New hamster owner here, I have a few questions!!

str365 · 01-22-2017, 11:30 AM

Hello everyone! I'm a new hamster owner, and I just took my hamster home a few days ago! He is a winter white, and he's kinda small so I think he might be young.
These past couple days, he's rarely come out, and I haven't seen him drink any water. I'm thinking this is just because he's really scared right now, and still exploring his cage. But I'm also worried whether something is wrong with the bottle, although I tested it earlier and it seemed fine.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm trying not to bother him, until he is more used to his cage. Also, if anyone has any tips on taming my hamster, that would be great!
Thank you!

SKB_Hamsters · 01-26-2017, 09:17 AM

Hello and Welcome to Hamster Central and congrats on your new hamster.
Looking forward to meeting your hamster.
What bottle are you using? Has the water level in his bottle gone down? As he may be drinking during the night.

A few taming tip - the tissue trick works well with getting your hamster familiar to your scent - this involves putting unscented white tissues up your sleeves and leaving them there for a little while so they get your scent on them. Rip the tissues up into strips and place in your hamsters cage your hamster should collect the tissue and take it to his nest to use a bedding material. Playpen or an dry bath tub (lined with a towel and no water) are good places to tame your hamster - add a few toys and you can watch him explore. You can transport your hamster to the bath either in a ball or a box. A playpen or bath tub can also allow you to sit inside (make sure you are sitting in the bath before placing your hamster down) therefore he can climb over you and get comfortable with you. But it is very important you go at you hamsters own pace and not to rush him.

Drago · 01-26-2017, 12:35 PM

Hello and welcome! Congratulations on getting your new ham. I wouldn't worry about the bottle too much, he's likely drinking when you're not looking. Hamsters drink about a teaspoon of water each day and that can be very hard to notice if you're not closely measuring it. Him being nervous is 100% normal, hamsters take about a week at the very least to settle into their new homes so just wait a while, he'll come around.

For taming, I agree with SKB on leaving tissue with your scent around. Your ham will learn your scent, collect the tissue, and will sleep in a nest filled with your smell. Before moving on to handling (other than to let your ham out to excercise) you should sit near his cage and speak calmly and softly to him. At first he may be skittish and reluctant to come out, but will soon become curious and want to investigate who you are. When he plucks up the courage, reward his bravery with treats and more soothing speaking. Even just sitting by your hamsters cage while you finish up work or watch a show can help him get used to you being present. Take it slow and only do what he's comfortable with, put your hand into his cage and let him sniff it over. Associate yourself with good things and he'll trust you. Enjoy spending time with your little one, and remember not to get too worried. Another note on the water, if you're truly super worried, add a piece or two of cucumber (tiny pieces) and this will provide your ham with water

ladyntramp002 · 01-26-2017, 01:19 PM

I agree with all the above advice from SKB and Drago.

For taming hamsters, I find that doing the tissue trick is amazing! I myself am in the process of taming my hamster. I took it really slow and let the hamster set the pace. I recommend putting the cage in a room where you spend the most time. This gives your hamster a chance to get to know your voice and different sounds. My hamster soon became very curious "nosy" about what was going on and came out more to investigate. I highly recommend when your hamster does come out to talk softly and maybe say his/her name and offer a treat. Most of the time, your new hamster won't climb into your hand. I would say to hold the treat(fresh food, seeds, gerber's puff, cheerio) in between your thumb and pointer finger. He/she might stretch their body to the limits due to the fact that they don't want to get to near you. Then while your hammie is eating said treat try to gently stroke him/her on their back with your pointer finger gently.

Hope this helps. My advice when it comes to taming hamsters is to let the hamster set the pace. Don't EVER rush him/her. The consequences are a skittish/scared hammie.