New Female Syrian Hamster

riri02 · 01-05-2020, 04:55 PM

Hi there, I bought a female Syrian hamster 3 days ago. I feel I’ve made a mistake by overwhelming her too fast. As I’ve just read that I should have left her with no contact for a good few days if not week or two. She has the correct size cage, good food, water, chews, bedding/home, and about 6 or so inches to burrow in. My hamster is still very very skittish. But when I got her I have been in contact with her. Petting her, hands in the cage, giving her treats myself, trying to get her to let me hold her (this all before I read that I should have been leaving her alone) I’m just a bit worried that I’ve stressed her out by being too hands on too early. She lets me pet her all the time, and doesn’t aggressively bite but does nibble a little, and I picked her up once (not far off the floor of the cage) and she jumped out. I’m just wondering if I should stop petting her completely and stay out her cage as she still seems to be very skittish and flinchy. And if so how long I should be doing this for. I’m a new hamster owner and really don’t want her to be afraid of me or get stressed out. Just want her to be happy and calm. Thank you!

cypher · 01-07-2020, 01:02 AM

Hi & welcome to HC & congrats on your new ham.
I would step back a bit & go more slowly with her, just moving into a new home takes some getting used to & some hams are a lot more skittish than others.
Just spend some time talking to her, when she seems calmer & more comfortable with you around then you could begin to put your hand in the cage, with a treat on it keep it still & give her time to approach you, that may take a few attempts but don't rush things, there's no set time for anything really just let her guide you, you'll be able to tell when she's getting more comfortable & feels safe.

Engel · 01-07-2020, 01:45 PM

Right well don't worry!!! We learn from our mistakes. Providing you make the appropriate changes when you make a mistake, there's honestly nothing to panic about.

Personally I would go back a step (like mentioned above). I would put some tissue in you top for a hour or so then put that in the cage. That way she can get used to your scent without you disturbing her for the first couple of days/week. Also talk to the ham and see if she'll approach you and meet you at the bars.