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Old 05-03-2018, 02:44 PM   #1
lottiematilda
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Question Advice on handling my albino dwarf hamster

I have just got a Russian dwarf hamster named Alto and he is albino. I was told in the pet shop that albinos tend to have worse eyesight so can be more prone to bite when you handle them as they may think you are giving them food. They said I could try using gardening gloves while he gets used to being handled. Any other advice?

Any other advice about dwarf hamsters, or more specifically albino ones, would be much appreciated!
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Old 05-03-2018, 11:39 PM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: Advice on handling my albino dwarf hamster

Hamsters depend on scent far more than sight so I wouldn't worry too much, most Russians tend to nibble a little when they are first beginning to figure out what's food & what's not but that's different to biting & rarely hurts so if he does that try not to react just gently move your hand away & he'll get the idea soon enough.
I wouldn't use gloves, you need your ham to get used to hands & gloves won't help at all.
You could do the tissue trick, put some plain white toilet tissue up your sleeve for a few hours then tear it into strips & put it in the cage, this will help him get used to your scent & you can do that daily for a little while if need be.
I would just treat him like any other hamsters, begin offering him a treat like a mealworm of sunflower seeds in your fingers, just keeping your hand still & letting him come to you then move on to putting the treat on your hand.
If his eyesight is poor then he may startle easier than other hams if he's not always aware that you're there or if you move suddenly so just keep everything slow & gentle & he should be just fine.
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Old 05-04-2018, 02:38 AM   #3
lottiematilda
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Default Re: Advice on handling my albino dwarf hamster

Thank you I will try those things!
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Old 05-04-2018, 06:36 AM   #4
Razor
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Default Re: Advice on handling my albino dwarf hamster

Too add to what cypher said, talk to him in a soft, calm voice as you approach him. That way he'll learn to get used to expecting your hand when he hears your voice.
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Old 05-04-2018, 11:57 AM   #5
flowerfairy
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Default Re: Advice on handling my albino dwarf hamster

Good luck! He sounds love!y. I also have a red eyed white dwarf hamster, Popcorn

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