Introduction and Question

Myteeduck · 02-27-2012, 04:06 PM

Hey all.

I'm new to this forum. I have recently become the new mummy of Flynn a little Syrian!

I will add a picture soon - I promise!

He is a little terror but I suppose he isn't tame so that would be why.

I have an unusual question and not sure where to place.

I have got silverfish/firebrats in my flat and have got some spray to put in my hall. I locked the door to the living room where Flynn lives and sprayed the hall but I'm not sure how the spray will affect Flynn. I'm trying to keep him away from the hall door so he doesn't come near it. Is there anything else I should do???

Also when hammys aren't tame would this explain why he currently thinks I'm food and gets panicky everything I try to stroke him?? Please help.

Thanks in advance

Myteeduck

samzyzg · 02-27-2012, 04:15 PM

Well he'll panick because he doesnt know who you are or what you are trying to do, just let him settle and try get him used to your voice and see if he would like to run onto your hand, offering food could help as well... I'm having difficulties taming my Robo's but they are extremely quicky and jumpy little guys.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-27-2012, 05:42 PM

Welcome to the forum, and with patience I'm sure Flynn will settle down. Most of us've had issues taming one species or another now (those who haven't clearly need more rescue hams

) so it can be done, just takes time and patience and a bit of work really.

KatiePillow · 02-27-2012, 05:49 PM

I can't really advise about the bugs, but googled them and ick! Just keep him as far away from there as possible, is there any way you could move him as far away from there as possible? maybe to another room? Or do all of them feed off that hallway?

Lynternette · 02-28-2012, 02:17 AM

Hi and welcome to HC. Hamsters recognise your smell. Before you go to him wash your hands so there's nothing to confuse him. Also wash you hands afterwards. Lay your hand palm up in the bottom of his cage and he will soon be walking over it. Don't attempt to touch him but talk to him softly. When he's happy with that offer him a little treat and just slowly build up from there.

Myteeduck · 02-28-2012, 03:29 AM

Hi all

Thank you for your replies. KP - you are right - all of the rooms feed of my hall, because I live in a one bedroomed flat. I have checked Flynn this morning and he seems unaffected by the smell of the spray so I think keeping the living room door shut has been best.

Currently all Flynn lets me do is hold the ball at the door and let him climb into it. He then goes straight to bite me from the other side of the ball! If I put my hand in his change to clean up, he sniffs my hand then comes to bite - he's only pierced my skin twice though.

Last night I was washing my hands throughly because of the spray and he still thought I was his dinner or a snack! He seems to have asssociated me with food and coming out of the cage! He will take food from me, no problems there!

I let him out of his ball on sunday to try to let him run and thats when I found the bugs and he wasnt pleased when I quickly scooped him up and moved him away.

I havent had a hamster since I was 15, and im 25 now so its been 10 years and I also used to have a female, not a male hammy.

When he lets me take a piccie I will post on to here.

Thank you ever so much for your help.

KatiePillow · 02-28-2012, 04:59 AM

I'm sure you're doing your best with keeping him seperate from the spray, and I'm sure he'll tame up soon. My most vicious hamster had the most personality (she was cage aggressive, which means she attacked me if I came into her territory, but outside she was fine). Sounds like he just needs it to be taken slow, on the HC wiki there's some tips

Taming tips - Hamster Central WIKI

samzyzg · 02-28-2012, 11:52 AM

It might seem silly but try gloves to get your hammy used to handling. My little rescue is very territorial over his cage and goes to bite if i have my hand in there unless i'm giving him food, but once he's out he's a little sweetie, he does try nibble but those tickle xD

Liz'sHammies · 02-28-2012, 02:43 PM

Your Hammies probably just doesnt recognize you, and probably thinks youre a predator. Some great ways to tame him would be to (don't laugh) talk to him, so that he recognizes your voice. also, let him see your hands before you attempt to pet or grab him. It also might be helpful to wash your hands, or wear gloves. If him running and hiding is an issue, you should limit the amount of places/tubes in his cage. Hope he gets used to you!

Myteeduck · 02-28-2012, 04:38 PM

Hey all

I've managed to take some pics. Flynns getting more adventurous when it comes to my hands - stood on them a few times but won't come out as quick as if they weren't there. He is good at escaping and I'm frightened of him running off or jumping say off a bed or sofa.

Im confused as to his colouring so if some one can identify him from the pics please let me know.

I'll post in a sec - gotta move from iPad to main computer.