Screaming Black Bear

[blackbear]

Hello Hamster Lovers!
Two days ago I got a little tiny black bear baby at our local pet store. We had a black bear before and he was an adorable, gentle, never-biting pet for several years. This new little guy is totally different. I did not expect a clone of our old one...;-), but whenever I get to close to him with my hand, he will start screaming his little lungs off and try to bite me. I am really not used to this at all...:-(. Now I am wondering, if I should bring him back and get the other one they had who did not do that (screaming). He is really very small and I can def. see that he is very scared. I have a small child and I am now worried the hamster biting him. Never had to worry before, even during day time. I feel sorry even thinking about "exchanging" this hamster and it would only be my last resort. What do you suggest I could do? Will it come in time? I don't remember my other bear being that way even in the beginning, but maybe I am wrong. Thank you!
BlackBear

[petcrazy]

Hi blackbear

I think that you may need to give your little hammie some time. How long ago did you get him?

He will need to get used to his new home and new noises. I suggest not holding him for a few days and then maybe only putting your hand in to give food or offer a treat.

I think he will come around. For now don't let your child hold the new hamster. Let him get used to you first.

I hope this helps a little. Maybe someone else will have some good suggestions for you.
take care

[This message has been edited by petcrazy (edited 11-24-2000).]

[blackbear]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by petcrazy:

<<I think that you may need to give your little hammie some time. How long ago did you get him?>>

I got him 4 days ago.

<<He will need to get used to his new home and new noises. I suggest not holding him for a few days and then maybe only putting your hand in to give food or offer a treat.>>

It wouldn't be possible to hold him anyway. Unless I wanted my fingers nipped. And my son is a bit scared off now...;-) He is def. adapting, though. He is not screaming anymore every time I put my hand in the cage to feed him or give him treats and toys. I guess, in time he will probably come around. He is still very jumpy and when we approach the cage he will, no matter what time of the day/night, run into the plastic tube to hide. Poor little guy. Anyhoo, thank you for responding. BlackBear

[susany]

Hello BlackBear,

When i had San, my hamster, she was very aggressive. You see, i found her being abandoned. So i adopted her. I think her previous living condition is quite bad, as when i found her, she was skin and bones and very very aggressive. She will jump to my hand my bite me.

4 days to tame a hamster is too rapid. Mine took me 3 weeks to a month! Since your blackbear screams, i think he must be really terrified. Please give it more time to adapt. He must be feeling really stressed.

Do use a scoop or a toilet roll to scoop your hamster up to put onto your hand. Do not use your hand to catch him, as he will turn seriously hostile to your hands and will bite. He might think you are trying to invade his territoy, therefore he bites to protest. San did that to me. http://petshub.com/ubb/frown.gif Often handling will tame your hamster more quickly and at a considerable rate of time. ANd soon, your kid will be able to hold him soon too.

Do let him run on your hands often and feed more treats and food to it. Remember to wash your hands before you handle him, that is to wash off any smell of food that your hand consist and sometimes hamsters bite our hands because they thought it is food! http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif

Once agagin, do try out the toilet roll to scoop him up. It works pretty well for hamsters. And wash your hands first before handling.

Good Luck! Let me know the outcome. http://petshub.com/ubb/cool.gif