Chestnut's Story + Taming Diary

[Vodka_B]

Thanks Erin, for your comment! I've definitely found him to be a lot calmer than he was our last training session, so that must count for something Less vibrations all around!

I will of course be most careful with the cat. I've had hamster/cat combinations before with no problems, and I'm always on my guard. The rest of the family has been informed as well. I personally didn't want to bring my cat into the bathroom this early into training but my dad carried him in (with a VERY firm hold). But I'm definitely erring on the side of caution.

I mentioned earlier that I'd be velcroing cloth to the front of the tank in the evenings, to reduce light and stop my cat from staring at the hamster while we're asleep. Good news, I've got the cloth! Now I just need to find out where the velcro got to...

[Vodka_B]

I'm adding the first pictures I've managed to take of Chestnut today. He was being so sweet. He even kept running in his wheel and did a little stretch while I had my hand in the tank with my phone! Seems to be much calmer around me.

*proud hamster mum*

Also a couple of pictures of his tank. The wheel is going to be changed out soon, at the rate he's growing. I got a lovely wooden Karlie Wonderland wheel, which he'll enjoy. It's very 'swingy' though...when he stops running it swings him side to side quite forcefully. I reckon he's still a bit too small for it.

Bought some Burgess Country Meadow Mix (?) today and used it up on his platform. He was enjoying it immensely! He let me stroke him while he nibbled away.

Yes, it is almost 2 am, and I've got to be up for work at 7 am...but this forum is just so addictive, as is cataloging his life!

[Thin Lizzy]

Wow love the tank, what a brilliant job you've done!
Chestnut is a little beauty in them!

[kyrilliondaemon]

He's adorable

[Vodka_B]

Day 4 (11 days post joining our family)

Thanks for your kind comments everyone

I'm very sleepy so I only took Chestnut into the tub for 10 minutes or so. Caught him running in his wheel and scooped him up with the bowl. He still isn't happy being picked up/scooped into my hands, and tends to jump out right away.

Today in the bathtub I let him run all over me. He didn't poop, seemed fairly relaxed and even stretched as he walked down my legs. He's still very jumpy and twitchy though, especially when I attempt to scoop him up. He was nibbling on my (metal) buttons, and once tried to nip at the tip of my finger. Each time, I tapped him lightly above his tail and said 'No', in a deeper/lower voice. He stopped Maybe this is something we can work on, or maybe I didn't wash my hands thoroughly enough!

Question of the day...if I wash my hands before playing with my hamster, does he still recognise my smell? Or is the smell of the soap too overpowering? Would that cause him to attempt to nibble/bite? I've yet to find any unscented soap!

I put him back in the tank and he seemed relaxed. I stroked him while he ate his (teeny tiny) yogurt drop piece. I don't want to spoil him too much, but it's early days yet and I hope he's enjoying the bonding process as much as I am.

There was a little bit of 'buzzing' and 'vibrating' but it was quite staccato, almost as he was inhaling and buzzing, exhaling and buzzing quite rapidly. Maybe he was just curious and checking out his surroundings.

He also sat quite close to my face (I was lying down and just talking/singing at him) and then proceeded to groom himself and eat a bit of an almond that he'd retrieved from his pouch. I'm happy that he feels comfortable enough to do all of this on me!

Overall, a great day. We're slowly bonding well. I just need to get him used to me picking him up, and putting him down.

[Thin Lizzy]

So great to hear you and Chestnut are bonding, I always wash my hands before handling my hammies but, I do rub my hands in their substrate - wood shavings before I have contact. I do this with my youngest. My oldest ham liked to sniff at my hands when I've washed them, he likes it.

[RubyDG]

I also have the same problem getting unscented soap. I don't know if this helps but I usually wash my hands with soap (I stick to the same brand) and then dry my hands on my shirt or trousers. I figure I obscure the smell of the soap with my own scent from my clothes, Spike's tame so I don't know if this is actually helping or not but it's a habit now. You could try it and see if it works for you.

[Vodka_B]

Day 6 (13 days post joining our family)

OMG! Today like five minutes ago we were in the tub having our bonding session and Chestnut stretched out yawned and almost fell asleep on my chest! I'm so enamoured and honoured that he felt so comfortable!

What an amazing feeling. I was so scared to move but then my brother slammed a door and he jerked awake. He is the first hamster that's ever (almost) fallen asleep on me.

Bless I'm so much in love I could feel his little heartbeat and he let me stroke him down his back while he relaxed.

[Thin Lizzy]

Aww that is so sweet! I think he would've fallen asleep on your chest if he hadn't been so rudely awakened by your brother.

[Vodka_B]

Chestnut has massive ears for a hamster. They make me giggle. Hopefully he will grow into them.

I considered renaming him "Dumbo" but my mom said it was mean. Lol. I've attached a picture of him fiercely protecting his apple slice.