New hamster won't come out at all.. worried

[Piebald]

I'd agree with cypher about the house. I'm guessing he feels safe in the smelly lol, and needs a little more time to smelly-up the new one. Be sure he has lots of interesting cover to sneak around his cage given his timidness. I know you've been shopping so maybe you do by now just thought I'd suggest it. Sounds to me like he will not enjoy roaming around feeling exposed. Keep scattering some seeds and treats. There's nothing wrong with taking him out in the tube-method imo, I think it's safer all around. Sounds like you've made quite a bit of progress. And bless for improving the school Hammie's lot. xx

[Nube]

Ok thanks, will wait then. I clean his house every two three days (leaving some of less horrible bedding in) so there is no real hurry. Had a good session last night. He definitely loves his ball. Clambered over me quite confidently (again in attempt to get out of the play box). Amused us with his 'poo fingers' (poo teeth more likely) act - he does the gross thing of pulling his poo out and flicking it, little darling (first time we saw it spent time surfing to find out if it was normal). So overall definitely lots of progress, will keep at it. Unfortunately am going away for a week next weekend. Will have to leave clear instructions for grandma and daughter so they do not set it back. Daughter is ok, grandma can be very stubborn and could do with better taming

Both teacher and Fluffums (school hamster) seemed happy with the new cage. We suggested that smaller cage could be used for travel on weekends but saw one of classmates struggling to carry the 80 cm cage to the car last weekend

[Nube]

Cannot believe it. This morning Chocky came out of his house, made signs he wanted to get out of the cage. Had a good go in his ball then back in the cage still not hiding! Currently running around brave as a soldier, exploring. And that is even after my daughter's friend came round and is now pressing her face against the cage! Just a different hamster all of a sudden. Hope it lasts...

[cypher]

They are so full of surprises! I hope it lasts too!

[Thin Lizzy]

WOW that has made my day! Chocky's bursting with loads of confidence and it's got a lot to do with you and your daughter - patience can be frustrating but, look at your little ham now, he's a little sweetheart.
Congratulations!

[Nube]

Have been away for a week. Grandma The Hamster Tamer managed to tame Chocky completely. He explores the cage, does not mind being handled by multiple screaming kids, and today moved into the bigger house himself! The last step would for him willingly to go into our hands but even without it we now have a happy pet we can play with. So thankful for all the advice, it all paid off.

[cypher]

That's great news!
Well done Grandma The Hamster Tamer

[Thin Lizzy]

I love the name 'Grandma the Hamster Tamer' lol! I had this vision of a lion tamer at the circus.
Well done Grandma.

[Nube]

Yes Grandma is full of surprises too. Not just the hamster. Not always good ones though

Chocky is much better now. Still occasionally moody (will not come out in evening/morning when we are around) but seems to have settled in the bigger house (so we removed the small one) and does explore the cage a lot and comes out to climb into his ball when he is feeling sociable. Will be taking pictures and posting them any time soon (we usually are too busy playing with him to remember to use the camera)

[DrKMcK]

Hello Nube. I just read your entire thread and it was wonderful. Every new hammy owner goes through this process and it can take an even longer time than Chocky did to tame. My Ted E, Bear took over 2 months to tame, but patience won out. He became a friendly, social hammy and had a great life. HC members are so supportive of new hammy folk and try to give the best advice they can. It looks like Chocky will be a lovely little fellow. I am looking forward to hearing about him on HC.