Is my hamster afraid of me or not used to me?

NomMoo · 04-01-2016, 03:25 PM

So me and my Fiance bought a hamster called Daisy. She is a Syrian hamster, very cute and very clever!

When my fiance puts her hand in the cage Daisy hops on no issue, when my fiance holds her little ball up Daisy climbs in fine.

While my fiance was about, Daisy was quite happy with me too.

We bought some little metal type fencing and placed it on the floor with her seesaw and slide and her little stuffed toy, it took her 40 seconds to work out that if she put her foot on the bottom horizontal bar she can stretch and reach the top bar and pull herself out.

I had to hold my hand everyone she climbed over so she could walk onto my hand and I put her back in the pen....to which she just climbed out again.

My fiance left for work yesterday and before I went for my night shift I put Daisy in her ball for a bit while I got ready and ate and then put her back in her cage with a little stick of cheese.

When I got back I popped her in the bath on top of a clean towel with her little toys and some hamster food and let her play for 30 minutes before putting her back in her cage. She even licked my hand while I was carrying her.

This morning I got up and opened the cage and held my hand out for her to hop on but she just stood dead still and didn't even sniff my hand or anything and when I moved away she just went into her little bedroom box on the top of the cage. A few hours later I tried again and she just ran very fast to the bottom. She wasn't squeaking or flattening herself to the floor and didn't really look fearful. She sniffed my finger when I poked it a little through the bars and just stood still. I tried to tempt her into her ball before I went to work again bit she was having none of it.

I've come back tonight to see her standing in her cage and I went down to her level and poked my finger through the bar for her to sniff but she didn't even flinch or move. I got one of her favourite seething and poked it through and she didn't even move to sniff or eat it. I sat down on the couch and she sat watching me for a bit before she went into her bedroom box.

Have I scared her at some point or is she just not used to me? I appreciate any advice.

Like I said she doesn't squeak at us and she generally was quite social able with myself and my Fiance. Maybe she will be fine when my fiance is back home from work on Sunday night?

Apologies for any spelling mistakes or grammar mistakes or odd words in sentences. I typed this on my phone and the autocorrect can be quite frustrating.

Thanks in advance

Thin Lizzy · 04-02-2016, 04:18 AM

Hi NomMoo,
Hamsters can hear things we can't, it sounds like something has startled her like a loud noise, or could be to do with the ball or bath.
For now, I would just continue to talk to her, wait for her to come to you, but be sure to praise her.

Thin Lizzy · 04-02-2016, 04:18 AM

Hi NomMoo,
Hamsters can hear things we can't, it sounds like something has startled her like a loud noise, or could be to do with the ball or bath.
For now, I would just continue to talk to her, wait for her to come to you, but be sure to praise her.

cypher · 04-02-2016, 08:12 AM

It's hard to say whether she's got scared by something, & as Lizzy says it can be something we wouldn't even notice, or if it's just that she isn't used to you, they are so dependent on scent if she's more used to your fiance being around then it could well be that but I think the answer is probably the same either way really, just be very patient with her continue to try to interact with her, talk to her quietly & try to reassure her, you could try doing the tissue trick (putting a tissue up your sleeve for a few hours then putting that in the cage) so she can get more familiar with you.
Not sure if that helps or not but I hope you can win her over with a little time!

Piebald · 04-02-2016, 08:17 AM

How long have you had her? I'm not sure if she is brand new or you've had her for a while? I think I would offer different suggestions depending on how long she's been with you.

NomMoo · 04-03-2016, 04:41 PM

Hey guys thanks for your responses.

We have had her about 1-2 weeks now.

I persevered and in the end she likes me and hops all over me and let's me hold her properly

She sniffs me when I poked my finger through and always runs to the front of the cage when I walk past

Although now I've noticed a new issue....nibbling the cage. She's learnt where the cage opens and she keeps on chewing there despite her being out to play for around 5 hours (had the day off) her cage is quite large with 3 levels and the bottom with a wheel that she doesn't use. It's almost frantic the way she nibbles at it. I've poked some carrots through sand she chews away before going at it again.

I can't really say if she's bored but she's out most of the time and I don't think the cage is too small.

Any further suggestions? I'll update my original post with the new issue.

Piebald · 04-04-2016, 06:25 AM

Glad she came around to you

What kind of cage do you have? Different levels are not recommended for Hamsters, unlike Rats or Gerbils, as they prefer continuous floor space. In addition, usually the cages with levels do not have enough room for a proper sized Syrian wheel and that may be why she is not using it. She will need a wheel to run off Hammie energy so if you can post a picture or give us measurements we can make suggestions. Is she a baby now? Having said that, Hamsters do chew, they need to to keep their teeth worn down. What kind of chew toys do you have for her? Once we see the cage people can make recommendations for chewing items. Don't worry-- you have found the right place to get information on the best Hamster Home you can make.