My Ham-ham

RigelFrank04 · 09-10-2013, 05:24 PM

Well,I got he's here! I got him last night,and he is gorgeous! He's a longhaired hamster blonde fur except for a white band around the middle. I've been putting ripped up tissues with my scent on them inside his cage,and reading him stories(before you think I'm crazy,I'm doing that so he'll get used to my voice),but he doesn't seem too interested in treats. I don't want to scare him,but when do you think I could start petting him? I've stroked him several times already,but I just don't want to scare him or anything. He's a pet store hamster,from petco. Any advice? P.S. I love him to pieces already!

Winterwhitelilo · 09-10-2013, 05:39 PM

Congrats on your new ham!

It really depends on your hamster, if he seems comfortable with you, you could stroke him or offer treats. However if he seems a little skittish yet then its best to leave him to get used to his new home. I would recommend waiting a few days anyway

caro317 · 09-11-2013, 12:47 AM

Aww congrats! Glad you love him already. It's good he doesn't mind you stroking him, but I would still recommend giving him 24 hours to himself to get used to his new pad. Then keep talking to him and start offering treats. All hamsters love treats! If hw didn't take them it may have been because he was distracted and confused, or possibly the type of treat you offered wasn't his favourite! Avoid feeding fresh fruit and veg too much, just a little every few days else it'll upset his tummy, but sunflower seeds are generally popular. Don't forget to gently wave your hand about with the treat so he can smell it's there, since hamster eyesight isn't very good - he may just not have seen it. Good luck!

RigelFrank04 · 09-11-2013, 09:48 AM

Thank you for all the advice. Sorry for all the mistakes in that first message of mine-it was late at night.

RigelFrank04 · 09-12-2013, 10:42 AM

Last night I was doing a taming session with Giles (that's his name)

and I started stroking his back and head. All of a sudden he started bruxing his teeth,like he was enjoying it. I don't think it was out of fear,because he wasn't trying to get away or bite me. In any case,I think and hope it's a step in the right direction.

**DrKMcK** · 09-12-2013, 12:01 PM

I like the name Giles

. If Giles was concerned about your hand he would move. Also, a frightened ham will usually squeak, squeal or scream. It's pretty startling when they do it, so you can be sure you'll know he's upset. Just be sure not to try to move too fast with him. Slow and steady makes for a much happier hammy. My Ted E. Bear took nearly 2 months...he was a real timid fellow, more than any other hammie I've had before. Your Giles will quite likely only need another week or so if he's allowing you to stroke him now. Take a look on the forum and check out the tub training method. I really like it and it's a very safe way to get your hammie used to you without worrying if he'll get away. Enjoy!!

RigelFrank04 · 10-01-2013, 07:15 PM

Hi everybody! I haven't posted anything in awhile because I've been so busy,what with three animals to take care of and everything. Giles is doing great,though. He lets me pet him and pick him up all the time now,and he doesn't seem to mind at all. I take him out for bonding sessions everyday,and I think we're on the way to becoming very good friends.

He makes these funny little squeaky breathy noises all the time when he's up and about. It's so cute to hear him do that-I never knew hamsters were so vocal.