Odd Behavior

[elana]

I've had my robovski hamster for about six months. She's never willingly let me hold her. You have to force her, and I'm not sure if that's normal. She's escaped from her cage numerous times, so she's now in an aquarium. I don't think she likes me honestly, what should I do?

[POLAR WHITES]

robos aren't known for being able to be handled they are more like fur babies to be watched and to entertain you. so you arn't doing any thing wrong its just their breed

sorry species lol

[Kirsty1987]

Species polar whites lol But yeah robo's can be very skittish and nervous and require a lot more patience when it comes to taming than any of the other hamster species I have one and I never handle him he doesn't like being picked up or stroked and is more happy staying in his cage.

[racinghamster]

Hi elana. As POLAR WHITES and Kirsty have pointed out, Roborovski hamsters are very, very speedy by nature and although some can be coaxed over time to accept taking food from your hand or even being held, it`s not a common behaviour for robos to seek out companionship. They are quite independent little hamsters, which is why I love them because they are their own `little people` and pefer to be left alone to play with minimal interaction from their owner.

What type of tank is she in now? A glass aquarium type or one of the Perspex cages?

As for her `not liking you`, human emotions don`t come into it. She`s displaying normal robo behaviour and when she speeds away or reacts as if she doesn`t want you near her, she isn`t saying she doesn`t like you, it`s a robos way of communicating that they are fearful of being touched. My robo was exactly the same and he only mellowed a little as he grew older and I was only able to handle him in the last week of his life. He actually wanted to be with me, which was sweet and in some way, told me that all those fast speedy antics he displayed where just a show and nothing to do with him feeling frightened or anxious. It`s just what robos are.

Hope this has helped you to understand a bit more. It can be frustrating when you feel a robo should tame down or at least, allow you to handle or catch them, but you need to accept that she is what she is. A species of hamster that is known for speed and not being handled.

Love her for who she is and perhaps just talk to her and take things very slow. Take a step back and enjoy her antics! x

So no, not Odd behaviour, normal behaviour!

[Nerys]

My Arry is exactly the same, like others have said, it's nothing personal it's just the way they are sometimes

I'd say just don't force it, otherwise she may think that every time she sees your hand you're going to chase her to try and catch her. I tamed Arry (a bit) by putting her in the bathtub with lots of toys and places for her to hide, and just left my hand in there still without trying to touch her. I also sometimes put treats in my hand and waited for her to come over. Now she will occasionally jump into my hand to say hello and rub alongside me, but that's up her! I can never pick her up