Hello and some questions!

[emma_dora]

Hello everyone,

I'm Emma and four days ago I picked up my lovely 8 week old Syrian girl, Dora. She is definitely settling in well, exploring and making herself at home! I'm taking it slow with the taming, she isn't scared at all - more "indifferent" towards me at the moment.

I've had two hamsters previously but when I was much younger. I've researched for weeks and have read many threads on this forum!

I'd really love some advice on a few things:

- Cage biting: despite a plethora of chew toys, a big wheel, empty toilet rolls and a good size cage (it's the Grosvenor for ref) Dora keeps chewing her cage and some of the paint is coming off, which is concerning. She is in her exercise ball at the mo and seems to be loving that, so I'm hoping after a bit of time she will stop. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
- Taming wise, I've been putting my hand flat out in the cage and after, as mentioned, her being mostly indifferent and uninterested in me, she has started to clamber over my hands. She takes treats from me fine but not from my palm as she hasn't seemed bothered! Tonight I managed to get her in her ball and let her out onto my lap but rather than climb over my hands, she preceded to climb onto the floor and we had to create a barrier with our legs whilst she crawled around for a bit. What would people suggest? I'm wary of picking her up just yet given she doesn't seem to really want to be near my hands!

Apologies for the long post, would really appreciate any tips

Emma

[Ruth Edwards]

Hello Emma, it's funny how so many people go back to having a hamster when they're grown up isn't it.
It sounds like you're doing everything right with Dora as she has a big cage, and things to occupy her. Based on my limited experience I would say she's looking for something. Maybe she doesn't realise she's home yet.
If she has enough food and the water is coming out of her bottle ok, there might a smell nearby that's enticing her. Do you have another hamster? My Cotton keeps trying to get out because he can smell the female close by.
Other HC members have described the occasional hammie that just keeps chewing for no reason. I expect she'll settle in. Keep posting!

[CMB]

Welcome. You can let her climb out of the ball onto your hand. I used to do that with my previous hamsters to start the taming process.

Try giving Dora a whimzee (dog) chew. Hamsters seem to like them. Lots of different types of chew are available. It's a bit of trial and error until you find out what your hamster likes and doesn't like to chew.

The bar chewing may reduce or stop once she has settled in. It can also be her way of trying to get your attention or a sign of wanting to come out of her cage. Try to ignore her when she chews as it can make the chewing worse.

[emma_dora]

Thank you for the replies CMB and Ruth, really appreciate it and it's provided some much needed reassurance!

nice to e-meet you and will certainly try out these tips

Emma

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi Emma and welcome to HC. Congratulations on Dora.

[dreamtree1234]

Hi and welcome to HC, Emma! Congrats on giving Dora her loving home with you. Eros says Hi!