All Chinese owners! Advice on handling?

[77sammy]

Maybe they could correspond! Mi-Lan's not allowed a mobile though ...

[p_anda]

Originally Posted by Mona's Humans

Thanks, its nice to know i'm not scarring her for life - The bath is a pain to lean over i'll be honest, but i'm so scared of loosing her around the house somewhere atm , we have a box we use for the syrians, but we think she's manage to get out where they chewed a tiny hole in the corner :s - so were being safe

I'll try the stern no when she nips though Poor girl 5 months old, never handled and didn't even have a name Sorry to hijack your thread Sammy

You're meant to sit in the bath. Just make sure she won't get squished.

[Mona's Humans]

I did that too, but she panicked, so i got out

[kyrilliondaemon]

We use the bath without sitting in it! Its easier to use that as playground than our usual big boxes while taming.

[77sammy]

I was just thinking about the bath as it seems a bigger space so Mi-Lan won't panic. But I'm taking it step by step. I haven't had to do this with a syrian but they are a little easier to deal with - it's the speed of the little one than I'm thinking about. Despite checking all the areas in the hall and having the doors closed, I know she could probably slip under one of the doorways if she wanted although I always put down towels or books to block off the areas, takes a while to prep!

[p_anda]

Originally Posted by Mona's Humans

I did that too, but she panicked, so i got out

yeah that can happen, just stay very still.

It's easier if you sit in the bath first, then let your hamster climb out of whatever it's in. I don't think it's a good idea to have her in your hand while you do this, just put her in a box or her exercise ball. Put it down in front of you and just wait. Try to be motionless until she comes out and seems more confident, offer her a treat, don't make sudden movements. I think it's best not to have your legs stretched out at this point, as she might nibble on your toe. If she doesn't come out after 20-30 mins just try again the next day until she does.

I think it's true that animals can sense what state of mind you're in, and if you're nervous, they'll be nervous too. Just try to be as calm and relaxed as possible.