. Every time he is still shrieking and frantically trying to get out. I guess I will not be placing him in the tub anymore until he is more settled.

Unfortunately, now he stopped accepting treats from my hand. Is that a sign that he is loosing trust in me? He is harder to pick up now too.
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Old 01-09-2020, 02:48 PM   #6
sushi_78
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

Unfortunately it does sound like he has lost some trust in you, which is understandable.. With Robos you have to take taming very slowly and keep it on their terms. If you rush ahead, they freak out and you can lose progress. I've found that even an accidental sudden movement can frighten my Robo enough to undo days of progress.

I would recommend leaving him completely alone for a few days before trying again with the hand taming. And definitely no more bathtub sessions, he's shown that it's just too scary for him.
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Old 01-09-2020, 04:51 PM   #7
Ria P
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johntu View Post
Unfortunately, now he stopped accepting treats from my hand. Is that a sign that he is loosing trust in me? He is harder to pick up now too.
Of course he has lost trust in you after you putting him through all this stress! A hamster screeches when he is very frightened and i feel sorry for your hamster.

I put my dwarf in the bath tub once, with a blanket and toys but he hated it and hid under the blanket so i took him out and never put him in it again.

You need to leave him alone to recover from the stress because he probably feels very insecure and scared now and don't pick him up either. You need to show him that you are not a threat to him by slowly introducing yourself. Talk to him for a few days then put your hand in slowly with a few seeds but don't grab or chase him, wait till he comes to you and forget about the blasted bath tub if you care about your hamster.
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Old 01-10-2020, 07:56 AM   #8
Engel
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

Did you have any hides in the tub or was it just a big empty space?

Also, maybe it's too soon for that step. Continue with handling in the cage and then maybe try handling while away from the cage sat on a chair or something. Baby steps. It's perfectly ok to take steps back.
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Old 01-10-2020, 09:08 AM   #9
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Default Re: Robo hamster scared?

Hi Johntu. I agree with all the members who have advised against puting your wee roborovski into a large sunken space like a bathtub.

I took on two Robos on separate occasions in the past (both Gumtree rescues in the UK) and both were never handled. I chose the path that it`s better to allow the hamster to stay inside the area they are most comfortable with and that is their cage. Full stop. Robos being the speedy little creatures they are can and will find ways to injure themselves if placed into areas or situations where they could fall, or become so stressed (as you have found) that it reverses the calm ways you started out progressing with.

I found that my Roborovski`s became their own little `people` without me coersing them into being held or chased around. I know that`s not everyone`s idea of hamster ownership but believe me, in the end, patience and time wins the day if you remove the humanisation part. When my two boys became older, they mellowed so much that the hands-off approach I took with them was rewarded and I could actually handle them without being nipped or growled at! They end up seeking YOU out rather than the other way round, but respect comes into it too and allowing a hamster (any hamster) it`s own space and time to be themselves while you as the owner spot cleans around them and give them a daily routine they don`t fear, the results will speak for themselves.

Handling anywhere outside the cage can result in a Robo leaping and landing on the floor which is a recipe for disaster. They have long back legs which are used for speed, not climbing either. So no `runged` ladders or cage with high shelving. It`s not necessary for a robo as they are ground dwellers. Chinese hamsters are the climbers as they are far more mouse-like in that ability.

Hope this is helpful and lots of good advice given above my post too. Enjoy your little friend and let him be himself and laugh at his antics! That`s basically what robos do, make you laugh!
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