My new Babies

[BubblesandSqueak]

Originally Posted by Basia

I'm also amazed how tame they are so quickly. I knew thay had been 'intensively' handled for the last 10 days but have both settled in so quickly, got used to hearing the dogs and family noise (it was much quieter where they came from). I can handle both of them easily, they have never shown any definsive body language. Berry is the livlier for the two, she likes to run around, so she won't stay on me for long. I can stroke and cuddle Chunky on my lap for about 5 minutes, he is so laid back. He is also happy on his wire and lets me groom him, he even sits up so I can do his undies! I am so pleased with them both. They have also given me confidence to handle my others, Sid was already very tame but Fuzzy was still quite jumpy but now I have been shown how to pick her up so she can't jump or bite she is already calming down. Not sure Basil will ever get there though. Have to admit I am a bit frightened of him now - he bites hard.

Awww - that's great! They are gorgeous, I'm sure Basil will get to know you much better SOON.

P.S I LOVE that elephant house, and I want to steal it XD

[Holly]

Originally Posted by Basia

Not sure Basil will ever get there though. Have to admit I am a bit frightened of him now - he bites hard.

I think maybe you will just have to accept that Basil will never be as tame as the others - which is a shame for both of you (though I'm sure he's happy in his way) but I'm so glad you are experiencing tame hamsters also. I read an article about caring for an untame/untameable hamster. It made me sad because so many are labelled as vicious when really they are just scared of being picked up - they then get neglected (which we all know you'd never do with Basil). Anyway I'll try to find the article - it had lots of tips on having a meaningful relationship (why does that sound so funny?? You know what I mean!) with an untame hamster.

[Basia]

They sell the elephant house in Pets@Home. None of my hamsters will use it though, I think its a bit small for Syrians.

Holly I would love to see the article. I sort of 'manage' Basil by not picking him up anymore. He comes to the door and climbs into his ball and runs around in his ball. I let him out into the playpen, either with me or on his own. If I am in the playpen I let him out on my lap. He will run over me and doesn't seem frightened of me in any way. I can stroke him, am always feeding him treats (hence he is now quite solid!) He just either bites or turns on his back as soon as I put my hands around him to pick him up. I am sure it is my fault not his. He was the first hamster I had had for 10 years and once he had bitten me I lost my confidence. Have done a better job with Sid and Fuzzy who had not been tamed when I had them either but by then I was more used to hamsters.
As for Fuzzy - she did the most disgusting smelly thing on my hand when I picked her up yesterday. I could still smell it after scrubbing my hands. Teach me to play with her when the boys are running around in their balls.

[souffle]

Ah Fuzzy is rubbing her 'lady scent' all over you I imagine To the boys that will smell like Chanel no 5. I agree it is yucky. Sometimes they sort of rub their bottoms down to spread it about. Hamsters
I hope you get on a bit with the taming but I am sure he is happy anyway with your care and company.

[Basia]

Originally Posted by souffle

Ah Fuzzy is rubbing her 'lady scent' all over you I imagine To the boys that will smell like Chanel no 5. I agree it is yucky. Sometimes they sort of rub their bottoms down to spread it about. Hamsters
I hope you get on a bit with the taming but I am sure he is happy anyway with your care and company.

Very generous of her! I do find the girls personalities very different from the boys.
As for taming I am beginning to think it is a bit like the rabbits the earlier they are handled the better for their new owners. I don't think the 3 I had from Pets@Home had been handled at all before I got them Although Sid is now really tame and Fuzzy is not far behind him I think for a novice owner, which I was after 10 year absence, an untame hamster is a bit of a challenge. It is easy to make mistakes which are difficult to put right afterwards. Chunky and Berry are already tame and like people, they just had to get used to me, which took no time at all.

[souffle]

I absolutly agree with you Basia. We handle from about 10 days or as soon as we know mum will allow it. Our babies are always very, very tame and are almost all prebooked as people want that. Many have gone to childrens nurseries and a few to disabled people who have enjoyed them so much. P@H are bought in from a huge commercial breeder and have rarely been handled or even seen many people however with time and patience they will make lovely tame pets in most cases.

[pophammy]

AWWWWWW! They are both soooo cute! I looooooooooovve Chunky!!!!