Do You Think She's Lonely?

Munchalot · 10-02-2013, 01:08 AM

I'm worried about my poor little robo Pipkin. I've started to hold off on the handling efforts recently because I have come to the conclusion that she is never going to be a cuddly hamster. It might be her, or how she lived for the months of life before I got her; maybe her first owner was too rough, and she never got used to the P@H staff grabbing for her.

I've tried, but I still can't even put my hand near the tank without her scuttling for cover and hiding. I can't even get close enough for her to sniff me, she is just too petrified. She seems a lot happier now that I have stopped making a fuss of her, and she's awake and active during the day quite a lot.

However, sometimes when I watch her, she seems to just sit by herself in the corner, staring off into space. When she listens to my voice, I can tell that she is curious and is dying for some interaction, but she's just too nervous.
I'm wondering if my poor little one is lonely.

I know she has lived alone for a long time, but do you think she would except a very young companion? Like, 6 weeks old? Or is it impossible? :/
I just want her to be happy...

Gazmo · 10-02-2013, 04:34 AM

i think she could do with a friend..maybe get a friend but have a home lined up for it if they don't get a long well?

Munchalot · 10-02-2013, 04:39 AM

Maybe. Perhaps try to source one from a breeder so it's more relaxed? I think it would do her good, she just looks so bored and lonely bless her. :3

Gazmo · 10-02-2013, 04:41 AM

yeah that's a great idea :3 or get a huge bin cage and split it off in half with mesh, so they can see eachother but not fight?

Munchalot · 10-02-2013, 04:42 AM

That's an idea... As a sort of introduction first? I can imagine she would be pretty daunted at first.

Gazmo · 10-02-2013, 05:11 AM

yeah :3 but leave it like that for a few weeks, instead of a few hours so she can chose to say hello

icklemunch · 10-02-2013, 05:51 AM

Hi munch.

You have to be very careful with the introduction but it can be done, i know a few people who have put dad with son or auntie with niece but like you suggested it would be best with a baba

It must be so hard seeing her so sad!! Have you thought about contacting poms on here she'sa robo breeder and i'm sure would be able to give you lots of advice.

Good luck.

Munchalot · 10-02-2013, 06:11 AM

Yeah I know how difficult it can be, I have plenty of spare cages at hand though if things should go wrong. I hate seeing her so down in the dumps! I don't know anything about the start of her life, as she's over a year old, so I don't know how she has been treated. I don't think there's any real hope of taming her. Poor little fluff.

I think I will ask poms, she's probably the best person to speak to.
Cheers.

x

souffle · 10-02-2013, 06:20 AM

Moderator Tammy (who is on baby leave at the moment!) has a good website for robo info. Here is a link to her section on introducing robos.
Oak Farm Roborovskis

You need to be prepared to work on this and always do what is right for the individual hamsters even if that means they continue to live alone even after your efforts to pair up.

Munchalot · 10-02-2013, 06:30 AM

Thanks souffle, I had a look at that.

That's really helpful.

Yeah, I'm going to think about this thoroughly before I make any decisions. Although I want my little one to be happy, there is the second hamster to think about, and I wouldn't want to cause stress and discomfort for them both.

Thanks everyone.