Hamster Help!!!

Lolo2902 · 01-24-2016, 02:32 PM

I need some help!! So, I am training my robo dwarf, and she does really well! She likes to crawl on my hand in the training tub, and to sit for about 5-10 seconds so far. Once I put her back into her tank, she wants nothing to do with my hand. Is something wrong? How can I help her be comfortable with my hand in the tank??

Piebald · 01-24-2016, 02:47 PM

Take your time! The tank is her territory and it is not uncommon for Hams to see The Hand as an intruder in their home. How long have you had her? Have you done the tissue trick?

Lolo2902 · 01-24-2016, 03:29 PM

I've had her for 4 months now, and I have not done the tissue trick. What is that?

Coco61 · 01-24-2016, 03:34 PM

Hi Lolo. Piebald means that you take plain white toilet paper and put it up your sleeve or down your chest for a couple of hours to pick up your scent. Then tear it into strips and leave it outside the nest area. She will take it into her nest and use it and so sleep with your scent around her. That way she will get used to it. Then when you are doing a taming session outside the cage she will be more relaxed with you.
Good luck and let us know how things go.

Pebbles82 · 01-24-2016, 04:14 PM

Our Syrian still hates a hand in his cage lol! They are different out of the cage. I would accept for now that hands are for outside the cage! It's like someone walking into your house uninvited lol.

xbuttons94 · 01-24-2016, 04:38 PM

I have 2 Robo boys. One will come to you, especially if you have food and can be handled but not for long. The other does not like being handled at all. I'm still working on it. I wish you luck and let us know how you get on

x

Lolo2902 · 01-24-2016, 06:37 PM

Thank you! I will try that! I'll let everyone know how the process is going!

Lolo2902 · 02-05-2016, 05:17 PM

Hey! Thank you again to those who helped me! So, I did some more research on taming, and I have started the bathtub method. I use a cup to transport Willow from her cage to the tub. I also lay down a bath towel or a blanket so she doesnt have such a hard landing. She really enjoys climbing up my knees, then onto my hand! I also do what I call the "excalator". She runs from one hand to another, and she does well! So, as taming is coming along I would say well! As for my hand in her tank, not so much. I do the tissue method, but it hasnt really helped much. Is there another method I could use?
Lolo

**Cinnamon Bear** · 02-05-2016, 07:43 PM

I did the hand to hand thing with my robo when I first got her and she fell, be careful with that? If she feels too rushed it could set the taming process back a little. Think it's good to not be in any rush while taming the robos. but if your robo is doing well then that's good. Mine has some fear in her and I'm gradually working up to a bigger taming bin. For the longest time she would only feel comfortable in a very small taming bin.

Pebbles82 · 02-06-2016, 06:37 AM

Excellent! Bathtub taming is great. In time she may get used to a hand in her cage, but to be honest they really don't like it I reckon! It's an invasion of their territory. You could get her out in a tube or cup maybe, or tempt her to the cage door with food

I think ours got more used to it with time and during spot cleaning. I started doing the odd bit of spot cleaning with him still in the cage, so he didn't get so freaked out about the change in smell when he came back to the cage. He still kind of looked worried and followed the hand around guarding things!