Yet another "How to train" thread - Page 3

namrufmo · 08-26-2011, 11:37 AM

Well I wasn't going to try again until tonight but I saw Crixis get up for a drink, so I approached him.

I talked to him, and offered him a hame made hamster cookie. I stuck a pretzel in it so I could hand it to him keepin gmy finger about 1" away from him. He nibbled on it, again making me actually hold it for him.

After a few nibbles he sniffed my hand for a few seconds and gave me a small chomp.

It definetly wasn't out of fear, it was more of a "I wonder if HE tastes good" bite. I was careful not to react or pull away - I took the chomp like a champ!

I talked to him a bit more and decided it was time for him to go back to sleep.

Gillzy · 08-26-2011, 11:40 AM

You're doing a great job - he's curious now. Actual leaps and bounds! Aren't you glad you persevered?

namrufmo · 08-26-2011, 11:44 AM

I've never had to train a baby hammy so I'm finding it stressful haha. I wish it was night time so I could do a few more sessions!

namrufmo · 08-26-2011, 02:45 PM

I know people are probably getting tired of my updates but here goes: I caught him awake again and went over for another session. He was munching on his snack and I put my hand literally 1/4" from him. He wasn't phased.

He sniffed my knuckle a few times and didn't care at all.

He does get a little skittish if I move some of the shavings around....I think the noise startles him a bit.

namrufmo · 08-26-2011, 08:42 PM

Crixis no longer has any probem taking food from me! He did it like four times tonight....I can GRAZE his fur with my finger but if I actually try to make any contact he retreats.

When would it be a good time to start tub training?

fluffymunchkins · 08-27-2011, 05:59 AM

He sounds like hes doing brilliantly

I would start tub taming as soon as your ready x

Gillzy · 08-27-2011, 06:39 AM

Yeh def! He'll enjoy getting time out of his cage, and it'll make him more confident having a new place to explore (although he may be a bit nervous of the newness at first). Let us know how tub time goes.

namrufmo · 08-27-2011, 12:52 PM

Ok tomorrow it is!

So I put a towel down in the tub....scoop him up in an igloo...sit down in the tub...and......

Put him on me? Put him on the towel? How long is an ideal time for the first time? What if he acts afraid but not TOO afraid?

fluffymunchkins · 08-27-2011, 02:10 PM

I would put him in the tub and let him explore on his own first

then if he seems comfortable, sit in with him and let him come to you if he wants.
Otherwise you can practise scooping him up and putting him down, gradually increasing the amount of time you hold him for. If he acts afraid give him a big box or something he can go into and let him come out when hes ready.
I usually have 10 minute tub time sessions to start with x

namrufmo · 08-27-2011, 06:29 PM

He let me touch him tonight!

I gave him a hamser cookie and while he nibbled I touched his side. He didn't even pull away! I kept stroking his sides the whole time he ate. I even managed to get four fingers on his bum once.

As soon as he finished eating he ran/walked away from me.