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Old 09-05-2018, 01:12 PM   #1
Xuli
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Join Date: Aug 2018
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Default Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

I bought my male syrian hamster Dennis nearly 3 weeks ago and I feel I have got nowhere really. He is a very shy and nervous boi and as soon as I enter the room or talk to him he runs into his den. I've managed to give him a treat through the bars once. He has charged at me a few times and chewed frantically where my finger was on the bars. He's taken the tissue with my scent into his den multiple times so I don't really understand why he's still so nervous.

During the day I talk to all 3 of my hamsters as I'm pottering about spot cleaning and general maintenance while they are sleeping so they know my voice also. I had to pick him up gently when it was time to clean his cage the other night and it was a good job I wore gloves as he was nipping them like crazy which tbh has me really nervous to put my hand in and try giving him a treat. He's made weird chattering noises and yawned alot showing all his teeth when I'm around.

I have him in the Alaska cage from Zooplus without the platform.

Is this sort of behaviour normal for syrians? My dwarf hybrid Xuli has taken to me no problem within the same time frame and is a lovely energetic girl. Am I doing something wrong? Advice is always helpful.

This is Dennis
20180905_184457.jpg
This is his cage and setup:
20180905_184306.jpg
20180905_184018.jpg
Note: I know he could probably use some more toys and stimulation but the places I've looked are all dwarf kinda toys. Any good places for syrian size toys? Also he is only on the bed for a few days while I build some drawers for me and for him to live on top of. The radiator is turned off and I normally have the curtains closed.

Here we have a grumpy boi when I was taking the photos
20180905_184050.jpg
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Old 09-05-2018, 01:29 PM   #2
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

I reckon a lot of it is to do with the very empty cage he has. Also noticed he has no house for sleeping in, a log lets too much light in and no sound barrier so I doubt he feels very secure. A cardboard box with no bottom will do for now but take a look at some of the guinea pig houses which are a good size.
eta: Also, giving shredded tissue will allow him to make a proper nest which I think will make him much happier. As far as I’m concerned, if you can see your hamster sleeping like with that log, then there isn’t enough privacy.
As for the empty cage - definitely fill it right up! The cork tunnels & hyacinth tunnels from zooplus are big enough. I’d also add some levels in as they serve as a fall breaker and sheltered area. Mugs, jars, egg boxes, cereal boxes, rat sputnik, more bendy bridges, branches, grass/hay balls - anything really. Look for rat sized toys as they’re a better size.

Sounds like you’re taking all the right taming steps but 3 weeks is still early days, the cage filling should definitely help. Not all hamsters tame quickly and some really do take months so don’t be discouraged.

Last edited by mangoandmimi; 09-05-2018 at 01:47 PM.
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Old 09-05-2018, 03:19 PM   #3
Xuli
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Default Re: Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

Thanks for the recommendations mangoandmimi I will deffo look at the rat sized toys. I will get him a better sleeping arrangement also. I just wish more stores catered towards syrian size toys.

I hope he warms up to me in time, he's such a cutie
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Old 09-05-2018, 07:33 PM   #4
Sasha04
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Default Re: Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

Mangoandmimi gave great advice! If you put a tissue up your sleeve for an hour or so, you can put it in the cage to get him used to your scent. It’s okay if he dosen’t use it for nesting material as the scent will still get around the cage. You can also use seramic mugs as some cheap hideouts as you may have some in your household. Hope this helps!
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Old 09-06-2018, 04:22 AM   #5
Xuli
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Default Re: Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

Update: I was looking through some of the things I have (I'm terrible for putting things in storage boxes and forgetting about them) and found the large corner house that came with my other hamsters Barney cage. I've also added the shelf that came with the Alaska cage and with a few adjustments was able to make it appropriate for Dennis.

I just need to find something to cover the hole in the level on a permanent basis since the sand bath has been dug in already and sand is everywhere now.
I've filled in the open space the best I can until payday and I will get some more toys and things for Dennis. He seems to like his new set up already.

Topview.jpg
Sideview.jpg
Ham House.jpg
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Old 09-06-2018, 04:50 AM   #6
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

That’s already a big improvement Xuli, the Barney corner house is a good one for a Syrian. Glad he seems to be enjoying it.
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Old 09-06-2018, 07:30 PM   #7
Sasha04
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Default Re: Syrian Hamster Taming Advice

This looks great! I love that you added bendy bridges, chews, and a sand pit! The house in the corner is great too! So happy for you and him!
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toys, nervous, syrian, cage, dwarf, time, good, times, places, bars, talk, den, hamster, advice, dennis, boi, treat, frame, lovely, photos, energetic, problem, girl, helpful, wrong

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