New hamster.

[Angel]

I've got a hamster today. She seems to be a bit upset and isn't too fond of me as of yet. ):
What can I do so that it isn't quite as hostile ? I am a bit worried about my new hammy

Any help would be appreciated. x

[.Brittany.]

Hey Sylvie,

When I first got a new gerbil, he was nervous, didn't eat for the first few days etc, I think it was because of the new surroundings.. What I did was I bought him one of those little ball things, and let him explore the new place in that, and I cuddled him a lot and talked to him Yes I know I'm insane. Try these out, hopefully they will work!

Good luck
Brittany

[Angel]

I can not even hold her though, Babe just bears her teeth and like hisses at me.

[s_tor_m]

Like Brittany said, let her get used to her new surroundings first. She might calm down in a day or two. Maybe try holder her with gloves on at first she she learns that you're not gonna hurt her and she'll get more comfortable.

Also just a side note...never feed hamsters onions. It makes humans cry, but it makes hamsters really angry!

[Angel]

Alright, thanks for the tips. :)

Hopefully Babe cooperates soon.

[.Brittany.]

Let us know how everything works out!

[Toast]

oooo I researched this when I got a new hamster! It's a short process. Hamsters, contrary to popular belief, aren't as familiar with humans as dogs, for example, are. Dogs take to people very quickly, hamsters take a little bit of work. Easy process though:
(Each "step" may need to be repeated for couple days, or just one day. It all depends on how your hamster reacts)
1. Put your hand in the hamster cage, but don't move it around at all. Allow your hamster to approach it and sniff it, and try not to move. You can also rub your hands in bedding so it smells familiar. Even if your hamster doesn't approach your hand, once (s)he feels more comfortable you can go to the next step.
2. Put a treat in your hand and let your hamster take it without moving again.
3. When your hamster takes the treat, you can try petting her while she is in your hand.
4. Try holding your hamster put don't remove her from the cage
5. Hold it outside of the cage. You can hold her against your chest as apparently hearing your heartbeat calms nervous animals.

I go that process from a book and used it on my hamster. It worked very well! My hamster was very friendly once she knew humans weren't anything to fear.

[Angel]

Thank you Katelyn, I'll try those tips out tomorrow once we all have a well-deserved rest.
What sort of treat have you used?

LOL. I read from the Bible earlier and Babe seemed to really like it. It was a relief to see her eat afterwards, oh how this little critter makes me worry.

[Toast]

Originally Posted by Angel

Thank you Katelyn, I'll try those tips out tomorrow once we all have a well-deserved rest.
What sort of treat have you used?

You can buy special hamster treats from pet stores(which taste really good, by the way, unlike dog treats. I think my hamster was mad because I ate a bunch of her treats) but there's not much of a need for that. My hamster loved raisins, carrots, apple bits, grapes(very entertaining to watch them stuck a whole grape in their cheek) most fruits and vegetables they like. Some aren't safe(like citrus fruits) so make sure you google it or something first if you're not sure.

[Nenya]

You should leave the hamster alone for the first few days so it can get used to its surroundings. Afterwards try to tempt it into your hand by using treats. You could also gently stroke its back but try not to come from behind or the hammy might get startled.

http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Sate...=1154077755713

Try that link for some other tips.

[Angel]

Originally Posted by Toast

You can buy special hamster treats from pet stores(which taste really good, by the way, unlike dog treats. I think my hamster was mad because I ate a bunch of her treats) but there's not much of a need for that. My hamster loved raisins, carrots, apple bits, grapes(very entertaining to watch them stuck a whole grape in their cheek) most fruits and vegetables they like. Some aren't safe(like citrus fruits) so make sure you google it or something first if you're not sure.

Haha, you ate the hamster treats?

I haven't really updated in a while, so... I had to return Babe. :x She tried to bite me and the pet store lady, but seemed to be doing fine once she was back with the other hamsters. :3

So, this is Dan.
I thought it was cute that he slept all pressed up against the corner so I took the opportunity to snap a photo. :P

[Toast]

Originally Posted by Angel

Haha, you ate the hamster treats?

I haven't really updated in a while, so... I had to return Babe. :x She tried to bite me and the pet store lady, but seemed to be doing fine once she was back with the other hamsters. :3

So, this is Dan.
I thought it was cute that he slept all pressed up against the corner so I took the opportunity to snap a photo. :P

Awww he is very adorable. And yes, I did eat the hamster treats. They smell very tasty! you have to get the yogurt ones.