Introducing Orko

[Pebbles82]

Originally Posted by cloudy

Thank you. He is very shy. He does not like any kind of light, even sunshine. He will only come out in the dark and I cannot see him.

What time of day do you feed him? He might get used to coming out in daylight if you feed him earlier? It's light till gone 9pm - so maybe about 5 or 6pm if possible? Or does he just wait till it's dark for the food

I got our robo in the habit of coming out earlier by feeding at the same time - about 6pm every day. Unfortunately I then slipped to feeding later and he stopped coming out earlier.

It can tempt them out if it's a regular routine as they can smell the veg. then they get in the habit of waking at that time, expecting the veg. You train them basically.

They will often accept you being there talking to them if they're eating - somehow food seems to distract their run away instinct!

[cloudy]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

What time of day do you feed him? He might get used to coming out in daylight if you feed him earlier? It's light till gone 9pm - so maybe about 5 or 6pm if possible? Or does he just wait till it's dark for the food

I got our robo in the habit of coming out earlier by feeding at the same time - about 6pm every day. Unfortunately I then slipped to feeding later and he stopped coming out earlier.

It can tempt them out if it's a regular routine as they can smell the veg. then they get in the habit of waking at that time, expecting the veg. You train them basically.

They will often accept you being there talking to them if they're eating - somehow food seems to distract their run away instinct!

I feed him and change his water about 5-6. He will only come out when it is totally dark. It is great your robo came out earlier when you fed him.

Orko does not seem to come out for food unless it is dark. He is not really food motivated. His favourite thing is his wheel.

[ilguy]

Originally Posted by cloudy

Orko liked the flaked almond. He has been going behind his wheel a lot. I think he may be storing food there. I got some footage of him moving his bedding about. I wonder what he is doing.
Orko burrowing - YouTube

Both hams I've had ended up building a tunnel under their wheels, Cupcake just did one this morning. They seem to feel safe near items they enjoy, plus have a route right to them.

[cloudy]

Originally Posted by ilguy

Both hams I've had ended up building a tunnel under their wheels, Cupcake just did one this morning. They seem to feel safe near items they enjoy, plus have a route right to them.

That is so cute. Orko's wheel is on a platform so I am not sure he can make a tunnel. I had a little check behind it but could not find any food. I thought he may be hiding some there as he goes behind his wheel a lot.

[cloudy]

I have been spending time with Orko in the dark. I sit talking to him and then place my hand in his cage. He seems okay with this. He has not ever touched my hand but he will carry on with his usual behaviour.

Orko and hand - YouTube

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by cloudy

I have been spending time with Orko in the dark. I sit talking to him and then place my hand in his cage. He seems okay with this. He has not ever touched my hand but he will carry on with his usual behaviour.

Orko and hand - YouTube

Place a bit of tofu on your hand while it's in there but leave him the tofu when you take your hand out. I don't usually use my hand with food to make contact but make an exception with Robos. Linseeds attracted my first Robo Gordon but it took him three months to pluck up the courage to approach my hand.

[cloudy]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Place a bit of tofu on your hand while it's in there but leave him the tofu when you take your hand out. I don't usually use my hand with food to make contact but make an exception with Robos. Linseeds attracted my first Robo Gordon but it took him three months to pluck up the courage to approach my hand.

Aww, Gordon sounds like he was very shy. I will try the tofu tonight. I tried with mealworms but Orko did not react. Orko actually has linseeds in his seed mix.

[Ria P]

I think that's very good progress that he tolerates your hand inside his enclosure. Many Robos would run off and hide.

[cloudy]

Originally Posted by Ria P

I think that's very good progress that he tolerates your hand inside his enclosure. Many Robos would run off and hide.

I am so happy to hear that. Thank you for telling me.

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by cloudy

Aww, Gordon sounds like he was very shy. I will try the tofu tonight. I tried with mealworms but Orko did not react. Orko actually has linseeds in his seed mix.

The linseeds were only an example. Different things work for different hamsters.
Gordon was a very shy Robo and hated being out of his tank. He was a happy and self contained Robo who lived to well over two years.