Meet freddie

[patrykpo]

Hi, I'm a new syrian hamster owner I've never owned one before but have had both dogs and cats before. I got my hamster 3 days ago and am absolutly in love with him, he's a young and very energetic little thing.

I've just got a few questions which I would like to ask:

1: I don't think I've done the taming process properly, I let him sniff me and fed him food by hand and he's never bit me even during extended handelling. But I am concerned that I've done it wrong as it only took a day, he's very energetic as said so he will not stay still even in his cage. Any advice, or is it ok?

2:Is it ok or normal for my hamster to climb all over the walls of its cage, he tends to ignore the ramp to his bed area and just climb the wall, hes also tends to jump off his bed area platform, the ramp has plenty of space for it to fit, is this ok for him or is it unsafe?

3:He goes between sleeping on the floor of his cage (the woodshaving, sorry dont know the technical term, in the corners or by a wall) and in his bed during the middle of the day, is this normal or have I done something wrong?

4: What treats can I give him, I've only given him veg and feed so far, any suggestions? I've heard the they can eat cooked meat.

[SKB_Hamsters]

Hello and Welcome to Hamster Central to both you and Freddie.

1. Time taken to tame hamsters usually does depend upon their individual personality. I personally like to leave my hamsters at least a week before I start taming so gives them chance to get used to their new surroundings first. But as he seems fine with what you are doing at the moment I would continue to repeat this a little each day.
You could also try sitting in a playpen or a towel lined dry bathtub with him and let him climb over you too - this is a good place to practise scooping them up.

2. Hamsters typically do climb over the cage bars - although it isn't safe for them to do so as hamsters are terrestrial animals therefore aren't the best climber or good at getting down safely. Climbing the bars can sometimes even be a sign of boredom to.
Its a good idea to fill the entire base with substrate therefore he wont have to far to fall and it will also provide a softer landing to prevent any injuries.

3. What house does he have? and How big is his house? I would make sure their is enough bedding (shredded unscented toilet paper is best - no fluffy bedding as this is unsafe) so he can build a cosy nest wherever he wants.

4. Plain cooked chicken and turkey is safe to feed hamsters.
Nuts such as monkey nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecan and pistachios are a favourite treat to - can be bought from supermarkets make sure they un-salted and not roasted.
Seeds including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seed and linseeds.
I don't typical buy to many pet store treats as most are often high in sugar - when buying treats from petstores I like to make sure they are made from natural products.
Whimzee dog chews are also a favourite of hamster too and are a good chew toy