Timid Hamster

[JustinQM]

I bought a new long haired Teddy Hamster this past Saturday. She still won't come to me and runs and hides from me when I put my hand in the cage. I did leave her alone for a few days so she could adjust to her new surroundings and cage. I guess I didn't think it would take this long for the both of us to get acquainted. I don't really believe in grabbing her and forcing her. I want her to come to me of her own free will. Any suggestions?

Justin

[SapphireWolf]

Well, none of my hamsters were ever timid,they practically beg to be held. But I have had timid gerbils. I'll always let them know I'm coming by talking to them when I come in the room. Oh! And wash your hands so you don't have any other scents on them that might frighten him/her. Next, I'd put my hand in the tank with them. Don't just give up, you gotta just keep your hand in there a good while so he/she can build up the courage to come over and sniff you. Do this for a few days. When it does start getting the courage to come to you, you can start putting food, or it favorite treats into your hand and let it eat them. This will help build the trust more! eventually, you will be able to put you hand in ant your hammy will probably run right into it! I hope this helps you! Good luck :stpatty:

[JustinQM]

Thanks SapphireWolf. I have been leaving my hand in there and putting treats in my hand but she still won't come near me. I'll keep trying. I just worry she might be depressed or lonely. She doesn't seem to want to come out and play or interact.

Justin

[Mitchandozzie]

Hey Justin,
I would still give her a little bit of time, although now, I would start to get near her more. It took almost a month for Ozzie to be held properly. And hes great now, the key is paitence. Especially with timid ones. Talk around her, and let her know your there. Never give her any reason to be seriously scared. Let her crawl out of the cage herslef instead of you reaching in to get her. And keep trying with the treats.

[MouseCapade]

Well my advice to you is this. Let your hammy be a few days and let he/she get used to it's environment first. It's not that your hammy is lonely. You can't put them together anyway. They will fight to the death for certain. That's not an option. Like I said before give he/she some space. Start by just goin to the cage and talkin softly to he/she, letting he/she get used to your voice. Then slowly start by petting he/she with your finger, letting it know your not gonna hurt it. Then eventually you should try and start picking he/she up and holding it. Just be careful cause it could jump out of your hands and get missin on you. I had a blond long haired Syrian hammy. He died after two and a half years just last month, but when I got him he was like six months old and he had been handled often prior to me gettin him. I just got a seven week old Black Bear hammy about three weeks ago, and when I first bought him , I was holding him as soon as i brought him home. He is tame now. Just be patient it will work out. Do you know how old your hammy is? That makes a big difference. You should always ask how old they are before purchasing. You don't want to buy a older hamster, but a very young one. It sounds as though he/she was not used to being handled. He/she will get used to you and you will be able to hold it. Just give it some time ok? I know how you feel, very excited about it and want to hold it right away, it's just that every hammy has a different story to tell. Hope this helps you a little... I wish you the best!!!

R.I.P. Mopsy 11-30-03 :angel5: MouseCapade, NC

[JustinQM]

Hi Mouscapade.

I just found out today that my Frostie, has Wet-Tail disease, a potentially fatal disease. She is being treated by a doctor right now with anti-biotiics and medications. I will know tomorrow if she will pull through. I think this was the reason she as aloof and stayed hidden. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and a prayer in my heart for Frostie.

Justin

[SapphireWolf]

Oh no! Good luck to your frostie!