Hamster help.

[Jane]

Oh, just another tip, if the hamster bites you and wont let go, try moving your finger (or whatever they're holding with their teeth), like, kind of push her backwards, she will loose grip to stop herself falling hopefully.

[smudgley]

Thanks Jane, that's helpful.

I did try to find a breeder of hamsters, before resorting to the petshop as I would have prefered one that came from a caring breeder, but I just didn't know where else to look!
I have studied cat / dog behaviour & the importance of early socialisation must be the same in all creatures, which is why I would have paid a bit more for a well handled baby hamster.

She will take food through the bars, she will take food out your hand in the cage. She is actually very tame! But when she feels like it...she bites!

[Jane]

Yep it's best if they're handled from roughly two weeks old (they shouldn't be handled before that) but some pet shop hammies turn out really tame

Hmm, I wonder what causes her to bite then? Is it when she is out and about or is it when she is in the cage?

[smudgley]

Both. When she's on your lap or when she's in the cage.

[Ramble]

hello!
Just popped 'over' and spotted this.
I totally understand what you mean and I was really wary of Sulu when my son got him. All credit to my son though he used to just stick his hand in the cage and let the hamster bite him!!!!!! He didn't then move his hand, as I told him that it was like a puppy, if you move your hand everytime they bite,they learn thats a good way to get rid of you! He had a few nasty nips but then the hamster gace up and hasn't bitten since. He initially fed him by hand in the cage as well.

The hamster ball tip someone else suggested is also a good one. We always get him out of the cage in his and let him roll round and sniff us through it. It has been invaluable as we didn't pick him up for a while, except in the ball.

He is now a happy, friendly little guy who seeks out attention when he hears you around!

I know it is scary, but I think the more the hamster smells you and realises that biting doesn't work, the better. I read somewhere (not that this will help you) that they can smell fear and react to it!!!!!!

Someone who may be able to help you though is Jane (with Belle) they kept rats for years and when she visited first with Belle, she was a big help (without even realising it) about the hamster!!!

Good luck!

[smudgley]

I figured if we don't start handling this little girl really soon, she'll never be handled! So thanks to Elaine. She's fine now....... Gloves! 2 pairs of thick gloves to build Ashleighs confidence & all is fine now, we get her out every day & handle her loads with the gloves on, she knows now that the gloves mean playtime & she likes the smell of the gloves.

The other thing which we hadn't realised was that because she's in Ashleighs room, & she fills the wheel with food & bedding & it's very noisy, we would make the wheel unusable at night, which meant she was probably getting frustrated too. She now goes into the spare room at night & wheels around to her hearts contect.

The gloves was a great idea.

And bizzarely I'm just off to take Belle home to Jane now.

[Ramble]

Aw I'm glad it's all settled!
I wasn't keen on getting a hamster but I love him to bits now, as does my OH who was less keen than me!!!
Bet Jane will be pleased to have Belle back!!! Keep sending her festive name suggestions!!!!! ; )

[smudgley]

Wouldn't say I love this hamster, but we're away for the weekend & are taking the bloomin' thing with us.

Belle pups are due on Cristmas day!

[Elaine]

So pleased to hear that things are getting better and Ashleighs confidence is gaining with the hammy.

[dandysmom]

Good news, Smudgley! It's great how someone here always manages to come up with helpful suggestions.....