Taming Process

[wendybear]

Hi everyone:)
Me and Wendy have been getting on well! She eats off of my hand and will sometimes climb onto my hand to get the food. I can move her into her playpen easily by using something she can climb into as i can’t hold her just yet. Although, she’s been in it a few times now and she still seems unsure of it and tries to escape it. Is this normal? The last time i moved her in there she did explore it some more but was still trying to get out. How can i make it feel more safe and fun for her? Another question is petting hamsters. Now i can pet Wendy when she’s eating so she’s distracted by food but when i try to do it without her being distracted she doesn’t like it. When i see that she’s unsure of it, i stop obviously but i try every night. Any clue on how to start doing this? I know some hamsters just might not like being petted which could be the case though😂

[Ria P]

I think that Wendy just needs more time to get used to you and you will both grow in confidence yet.

A fun way to interact is for you to sit in a playpen or hamster safe area with her. Put her on your lap and let her walk on your legs. A bathtub with a blanket down and some seeds and hides may be worth a try.

I always start off by stroking a new hamster while they're eating and then start to stroke them while out on my lap. Then slowly move on to putting my hand on their back and eventually picking them up as and when they're tolerating various stages of taming.

None of my hamsters were keen on playpens and they'd either try and get out or just sit and sulk. Maybe i didn't try for long enough though because many hamsters like a playpen.

[wendybear]

I think that Wendy just needs more time to get used to you and you will both grow in confidence yet.

A fun way to interact is for you to sit in a playpen or hamster safe area with her. Put her on your lap and let her walk on your legs. A bathtub with a blanket down and some seeds and hides may be worth a try.

I always start off by stroking a new hamster while they're eating and then start to stroke them while out on my lap. Then slowly move on to putting my hand on their back and eventually picking them up as and when they're tolerating various stages of taming.

None of my hamsters were keen on playpens and they'd either try and get out or just sit and sulk. Maybe i didn't try for long enough though because many hamsters like a playpen.

Thank you!