Nervous new hamster - where should I keep her?

Lalsa87 · 03-09-2016, 03:40 AM

Hi All

Got my first hamster Oreo on Sunday. She was from Pets at Home (I know I know... she was a gift but we won't hold that against her and we will do all we can to make her feel loved and happy!)

She is a lovely little thing all black with white socks. No pics yet - don't want to scare her.

I've been told she is between 14-18 weeks old.

We live in a flat with a spare room - very quiet and away from the rest of the noise and goings on in the flat (no children here). That's where I've put her for her to settle in. She comes out and seems happy enough wandering around her cage, going on her wheel etc. She is eating and drinking well.

Obviously she is skittish at the moment and very nervous around humans but I know I need to start taking things slowly after having left her to settle for a few days.

Q is now we are on day 4 is it worth bringing her into the living room where my partner and I spend most of our time? I want her to feel comfortable around normal noises and come out of her cage with us just in the room. I feel like in the quiet spare room there is absolutely no "normal" day to day noise and this will make her terrified of any normal noise. Only reason I haven't moved her is because our kitchen/living room is open plan. Will this be a big problem with smells from cooking?

Thanks all!

Thin Lizzy · 03-10-2016, 05:59 AM

Hi Lalsa and Welcome to HC. Congratulations on your first hamster Oreo.
I would bring her into the living room, it's important for her to get use to you and your noises. She will probably be nervous but in time she'll adjust. I've always kept my hamsters in the living room.
Should any noises upset her then reassure her by talking quietly to her and telling her she's safe and a good girl. I find that the tissue trick helps, so get you and your partner to stuff some tissue or toilet paper up your sleeves and leave for a couple of hours and then place in her cage, this will get her familiar with your scents, do this everyday for a week. She will sniff at it and will probably use it as extra bedding.
When it comes to hoovering, Use it outside the living room with the door closed so she can get use to it and only have it on for a short time. When you hoover the LR make it quick and then praise her afterwards. I've always found that the hoover frightened my hamsters so I do this and they get use to it.

AmityvilleHams · 03-10-2016, 06:57 AM

Definitely go with lots of positive reinforcement.Any animal will do well with positive reinforcement,be it a bird or dog or rodent.Treats are great if your hamster is food motivated which you'll learn soon,something to chew on if your hamster prefers chewing,etc.Make the noises become a positive experience,and definitely desensitize your hamster to them at the same time.The only concern with cooking is if you use nonstick type steel pans which do release harmful fumes.Not sure if those are even allowed in the UK with all the very strict health regulations and things there,but those are definitely a major issue in the US.