Hi

[jenntalbot]

Hi,
My name is Jenntalbot and I am from Bristol in the UK.
I have recently just bought a Russian dwarf hamster and she is named Bubba.
I have owned hamsters in the past but I haven't owned a dwarf before so any advice or information is appreciated as the staff at the pet shop were lacking in reliable information.

I found this forum through watching Erinsanimals videos on youtube.

[cypher]

Hi, welcome to HC & congrats on getting Bubba

Probably the most important difference between Russian hybrids & syrians to be aware of is diet, they can be prone to diabetes so they need a good dwarf specific mix, Burgess dwarf hamster harvest is the best in the UK, no sweet treats, sugars or honey & only fresh veg, preferably the lower sugar varieties & not fruits.
If you have any questions about Bubba & taking care of her just ask.

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi jenntalbot and welcome to the forum.
Congratulations on Bubba.

[Josie]

Hello Jenntalbot and welcome to HC, love the name Bubba, lots of good advice from Cypher

[Drago]

Hello and welcome to HC!

Congrats on Bubba, looking forward to learning all about him. Make sure to ask if you ever have any questions

[BorisPasha]

Hello and welcome to HC

Look forward to hearing more about Bubba

[jenntalbot]

Thankyou all for the welcome messages.
Bubba is doing very well and has settled into her new cage nicely. However, i have found that she freely lets my boyfriend pick her up, play with her, stroke her whilst shes eating and burrowing since the day we got her. but she trys to nip and bite me when i do such things even though i do the exact same as my boyfriend.

Anyone know how to stop or prevent this happening? As im getting quite upset i cant handle her the same way my boyfriend does.

[Drago]

Glad she's settled in well! As for the biting, I think you'll just need to keep holding her and allowing her to get used to you. Hamsters will sometimes be comfortable with one person's scent over another. Are you washing your hands between feeding her and handling her? Though you may be using the same method of handling, you should ensure there aren't any tiny details that you're missing. Good luck with her, remember that the key to taming is to remain patient and persistent

Sorry about calling her a he in my previous post! Do apologize to Bubba for me as well

[jopop]

Hi Jenma

Congratulations on your wee one. Looking forward to seeing some photos.

[SKB_Hamsters]

Hello and Welcome to HC. Congrats on Bubba.

In regards to Bubba nipping you, I would make sure you wash your hands with unscented soap before trying to hold her - as she might be nipping as she mistaking your fingers as food. You could try the tissue trick - which involves placing some unscented white tissues up your sleeves for a while so they get your scent on them and then tear them up then place in her cage for her to use a nesting material - this can help her to find comfort in your scent. Some hamsters can feel more comfortable with one person - my Pumpkin is like this but she is warming up to more people now - when trying to get another person familiar with her I would recommend your boyfriend holding Bubba in his hand next to yours and see whether she feel comfortable walking between your hands. Just try to be patient with her I'm sure in no time she will feel comfortable with being handled by both of you.