New Hamster Advice please!

gilhc002 · 03-05-2017, 10:09 AM

Hi guys!

I'm getting my new hamster tomorrow, 6 month old Robo dwarf, coming with an 80x40cm cage. Just wanted to get some more advice and info on helping my new friend settle in and improving his care. All advice and opinions welcomed!

My current plans - change him off his fluff bedding straight away but other than that leave him to settle for a couple days. Building a new cage with 2 billy extensions with a hole to connect them.

Mainly I'd love some advice on how long to let him settle before handling, how long to let him settle before changing cage, best way to keep the cage change from being stressful, and advice on the best diet for him (since his last owner used fluff bedding I'm assuming his diet might have room for improvement too etc)

And any other advice you can think of! So exited for my new Hammy and to be part of this community! Thanks in advance

ladyntramp002 · 03-05-2017, 10:21 AM

Personally, I would see how he is when you get him.

My hammie doesn't like change very much! I have to change his cage while he is in his playpen or travel cage. Then put him inside when I am done.

Kilian took about a week or so to fully settle in his new home and routine. We have had him for a little under 3 months, and he is now officially tame.

I don't really have any experience with dwarves(never had any), but hopefully this will help you anyway.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-05-2017, 10:41 AM

Lots of patience is needed. Encourage you not to be in any rush to tame your new pet. I like to let mine settle in for one week before attempting to interact with them. Just change their and food and that's it. Everybody has a different view on this so it's debatable.

Don't try to catch you hamster, just lay you hand flat in their cage and see if it will climb onto your hand and eat treats. If he doesn't try with just your fingers If he climbs and sits on your hand for a few seconds that is priceless, don't lift him up in the air or he will become scared of you and it will take more time to gain his trust

They especially like papaya treats and seeds of all kind, sunflower, pumpkin, flax seed and millet sprays. Rice pops are a favorite and Whimzee dog treats, mini size ones that look like a toothbrush.

Have fun and post lots of pics

Drago · 03-05-2017, 10:58 AM

Congrats on your new little ham, it's wonderful that he will now have a nice loving home! Like CB said, leaving him alone for around a week would really be best so that he can take the time to get used to his new surroundings. As for cleaning, once a month would be best for your size cage. By that point, there's no need to worry as he'll likely already be settled in, just remember to only change 1/3 to 1/4 of the bedding at one time. With connecting the two billys, you'll need to cut a very large hole for it to count as actual added floorspace! For diet, Burgess dwarf would be best as it's natural, has good variety, and also has tiny pieces for small dwarfie mouths. As for handling, you're going to want to start by leaving strips of tissue with your scent on it in the cage as well as simply talking to him and being near his cage before you move on to the next step. Then if he's responsive, you can begin letting him run on you in a bathtub to get him used to being on people. If he's still comfortable and making progress, you can then begin stroking him and slowly lifting him up. Robos tend to be harder to tame than other species so keep this in mind and remember to remain patient and persistent! Good luck with your new hamster and if you have any other questions, ask!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-05-2017, 11:00 AM

Just to add, it's not a good idea to put a robo in the bath tub, or in a exercise ball. They don't like leaving the safety of their cage. I have 3 of them so this is my experience.

gilhc002 · 03-05-2017, 01:52 PM

Great advice thanks guys. Will work on a way to make a big opening between the billy extensions - just need to still be able to take them apart since I'm moving in summer and a 1.6m cage isn't the easiest to transport!

Another thing - just found out I have to go away this weekend coming, only 5 days after I get my Ham, so he's going to have to go to a friend's house for 2 days. I'm thinking the best thing would to give him the week without handling and tell my friend to do the same
Over the weekend, and still do the tissue smelling of me and talking to my ham. After the weekend I would give him a few more days to himself and then slowly start introducing my hand with treats if he'd like to take them from me etc. Then go slowly from there. Does that sound ok?

Pebbles82 · 03-05-2017, 03:37 PM

Generally it is - leave them alone for the first 2 or 3 days to get used to the cage, settle in and scent mark. Then gradually start offering treats through the bars so they get used to you. You can also keep talking to your hammy regularly near the cage - nice friendly things! So they get used to your voice and presence. And can do the tissue trick. Where you put some sheets of toilet paper up your sleeve for a couple of hours then tear them up into strips and pop them in the cage in a pile so the hammy can take them for nesting material and get used to your scent.

Burgess dwarf supahamster would be a good food.