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Old 01-28-2016, 11:38 AM   #1
HarryHamster
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Question afraid of hands

Hi guys, I have been taming Pablo for two weeks and he absolutely loves coming out. He snuggles down with my dad on the sofa. My dad and I noticed he is petrified of hands and fingers. It does take a while to get him out of the cage.

Is there any way I could get him comfortable with hands, he has never bitten ever? He loves cuddles only if it is outside his cage. He does take treats from me, but is very wary.

Thanks
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Old 01-28-2016, 04:35 PM   #2
Piebald
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Default Re: afraid of hands

Hands can be very scary for a hamster. It can help to not drop a hand down on top of him, but approach from the side. The ability to do this will depend on what cage you have. If you only have a cage with an overhead access, try putting in a safe ramp up to the top and then work on enticing him up himself rather than the looming hand going down. In the wild Hamsters will be eaten by birds and even most other predators will be attacking from above so the fear is understandable.
Also the cage is the Hammies home and territory and it is not unusual for them to be unhappy with the intruding hand. If he's had a bad experience being chased around by a Hand that will only make it worse. Try using a mug or tube to lift him out rather than a hand. Hamsters love a tunnel, especially with some seeds in it, and once he goes in block off the entrances with your hands and lift the whole thing out. Some people use a Hamster ball for this too or a small carry cage. It is safer as less chance for him to wiggle free and fall, and less stressful than The Hand.
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Old 01-29-2016, 03:31 PM   #3
HarryHamster
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Default Re: afraid of hands

thank you Piebald, it is so hard he runs and hides, if I just lift up the roof on his house and he runs. I am going to try the tunnel with seeds. Keep you posted
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Old 01-29-2016, 03:55 PM   #4
StarlightSerenity
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Default Re: afraid of hands

I call these kind of hamsters "Anti Hand Hams" I've had a few that have avoided hands at all costs, it can make taming a bit more difficult but not impossible. It sounds like you having taming down anyway!

Piebald explained why hamsters don't like hands very well, I can't add anything to that

I'm very strict with how my hamsters are handled - it's always on their terms. If they want to come out they know where the door is, I'll open it and let them climb out. If you have a cage with only a top entrance then this won't be possible unless you can add a ramp of some kind. They are quite good at getting up steps and ramps though so I'm sure you could make something up.

It is best to keep putting your hands in the cage when the ham is in there and awake to an absolute minimum. It's their territory and for them to feel safe they can't be having someone sticking their big paws in all the time.

A little tip - lower the lighting. Hamsters are crepuscular (ie most active at dawn and dusk) and their eyesight is poor, particularly in bright lights and daylight. Try just using a small table lamp.

Good luck!
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Old 01-30-2016, 07:28 AM   #5
herbi7
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Default Re: afraid of hands

Things changed with me and my ham when we got an Alaska cage, it has a huge front opening door and she was able to climb out confidently on her own. I always made sure she had to step on my hands to get out,she was always speedy but she'd get a little stroke on her way out and gradually became better about hands but she never liked being held for long. Some just don't.
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