New Hamster

[Wutzngrealmz]

Hello,
I just got my first syrian hamster yesterday and I was wondering why when I try to pet him in certian places (like his sides or head) he jumps up and shows his belly to me? I haven't held him yet because when I try to he does that and I'm afraid he's going to bite me. Should I still try to hold him when he does this?

[dwankrista]

do not put your hand in to try and pet him. he is new. showing his belly means he is petrified. he needs to be left in his cage, untouched for 3-4 days. do NOT put your hand in. simply talk softly to him, keep the lights low, do not stress him out. stress in syrians can result in wet tail. after a few days you can begin taming. here is a good thread on how to do it: http://www.hamsterhideout.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5988

[GillyXBean]

Let him get used to you before approaching him. One thing I have my children do (and myself) with any new ham is to set our hands on top of the cages (one at a time) and let him first get used to our individual scents.

Then, put your hand into the cage or tank above him two or three inches, so he can smell you better, and get comfortable with you.

Never approach his head from an angle he can't see, or any part of him, for that matter. If he doesn't know you are there, he's going to jump and get scared, and likely even bite.

He really needs to get used to your presence and scent before you attempt to handle him at all. One good sign of him accepting you is when you are able to stroke his back (NOT head!) without him jumping, rolling over, or nipping at you. Wait for him to approach you on his own before you really try to pick him up.

This whole process usually takes us about three days, give or take, depending on how friendly the ham was to begin with.

[Wutzngrealmz]

Ok thanks, I'll wait a couple days before I attempt to hold him.