Screeching Hamster

[GillianPamela]

Hello, I just got a new hamster a couple days ago and I am having an issue with beginning the taming process. I have waiting a couple days and decided she (Willow) might be ready and comfortable in her new environment so I began by putting a treat between my fingers and putting it in the cage but I ran into an issue. As soon as she saw my hand she started making this horrible screeching noise and would not stop until I was completely out of sight. She has made this noise before on the day I got her, the lady at the shop was very aggressive when trying to take Willow out of the box by taping on the glass and shaking the tank, this is the only other time I have heard her make this noise. Is she just still stressed out from the move? Is she traumatized by the lady at the shop? Any help, suggestions, or insight would be appreciated!

[POLAR WHITES]

Yes she sounds stressed out. I would just sit next to her cage talking to her. Not trying to feed her a treat touch her. Just sit and talk softly to her no contact until she is happy with you doing that there is no rush baby steps is the way forward. She isn't ready for you to be to involved with her as yet.

[xFluffyHamsterx]

Agree with Polar, transport is usually stressful going into a new house. She's probably scared too considering what happened at the pet store. Don't give up on her! I would suggest letting her adjust to her environment for a week or so whilst daily saying hello Willow and just spot cleaning her cage and changing food and water. She will come out in her own accord and recognize you without screeching you could do the tissue trick (put some tissue into your sleeve for maybe an hour and give it to her to nest, she will smell it and recognize it as you and that you're not a threat) and recognize you that way.

Hope this helps!