Sparkle has come to us as if we can't get her tame and friendly she is going to be put in rescue. Some people just cannot deal with an untame animal and don't have the patience to try. I know if I can tame her the home she goes back to will be great.
I am the third home she has had. She is only about 8 to 9 weeks old I'd say and a little, black banded, scared big green pet shop hammy.
She was bought as a 'child's pet' and after a few days bit dad who said that was it and she was out. Someone who had a hamster from us said she would take her on but she does have young children, who although are very good with hamsters, are not used to a baby like Sparkle having only had big, already tame babies from us! Needless to say they struggled and Sparkle bit mum who called me up and asked for help. So I'm fostering her for now.
I can see how scared she is but she is curious and brave as well. I feel sorry for her and how the system let her down from the beginning. She is teeny and mousy faced but she has a sparkle of life that is rather endearing. I'll post how she does on this thread.
Day 1 - we are starting from the beginning. The cage is small and the wheel but I'll settle her first before jumping in with changes. She is small and the taming is always easier from a smaller cage with no hidey holes so she has no tubes or houses for now.
She is coming out and on the shelf and we are talking to her and getting to know her. She seems friendly enough and very curious.
I opened the door and put my hand in the cage then took it out so she gets used to things moving over and around her
Day 2 - I don't want to prolong this taming too much with her as I know she needs to go back to her family so that she can bond with them. I made a pen with boxes on the bed and took the lid off the cage once I had encouraged her to get up. She gets up easily enough. I started todays 1st session with pressing on her back and rump with the back of my hand and laying my hand near her. I don't want to let her bite so avoid putting anything she can grip near her mouth. She is a bit jumpy and chatters a little but I keep up with the stroking and pressure. She did actually climb out the cage so I did lift and lay her down again right away then lift and back in the cage. This was good progress for the first session I think.
Follow Sparkle's progress here and we will hopefully see her go home in a few weeks
Sparkle's last chance
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