Oh Roman...

SinNyx · 04-01-2014, 01:34 AM

Well, as some of you reading my previous threads know, Roman is being a bit tough with handling ect as he was never handled before, though I believe he has been dropped or something at some point.

I have not been able to get him to sit in my hands (with gloves on)...but he just shakes and trembles...he will across my hands a bit, but I feel so bad with his shaking I try and put him down and then he just tries to grab hold of me as usual with his paws and it's hard to get him off me...

He also seems to move his bedding around a lot, which doesn't bother me...but, he keeps moving it under his wheel and knocking over his wheel to sleep under it....I always thought the wheel was just falling over as it's on a stand (he is in a ZZ2)...BUT...I put a rock there so if it falls, he can get out from under it, and to my surprise, he did just nest under it...

He does have a house which is big enough for him, but seriously...the wheel?

Any advice? I don't want to keep stressing him out with picking up and then having to put him down...

He seems healthy, so I don't feel it's anything to do with ill health...

BrainGirl · 04-01-2014, 08:53 AM

Is there any way you can hook the stand through the top of the ZZ and hang the wheel? I've done that with other cages and it works well but would depend on the kind of wheel I think. You also might have to zap tie it to the bars to prevent it wandering or vibrating but at least it won't fall over!

souffle · 04-02-2014, 03:27 AM

We tape the wheels down to the base of the cage then push the bedding over the stand to cover them up. Can you offer maybe a box or a log bridge he may like to nest under.
Poor little man he must have been through a lot

SinNyx · 04-02-2014, 07:56 AM

I think I will try to tape the wheel down first rather than go all mad on it!

@souffle, I do think he has been through a lot. I feel bad holding him and putting him through stress, but then I feel bad for not trying for him. His previous owners said they had lost him then found him under floorboards, so I am not sure how long he was lost and if that had an impact on him.
Also, as he was an unwanted child's pet, I feel he may of been handled incorrectly which may explain how scared he is.

souffle · 04-02-2014, 07:59 AM

I think you are right but in time he will come to trust you I'm sure x

fluffydd · 04-02-2014, 08:00 AM

Maybe try not handling for a week or two. He's had a lot of changes in his life lately. Still spend time with him and give him treats and see how he gets on. I don't think that will mean you're not trying for him, just that you are giving him more time to get used to his new life.

SinNyx · 04-02-2014, 08:03 AM

I'll definitely find a little box for him to see if he chooses to sleep there.
Since writing this, he now has two beds, one near his wheel out open, the other in his nest...
He is better now taking treats from me, before he seemed to not eat unless I was out of the way, let alone take anything from my hand, so that's an improvement!

I have still been using gloves with him...I was wondering, should I stop? I know he bites pretty hard, but if it would be better for him I would prefer to try it out.

**DrKMcK** · 04-02-2014, 08:10 AM

No. Do not stop using the gloves yet SinNyx. Biting is his only way to say he's unhappy or scared, so I don't think that'll change immediately. Using the gloves for a while more will allow you to handle him without flinching if he does bite, which might upset him more. I really think he needs more time than the average hammy. There's no way to know what the poor little things been through, but your description sounds like it wasn't a very good life for him. I know you'll get him through this.

**Bec** · 04-02-2014, 09:06 AM

Awww SinNyx, sounds like little steps with Roman...sounds like he's not had the best start in life. But has certainly landed on his paws with you.

Yes, would suggest keeping the gloves on...build that trust, day by day!

Well done for taking him, and the reward will be amazing!

SinNyx · 04-02-2014, 11:07 AM

Thank you all for the great advice, it's made me feel a lot better and it will sure help me and Roman too!

Even if he never likes handling I am happy with the little steps he has made...I have even been able to get a quick stroke while he has been sniffing around...he is pretty large too! Hatton is so small and fragile looking (even with a great diet)...and Angel is pretty large, but it's strange having him, and such a lovely colour.