My Chinese Hamster is a challenge! :D

[Esmy]

Racinghamster, thanks for the advice! I'm not a patient person by nature but I can be for his sake. I have a lot of time I can spend letting him get used to me. I haven't tried to take him out but love the pocket idea! Are they less likely to chew fleece than Syrians? All 3 of my Syrians will start picking at fuzz on my shirts. But I know rats/mice? can be ok on fleece bedding. He does have a lot of bedding and has done a lot of tunneling.

One thing that annoys me about the bin cage is the lid is loud unsnapping and even louder snapping back on. I can't leave it off though unless I'm in the room.

[Esmy]

I gave him a carrot in the paper tube and he ate it. I dimmed the lights and now he's on his wheel and has taken breaks for food and water. Yay!

I hope he doesn't get hurt. He runs really fast on the wheel and then can't stop properly so he goes in circles with the wheel and falls out or falls from the top of the inside. He needs to work on his breaking skills. lol

[racinghamster]

To answer your question on the fleece, this should never be left inside a cage. What I meant was, using a pocket hammock or even something like an oven glove that he can walk into If you wanted something he could walk into/onto for little lifting sessions, but only over his cage and not too high. Keep tings low down and short. Chinese hamsters really do need gentle coxing but it`s always better to let the hamster do the talking. x

[Esmy]

I know I shouldn't have fleece in their cage. I was just thinking I could only picture the fleece cups. I'll come up with something. I can't wait til he is confortable enough to let me lift him!

[racinghamster]

Yes, the little cotton or fleece cups made for rats or other small animals would be good taming tools. Something he can feel safe walking into and can retreat back to it if he feels unsure. My female was a little darling but a cheeky one too! x

[Esmy]

Thanks! I think I remember seeing that type at a pet store. They walk into the cup like a den as opposed to the open too kind (which I do have).

[racinghamster]

Yes, that`s the best way to allow a nice interaction without using your hands to begin with.