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Postive Reinforcement when Taming


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#91 MerryBB

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Posted 27 May 2020 - 09:12 AM

 

 

Two days is extremely early for a new hamster. It's lovely that she is already comfortable being stroked, but this doesn't mean she has "completed step one" and should therefore be starting to go on to further "steps" when it comes to taming. She was likely made accustomed to petting/stroking where you took her home from, and will still need a good deal of patience and time to become accustomed to climbing into your hands and being lifted up. This can be a matter of days, weeks, or months. But it should always be your hamster's choice. (Just like you shouldn't pick up a dog or cat that hasn't already approached you & shown they are okay with being picked up.)  :thumbsup:

 

It can feel very urgent to start handling your hamster in the first few weeks after taking them home, but it's surprising how much you can learn about their personality/preferences and really bond with them by just letting them come up to your hands for different treats; slowly approaching them for strokes (making sure they're aware of your presence so that they don't mistake you for a predator); and getting them accustomed to climbing into separate containers/tubes to be transported in/out/around the cage. :hamster3:

 

Slow and steady really does win the race. And especially this early on, when your hamster is adjusting to a completely new environment with different background noises/smells/lights than they are used to, it is vital to take things gradually and avoid accidentally overwhelming your hamster. Even hamsters who come to you with very calm/tolerant personalities benefit from a gentle approach. :goodvibes:


Edited by RosemaryBB, 27 May 2020 - 09:13 AM.

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