Introducing kenneth!

[cypher]

You could try putting cardboard through the bars as a temporary measure if he chews in one spot, put as much enrichment in the cage as you can & if you don't already try scatter feeding to keep him busy foraging rather than using a bowl.

[Turrican]

Thanks Cypher. I like those ideas and will try them all.

[BorisPasha]

Oh that is such a stunning picture of Kenny Sorry to hear he has been checking out his teeth by chewing on the bars though and I hope Cypher's suggestions put a stop to it

[Turrican]

Just had another play session with Kenneth, got in the bath with him and some toys and old towels and he had a run around. I held him a little bit as well although he got quite nervous again. I'm so dying to bond with him but I'm not entirely convinced now that he feels the same way! I'll keep trying every night though and I hope he will relax more. I feel like something is bothering him but I'm not sure what! He seemed keen to make friends at first and now he seems wary. He's back in his cage now and is munching on some carrot and ignoring me. Come on Kenny, let's be pals little guy!

[Turrican]

Carrot guzzling.

[Turrican]

Hiya, just wanted to update quickly and thank Cypher! Last night I basically wedged a toilet roll tube between the bars of the top corner of the cage where Kenneth had started to bar chew, and well, it worked a treat! He had a few nibbles of the cardboard but soon gave up and amused himself in other ways. I can't believe such a simple solution has worked so well! We got much more sleep last night. Yippee! I hope Kenny is feeling happier today after seeming a little nervous last night and I'm looking forward to playing with him in the bathtub again this evening. It's my day off work today so I'm off to the shops to get him some more toys/treats!

[cypher]

Lovely photo of Kenneth with his carrot there

Just go slow with the taming & bonding, it sounds as though you're doing fine & I'm sure his confidence will grow now, if he's not happy about something it will probably become clear soon enough, it just takes a little while to get to know their individual personalities & quirks!
Good to hear the cardboard worked with the bar chewing, I think sometimes it's just part of exploring the cage & finding things to do in the beginning & a few simple tricks can stop it before it becomes a habit.

[Turrican]

Thanks Cypher! I'll update again soon with the little dude's progress. Will share one more picture, hehe, I'm such a proud parent!

[AprilPearl]

He looks very cute standing up like that! Don’t worry about him being a little wary at first. That is totally normal. As hamsters are solitary prey animals I think most of them are never exactly “keen” to bond and play with us. The best you can really do is to have a hamster who is not scared of being handled and tolerates it. Syrians do not need companionship and are naturally fearful of predators, so he is going to be shy at first. Sounds like he is making good progress though so keep it up

[BorisPasha]

Good to hear the deterrant worked. He looks so cute in the pics too

Happy shopping I hope you get some nice things for him