Killer syrian; help needed please!

syrianhamster · 08-08-2013, 03:30 PM

Hello everyone,

It has been a few years since I have bought a hamster. Today I bought two and one is lovely and wonderful to handle, one is a straight up killer. The thing flips on her back and opens her mouth when I put my hand near her, and I don't even want to attempt to hold her because I would rather not have a hole in my hand. How can I make this thing that scares the hell out of me a nice friendly hamster like the other one I bought? and yes it was aggressive like that at the store as well, not just nervous because I brought it home. What ways or tactics can I use to make this hamster friendly, I tried hand feeding it cheerios I don't know what else because it doesn't really let me touch it.

any advice greatly appreciated please!

thanks

CreamSyrian · 08-09-2013, 02:45 AM

Firstly, if these two syrians are in the same cage, they need to be separated. Syrians are solitary species and need to be kept singly. If not then they will fight and cause each other serious injury, if not worse. Also, if they are opposite sexes, they need to be seperated quickly as they can breed very quickly and pups produced by pet store hamsters may develop health problems (who knows about their genetics?). Secondly, you have only just brought him or her home. You should give her 24 to 48 hours to settle in his/her new environment before you attempt handling them. Handling too early can be stressful for the hamster and can lead to wet tail. Hope I've helped

Kirsty1987 · 08-09-2013, 04:27 AM

The flipping on her back is her defending herself because she is frightened of you not because she is evil or a killer as you call her just misunderstood. With a lot of patience and tlc i'm sure she will calm down and trust you

POLAR WHITES · 08-09-2013, 05:02 AM

If the hamsters are Syrians they must be put in separate cages, I would take things very slowly with her she is frightened. I would start by just sitting next to her talking to her, then putting your hand in her cage with a few bit of treats on, then let her sniff and taking food off you, don't rush any thing. after a while progress to handling above her cage so if she does jump she wont get far and wont hurt herself

Anthorn · 08-09-2013, 05:55 AM

This made me smile because all Syrian hamsters are killers and will kill and eat anything that moves that they can get hold of.

Anyway on to the topic: Yes one hamster to a cage or group of cages connected together with tubes.

You're doing the right thing in hand-feeding but I think it should be done as a reward. i.e. if they allow a gentle, quick stroke they get it and if they attempt to bite they don't get it. If it tries to bite try not to flinch or pull away although that's difficult I know.

If you're afraid of getting bitten use some sort of implement to gently touch and stroke. I like a willow twig but I have seen a soft toothbrush advised. When they stop biting that you can progress to a finger or three. And from there to offering a treat in an open palm of your hand.

POLAR WHITES · 08-09-2013, 06:25 AM

please don't use a twig to stroke your hamster the hamster could get poked in the eye or in a pouch if it tries to bite it, it will be scared and it will be more scared of you, if you worried about being bit wear gloves either leather or gardening.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 08-09-2013, 10:37 AM

I'd just start by leaving the ham in peace for a few days. The response is a massive sign of fear so I'd limit interaction for now and let the ham get comfortable around you - maybe use a ball or something to get it out for playtime rather than trying to handle it.
When the ham is more sure, I'd probably go for the bathtub taming method where you sit in the bath (or a run or whatever) and let the ham climb over you as it wants.
Once its completely comfortable with you like that, then you can start introducing hands and handling.

j.j. · 08-09-2013, 04:45 PM

It will take time. No one can give you a time limit of days or weeks. Every creature does things on their own time table and trust is not something that a number can be placed on so if you remove that expectation (if that is one you have) and follow the advice everyone posted you will more likely see success. Look for the small moments and you will begin to see your new ham as something other than "killer", but as frightened. Just enjoy its presence and talk to it and let it become familiar with your scent and voice at first. Search the forum and you will see the various methods others have used and work for their particular little one. For me what was most helpful was getting JJ into a low basket away from her cage and offering her a treat such as cheerios. She was also feisty when I first got her and as she was my first ham I was also scared (and got bit a couple of times) until I learned to read her better. I would scoop her up a cup by getting her to climb in it with some type of food. GL to KILLER and to you!.

KanaRose · 08-10-2013, 07:41 AM

One of my females, Mocha, did the same exact thing when I bought her.. She continued to do it for a week or two before she settled down. I didn't try to handle her, but let her know when I was putting food into her bowl. At first she would flip onto her back, bare her teeth, and attempt to bite my hand. After a while of her noticing I was bringing her food and giving her time to adjust, she calmed down. She now comes freely to my hand. Even lets me roll her onto her back and rub her belly while I hand her treats. No more aggression either.

I think just giving the hamster time to adjust is the best solution. But some hamsters just have an aggressive personality that doesn't change. Continue to try hand-feeding him/her also. Goodluck!