Hamster Scared Pf My Presence

[JustTooFluffy]

Ok , I know I'm still trying to tame her but it was going fine until recently because now when she realises I'm there(not even in her cage) she will just hide and now she is just sleeping all night as she knows I'm there and now she she's messed up her sleep pattern and is too timid to come out to even have an attempt at taming , if I ever get the chance I give her a seed from my hand she may or may not take but then after that she will normally touch the wheel then go back to sleep. Help I fell terrible , as if I have done something wrong but I know I haven't or have I? Any help?

[chesca_27]

How long have you had her?

Give her a few days to settle in again and start with a regular schedule. You could feed her at a certain time and offer treats from your fingers. Otherwise, leave the treats and just watch her. Take it very slowly. When she feels confident enough, you can transport her into a play pen, bath tub or taming box and just work on strengthening your bond and letting her play.

Some hamsters do have setbacks in taming, but it is never too late to salvage a bond.

Best of luck :)

[Drago]

I agree with chesca, I'd leave her be for a few days before attempting to do anything again.

In your situation, I'd try to do some "association training". This is essentially teaching your hamster that you are not a threat and that being near you=good things. Every time you go near her cage, talk to her softly and offer treats through the cage bars. Eventually, she should begin to come out enthusiastically every time she hears/smells that you've entered the room. Actually touching and handling your hamster is a very small part of the taming process. Instead, a majority should be built around her learning to trust you, building confidence, and teaching her to associate you with good things! Good luck with taming and if you have any further questions, please ask :)

[JLPrairie]

Try using the tissue trick, by placing toilet paper under your arm and then putting it in the cage as nesting material. As Drago already said, giving treats when you are near or feeding her only after she's realized you are there would also be beneficial.

[cypher]

Try not to be too disheartened, you haven't had her long & they often go through this phase.
For the first few days to a week when you bring them home everything is new & they spend lots of time out & about exploring & marking their new territory but then begin to settle & have probably begun to hoard some food so they don't have to get up every time they get hungry so they tend to hide away more.
Keep up with the tissue trick, offering treats if you do see her & just talk to her quietly when you are near the cage whether she's up or not & she will begin to gain confidence & start to come out more again.

[Thin Lizzy]

Cypher has said it all, don't be too down about this set back, you can turn things around. Just be sure to go at your ham's pace.