180 replies to this topic

[Mika]

The Classic Scenario

You've brought home a brand new pet , be it a rat , hamster , gerbil , etc. You've let the little critter explore it's cage and you're resisting the urge to go scoop them up and attempt to hold them without being bitten. You've heard the shelter employees, the breeders, or the sales associate tell you "Leave them alone for a few days so they can adjust" but who can resist the cute little faces the sweet animals can have? Some may be already tame when they come home. Some may need time. So what do you do?

Well, it's best to close that cage and leave them to their own worlds for a day or two. There are a lot of advantages to it.

The Vicious Biter

If you've brought home a vicious biter, this is going to benefit you a lot. Some hamsters may be scared to the point where they get nervous and fearful and begin squeaking. It sounds like they're crying and very upset , clearly not liking the current situation at hand. The hamster may even attempt to jump out of your hands no matter how high up they are. Don't rush it. Leave them for a few days and let them calm down all on their own and then slowly begin the taming process. Linked is a thread that has excellent taming tips that can help you start creating that special bond.

If not left alone , the vicious biting hamster could get worse, which means that a high amount of stress has been building up. Too much stress can cause a hamster to stop wanting to eat and stop wanting to explore. It can affect their health as a result and can become a severe case of illness if left alone for too long.

The Skittish Sneaker

Have you brought home a hamster that is skittish beyond imaginable? Well, think again because it can be fixed. Let them adjust to their new habitats for a day or two. This allows them to be able to explore and memorize their newfound territory. They may even begin to scent mark certain places as a result. By leaving them alone , they will slowly calm down their nerves by themselves. If possible, please place some used bedding into the habitat so that their transition is made a lot easier.

If left in a skittish nature , they can almost be compared to a robo. A hamster of high speed and difficult to tame. The hamster may even begin to bite you out of fear. By slowly introducing them your presence and scent (Soft spoken words or scented tissue) , you are able to begin the taming process. If you did not wait , you may push them even further into their skittish personalities which can mean that it could be difficult to even coax them out of hiding.

The Bonded Pair / Group

These hamsters are a special case. They render both easy and difficult at the same moment of time. There can be one hamster that is extremely outgoing and needs no time for taming. There can also be that one hamster that is as skittish as can be. There may even be a vicious biter somewhere in the mix. It is strongly recommended to take it slow with a pair or a group because if done correctly , it is possible to tame all the hamsters within days of each other. A more submissive and shy hamster may follow in the example of the braver and more dominant sibling.

If both of them appear difficult to tame , you can not rush things at all. By one hamster having a fearful experience, the other may come to associate you as a threat as well which can lead you back to square one. You may have to restart the taming process at this moment in time. By taking it slow, you can prevent it and create a very solid and smooth experience for both you and the hamsters in question.

Conclusion

Believe it or not , many people can relate to you on how bad the urge to interact with them the moment they come home is. They may even be able to tell you stories on how difficult it was to tame a certain hamster. Each hamster is different and has their very own individual personality. This means that you may have to change around your taming methods for each individual hamster to achieve the best results. It's always best to take it slow rather than rush and make it an unenjoyable experience for both owner and pet. By being slow and steady , you'll be on your way to bonding with your hamster to the fullest of extents! Best of luck!

[aquahammy23]

Great post Mika

[~rainbowhamster909~]

coconut was skittish when i got him (but not anymore)

[UK Hammies]

Great post!

My last hammys where un-tameable

[Imi&Cinni]

I really like this Mika! It has really given me confidence in what to do if I get any of those bitey or skittish hamsters!

[Russiancambellslover]

Great post Mica! Very helpful!

[S Beacs]

Well everyone knows that when you get a new Hamster that you always let it be. When I got my first hamster a Robo Hamster he didn't really like me a lot and yes he bit me a couple times but he sorta likes me but all I have to say is don't make the little Hamster's life go by to fast stay with the flow.

Ok honestly I need Help! My Robo hamster does not like me, he bites and runs away from me!!! HELP!!!!!!

[FuzzyPolkaDot]

Awesome post Mika! 

[Poofthecat]

This is a great topic! (Stitch was tamed to me when I got him :P)

[silvershadow]

Yeah its best to let them calm down otherwise i have found they dont tend to trust you as much later on 

[TheNeatNerd]

Great post Mika!

[thehappyhamsters]

I completely agree! That was great! Lucie was all jumpy and would always jump away!

BUut I let her calm down before the taming process began, and now shes the sweetest hamster ever(:

[HamsterHuey]

Great post!

Huey was a skittish vicious biter... I, of course, tried to tame the same day, cornered him with my fingers extended- and certainly deserved the bleeding finger I got.

He did tame easily after I got the message to go slowly, and is now as tame as can be.

[CritterLover]

Nice job Mika!

[Minty ♥]

this for informative and helpful!!! thanks so much mika!!