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Old 01-01-2019, 08:22 PM   #1
emma_teddy
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 111
Default new syrian hamster - first time owner questions

hey all!! i have a few questions about hamsters, as i just got a male syrian!! he’s very cute and his full name is teddy squish dog, though i call him sir or little idiot (lovingly of course). I got him Dec 31, so i’ve only had him for a day and a bit.

My mom got me the tank for christmas and it’s a 10 gallon, which i feel is far too small for him. I don’t want to bring it up with her though because it’s be a waste of money and i don’t want her to get annoyed because it was a gift. i’m considering getting a tank topper but can’t find any that have good reviews (i’m canadian btw). any suggestions?

also, how do i get him used to being held? and whenever i do hold him how can i get him to not try and get free. he currently doesn’t like being picked up and it makes me upset because we got a hamster because we don’t have time for a dog and my moms allergic to cats and its kind of the only possibility of a pet for me. i know it takes time for them to get used to it so i’d love it anyone could share some tips??

i’m just worried because i’m a new owner and want to make sure he has a good life and that i can actually pet him, etc. he doesn’t mind being stroked on his back while he’s in the cage if he’s in the right mood.

thanks all!!
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Old 01-03-2019, 12:05 AM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: new syrian hamster - first time owner questions

Welcome to HC & congrats on getting teddy squish dog!

A 10 gallon tank is very small for a Syrian hamster, most people in the US (not sure what's available in Canada) use a 40 gallon so even if you can get a tank topper I think as your ham begins to grow it will still be too small, you need space for a nice big house (about shoe box size) with no base sat on a deep layer of substrate & a good size wheel, a baby ham will be ok with an 8" wheel but when fully grown he may need an 11-12" wheel so you have to allow space for that along with toys, sand bath, litter tray etc.

You've only had him a few days so go slow with taming, he needs a couple of days just settling in without any handling, just talk to him & let him get used to you being around, if he's not too nervous it's ok to offer a treat on your hand but let him come to you & keep your hand still at first.
You will find it easier to tame him & get him used to being held if you use a playpen, large play bin, the bath with a towel in the bottom or some other secure out of cage play area, you can get him to climb into a tube, box or something safe to transport him to the play area then give him some toys & things to explore, if you can sit in with him & slowly let him get used to you, running over your hands, climbing on you or whatever he wants to do, don't rush things & as he gets used to hands over time you will be able to pick him up.
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