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Old 01-05-2006, 01:40 PM   #1
DaisyChain
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Default Is It Unfair?

I sort of rescued my female syrian hammy (that is her in my avatar) from a grubby pet shop in April last year, and I hadn't had a hamster since a few years before because the last one I had was a real biter and it did put me off anymore until I went into this pet shop and rescued Matilda. Anyway, I am afraid to say I don't handle her. I don't ignore her, she comes out in her ball and seems to like me talking to her. But I just cannot get over this stupid fear I have of being bitten. I have had hammys since I was 9 years old and I am now amarried mum of 2, and can't believe I have this fear. Is it unfair of me never to handle her? I feel so guilty as she is such a lovely hamster. She has lots of toys in her aquarium but is this enough for her or does she need to be handled?
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Old 01-05-2006, 04:08 PM   #2
babyboos
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Oh I can understand how you feel, and it is hard. Best thing would be to try and get to a hamster show sometime soon, where one of the lovely members will be able to show you there is nothing to fear. It takes courage as although bites are small they are pretty painful especially if they catch the wrong bit - like the side of your fingernail Also the longer your hamster is untouched the more scared she will likely be and therefore more aware of your nervousness and your chances of being bitten are possibly raised. I hate the use of gloves but maybe they would help you just get that little initial boost you need? Try popping her in the bath with an old towel to line the bottom and just let her sniff your clenched fist and then slowly work up to picking her up very slightly and letting her go again keeping your fingers away from her mouth. Don't worry if it takes you three weeks to get to the stage where you can actually bring yourself to lift her up a few millimetres. Good luck and stay calm... what's the worst that can happen... a bite will heal and only hurt for a few hours at most and just think of the love and satisfaction you will get from your little one.
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Old 01-06-2006, 09:11 AM   #3
souffle
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It can be hard to gain your confidence again. Maybe your last hamster had a bad experience before he came to you so was really a frightened little animal who bit to protect himself from the unknown. Try and forgive him and accept that every hamster is unique and Matilda may be quite happy not being held. Is there anyone else in your family & friends who might help hold her while you stroked her back then gradually learnt to hold her? Start as if she and you were new to each other and gradually let things progress. As for harming her she seems quite happy and as long as you are giving her plenty of out time and talking to, she will be fine and leading a much better life, cared for, than some hamsters who are simply ignored. She is very pretty.
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Old 01-06-2006, 09:41 AM   #4
DaisyChain
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Thanks for your replies. I do get Matilda out every day, in her ball or sometimes I put her in the bath (empty) and she has a good run about. I have done this with all my hammies, since I was 9, let them run round in an empty bath. I think it gives their legs a good stretch. When I change her potty litter every day she comes to see me, and has a sniff and I talk to her, so I think she is happy, she just doesn't get handled.
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Old 01-06-2006, 10:06 AM   #5
Skwee
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Personally (and i don't think everyone will agree) i think ideally hamsters should be handled regularly.



I also think that if hamsters are handled or not handled in a certain way from the very beginning and that is what they are used to, i dont think they will miss being handled if they havent tried it.



The only problem i can really see is that if you ever need the vet... shes going to be a monster to handle
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Old 01-06-2006, 10:13 AM   #6
DaisyChain
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Oh I really wish I could stop this fear of being bitten. I feel so guilty not handling her. I remember with one of my hammies taht I wasn't afraid to pick up, she needed the vet and the vet got a great thick towel to hold her in, sort of had my hammy on her back in his hand with the towel so she couldn't nip, but then she had never bitten me at all. He was terrified of her!
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