How long to leave new Syrian hamster

Cathii · 04-04-2013, 04:43 AM

How long do I leave my new Syrian hamster to settle in? I got her on Tuesday and I have been putting my hand in the cage yesterday and offered her treats but she seems really scared. How long am I supposed to leave her to settle in?

Char · 04-04-2013, 04:49 AM

2 days to settle in

MissGSFL · 04-04-2013, 05:06 AM

I think it really depends on the hamsters personality. I have had some that were ready to be social within a few days, whereas I have had others that took months to calm down and adjust to noises in my house.

I would watch your ham and see if they are still jumping at the 'normal' sounds of your house. As long as they don't seem too distressed then keep offering treats, up to 3 times a day until or until one is taken.

Cathii · 04-04-2013, 05:11 AM

She's kept in my room so there aren't that many noises to adjust to really, apart from my voice I guess. I think I will wait to pick her up until she decides to go onto my hand. Does that sound good?

iwasbornwright · 04-04-2013, 05:13 AM

Each hamster is different. Patience is the key. Wolverine didn't take long at all, not so sure about Terry though because he was tame when I got him

MissGSFL · 04-04-2013, 05:14 AM

With all taming and handling it is best to do it over a large, neutral space. Such as a large plastic tub or even better the bath. This way they will be less territorial.

Also remember hammies have much better hearing, my Chinese hamster used to freak every time the toilet flushed!!

Scampi16 · 04-04-2013, 05:18 AM

Couple of days to settle in, but best to sit and talk to them for a few days so they get used to your voice brfore putting hand in cage. Then try putting hand in to offer treats so they get used to you/your scent and that you offer nie things to eat/not going to hurt her. you may wish to feed treats through bars to start with then introduce hand, when she takes treats off your hand then slowly lift hand abit/also try stroking her after she is used to your hand. Another thing I did with my hammies is to put a tisue in my sock for a day then put it in the cage (it will have your scent), so she gets used to it, she may rip it up nd put it in her house as bedding.

Kissa · 04-04-2013, 05:25 AM

My Annie didn't even begin to settle in till I moved her cage from the quiet back bedroom to the noisy lounge! In the noisier room she got desensitised to noise and realised it wasn't going to hurt her. It'll take as long as it takes, though, some'll be fine after a few hours and some will take weeks if not months. Just keep persevering is all I can suggest

littlescruffies · 04-04-2013, 05:30 AM

Depending on the type of cage, I've always opened the door or taken the top off to allow the hamster to come in their own time.
Leave your hand there to climb onto. They're inquisitive, so if they run off or go back in their cage, they'll soon come back again

GemmasMom · 04-04-2013, 05:56 AM

All hams are different. Sunnie wanted to play with me the first day! My other girls took a lot of work. I would say to get her used to your smell. keep some toilet paper or tissue close to your skin (maybe on your hand or tucked into the top of your pants) for a few hours to get you smell on it, then put it in her house along with a treat. This should help speed up the process, especially if she chooses the toilet paper or tissue to sleep with