Future Fears...

HorseyMandz · 06-10-2012, 10:55 AM

Minnie is agile enough to climb along the roof of her cage, and when I had the door open to put something in, she tried to climb out. Now, every time I go into her cage, I have to fight her off- and I'm worried that one day she'll escape!
I don't think I'm ever going to get her tame enough to handle and she's stopped climbing into the cup we used to get her in her ball once.
She's started biting- not every time you go in, but she nips at your sleeves e.c.t
Please help, I've wanted a hamster for ages and I love her to pieces but I don't know what to do as it all seems to be going downhill!

Womblehands · 06-10-2012, 10:59 AM

Aww hun, Im sure its not.. She wants to come out because she enjoys being with you and exploring. Thats a good sign hun.. Its far better than her hiding away from you.. She is still very young and it can take a few mnths before they are comfortable with you.. Its taken Pufflefluff a good few mnths..

HorseyMandz · 06-10-2012, 11:02 AM

Yes, but as a general rule, if I'm just hurrying in to do her food before school or something, I really don't have time for her escaping! Imagine me having to go to school with the knowledge that my hamster has escaped

StarlightSerenity · 06-10-2012, 11:05 AM

You've only had her for a few days hon, it can take a lot longer than that to tame (took me a couple of weeks and Luna was already part tame!) sounds to me like she's already attention seeking which as WH said is a good sign - means that she wants to be out and about.

Is she nipping when you put your hands into her cage? If so, would probably be best not to put your hands in at all. She could be doing it because she has settled in and has claimed her cage as her territory and you putting your hands in is seen as a threat in her mind.

You really do need to give her time and just work with her.

Regarding the escaping - just ensure that the room is totally secure each time you open her cage so that if she does get away from you, you know where she is. You could have a box or something ready that you can herd and/or lure her into as well, just incase.

Womblehands · 06-10-2012, 11:06 AM

mmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe you could change her food and water when she is in the play ball..set a schedule maybe.. Like as soon as she comes out its in the ball.. change wet corners/water and food then done!

Willow's mummy! · 06-10-2012, 11:08 AM

We do Willows food & water in the evening - ok, it started as she's Younger Son's pet & as he's 9, he goes to bed before she might be up. So we aim to do it at 5 o'clock - time for him to see Willow for a good while before bed, but also early enough that if she got out or I could see she needed the vet, there's plenty of time to get it sorted.

HorseyMandz · 06-10-2012, 11:08 AM

I'd love her to be out and about but she won't climb into the cup I've been using to put her in her ball/playpen any more.
Also, I'm really struggling with standard taming techniques as she's finding every way possible to avoid getting onto my hand/putting a paw on it when fetching a treat.

StarlightSerenity · 06-10-2012, 11:08 AM

Don't change her food and water when she's in there like WH suggested and don't do it before school - do it in the evenings when you know that you will have loads of time to catch her if she does get out.

StarlightSerenity · 06-10-2012, 11:09 AM

What techniques are you using? There are various, maybe a different one would work better with her. I never used any treats to tame Luna and I didn't wait for her to climb onto my hands, I scooped her up.

HorseyMandz · 06-10-2012, 11:10 AM

I can't get her out at the moment because she won't climb into the cup that I use, and I can't pick her up yet. Also, what would happen if I needed to get in quickly to drop in a treat or do some taming? I know it sounds like I'm picking holes in all your suggestions but I really do need some help...