Taming without get bitten? - Page 2

GreySyrian · 12-14-2015, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honey Pot

Following this thread - we have a new little chap too! Love the paintbrush idea

We were going to try our first bath yesterday, but Frodo wanted to sleep in! Have been tissue scenting and feeding through bars. Should I keep tissue scenting just to myself, or should I have the kids do it too (not sure if hammy can manage multiple scents!) x

Happy to find another new owner! From what I've seen once a hamster is tame they adapt relatively quickly to new people, so maybe start off with just your scent then when Frodo is happy with you handling (or perhaps an earlier stage) then introduce your kids scents. You may want more experienced peoples response though!

Honey Pot · 12-16-2015, 02:04 PM

How are you getting on GreySyrian? We had our second bath today! My husband (who doesn't 'do' hamsters) is being much braver (or possibly a little stupid) - putting his finger out for Frodo to sniff! Wanted to have Frodo out again sooner, but he has hidden himself away in his little house, and we're trying to go at his pace, not ours

GreySyrian · 12-23-2015, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honey Pot

How are you getting on GreySyrian? We had our second bath today! My husband (who doesn't 'do' hamsters) is being much braver (or possibly a little stupid) - putting his finger out for Frodo to sniff! Wanted to have Frodo out again sooner, but he has hidden himself away in his little house, and we're trying to go at his pace, not ours

Not much progress, have had a cold so haven't be able to do anything with her. After christmas she'll be in the bath daily so we'll see how that goes!

msdemi · 12-23-2015, 11:15 AM

Hi greysyrian

I too have a new addition who is currently in settling in phase. For some unknown reason I am slightly nervous about being bitten, I know I shouldn't be my fingers have been savaged by my rat before.

I don't have much to offer other than from experience with rat taming the bathtub method works really well. I will be opting for out of cage training with mine. Although I am aiming to have him confortable with my hand in his cage so I guess its all about balance. Sorry for the waffley incoherent post. I've had 3 hours sleep in three days haha

Honey Pot · 12-26-2015, 04:19 PM

Hey msdemi - was just reading your thread on Sid

Making good progress here, but my little boy got bitten tonight. Totally my fault, so I'm kicking myself. I got over confident, and should have called an end to playtime when Frodo clearly demonstrated he'd had enough. Brushing ourselves off and back a step or two tomorrow!

msdemi · 12-26-2015, 04:25 PM

Sorry your little boy got bitten tonight, was it a bad one I hope it doesn't put him off Frodo.

Funny little creatures aren't they. I am sure they lure you into a false sense of security for their own amusement.

Honey Pot · 12-26-2015, 04:46 PM

No - not too serious a bite, but did cause quite a mess! He was shocked, but not put off thankfully

msdemi · 12-26-2015, 05:09 PM

Ouch must have been a good'un if it drew blood.

GreySyrian · 12-27-2015, 04:26 PM

Dandi seems to have got better- She's still more likely to bite if you dangle a finger in her cage but in the bath/play box she let's me stroke her without so much as flinching and doesn't go to bite at all. Next step will be getting in the bath!

Woollywally · 12-30-2015, 04:06 AM

I'm having similar issues with my new baby Syrian, Brian.
We got him last Tuesday (22nd). We left him over Christmas to settle in.
We have a terrible cage for him (a penthouse "large" hamster cage) and have a new one on order (I'm going to attempt making a bin cage for him). I don't know if it's a good idea, but I've been taking his cage into the bath, taking the lid off and letting him run around. That way, his little house is there and when he's had enough, he can just go back in his house and I know he's finished playing.
While he's in the bath, I've been able to hand feed him with some little treats and he seems quite happy with this, so I thought I'd move onto the next stage and put a treat in the middle of my hand and put it in the bath. I was careful to put it down slowly, and away from him. He came over and bit me. My gut feeling is that he thought I was food rather than he was frightened, but it does rather make moving on a bit difficult because I don't really like being bitten! I have tried this several times and every time it's the same problem.
The other problem is that it always makes me jump so I drop the treat on my hand and Brian gets a reward for biting me!
What do you think is the best way forward?