I'm a sucker for hard luck cases...

[RCalabraro]

I went to Petco last night to get tapeworm medicine for my cat and ended up hearing the story of a "Sunfire" hamster with anger management issues. She was doing this neurotic repetitive behavior, continuously seeking to get under the stand to her flying saucer. Evidently, she was too bitey to sell, so they had her up for adoption for a $5 donation.

Being a sucker for hard luck cases, and having just constructed a new bin cage for Thor (meaning I had another bin cage with all the trimmings ready to go) I took her home.

First thing I want to say is that I have observed none of the neurotic repetitive behavior since bringing her home. She likes to burrow, so I have a nice thick layer of carefresh at the bottom of the cage. She doesn't like to be handled, that's for sure: she nips at me if I try to pick her up. This is fine, though... I don't need to cuddle with her if she doesn't like to be handled. I get more enjoyment watching than handling anyway.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm writing this. I guess part of me is disappointed in the glib attitude of the Petco staff toward an animal that obviously needed a change in her environment. There's nothing wrong with her, the problem was where she was.

I don't have any pictures of her yet but she's gorgeous. She has red eyes and a stripe down her back. She's small but not as small as a robo. She's probably half as long as Thor, my most chill Syrian who has never bitten anyone.

I know there are a lot of threads here about how to tame hams, and I intend to put in the time and TLC necessary to settle her down and at least get her comfortable enough with being handled that I can pick her up and put her in a hamster ball during cage cleaning and maintenance.

I suppose the point I want to make is this: just because an animal is behaving "badly" in a shelter or a store doesn't mean there's something wrong with the animal. I adopted a cat from a shelter once who was all hissy and growly, and it turned out that she was just stressed from being packed in a wall of cages with a million other cats. Once I brought her home, she was lovable and relaxed.

P.S. Being a Marvel Comics geek, I have chosen to name this red-eyed ham "Phoenix."

[Kaztrekie]

Good for you taking er home I dread to think what would of happened to her ,she prob get fed up with the staff poking and prodding no wonder she bit them ( if she did I doubt it ) at least she has a second change and a great new home I bet she's really to be away from that shop. Look forward to seeing pics when she's settled.i love a good ending story. Great name btw .

[cactus]

My two dwarves were like this. The staff were frightened of them and hated them. They tried to talk me out of buying Thor too (my Syrian) when I got him. I really hate how they put them in a rubbish environment and then blame the behavioural problems on the animal when they're really just stressed. I really love the name Phoenix too, nice to find another Marvel fan on the forum Can't wait to see pictures of Phoenix when she's settled in with you.

[slatted]

My WW loves to nest under his flying saucer and it sounds like that was all she wanted to do....burrow under and nest there! Bet they did not give her much substrate? She probably just wanted shelter and safety, poor thing. No matter she got grumpy and bitey.

Good for you taking her on! Bet she will become a lovely pet with the right care.

[RCalabraro]

Well she still nips at me when I try to pick her up. This needs to change, so I'm going to have to spend some time working on this.

Awesome that you also have a Syrian named Thor!

[cactus]

Our little dwarves still nip a little bit too, they've got a lot better with patients and understanding though It's so sad when pet shops write them off as 'bad animals' when all they need is some kindness and understanding. It's awesome you have a Thor too! We got his little 'brother' Loki first, we named him Loki because of his long dark fur and then we got Thor who has shorter cream coloured fur. It just suits them so much! We have Holly too who was named by my OH and Victor who's full name is Victor Von Doom after the Fantastic Four baddie! I'm a sucker for Marvel names

[RCalabraro]

When Phoenix decides to wake up, I will post some pics of her. She's GORGEOUS.

I pride myself on being able to empathize with animals, to be able to pick up on their emotional vibes. I don't think it will be long before Phoenix lets me handle her.

[shiny]

Great that you have given Phoenix a home I'm sure your kindness, care & patience & that big reduction in stress will mean she relaxes soon

[Stockannette]

Good for you for getting Phoenix!

[Silver]

Congratulations on your new little one.

So pleased Phoenix has settled down well xxx