hamster

does anyone have any experience with hamsters? I just got a hamster on Saturday. Adpoted him from a hamster rescue (can you believe they exist??) Trying to warm the hamster up to me but honestly it's been tough. we also have a dog and i think he is very nervous b/c of that. he let me pick him up at his "foster" home, but since he's been here he won't allow me to scoop him up. I am hoping he will feel more comfortable b/c I want to be able to give him a better life, but if he doesn't want to come out of his cage his life is limited to his cage.

i have him in a room that is a no-dog zone but is a little like solitary confinement as no one really goes in there. i visit with him every evening when he wakes up and spend about an hour with him each evening. i was hoping to bring him into the living room in his cage but if he gets nervous i don't want to push it and terrify him esp with my dog.

any advice? TIA!!!!!

Re: hamster

I had three hamsters growing up, and there were dogs and cats in the house. They were all skiddish when I tried to pick them up but in my hand they were okay. Our dogs were never terribly interested. The cat was a bit but we had the hamster in a tank with these special rings that locked the mesh top so she couldn't get in.

You may want to try one of those plastic balls so the hamster can run around and give it a change of scenery. I never introduced our dogs and my hamster. If you're bringing the cage into a different room I would put it in the middle of a table so the dog can't get to it.

Good luck with your new pet!

Re: hamster

I had gerbils and hamsters growing up and I remember hamsters being cuter than gebils but not as friendly. Make sure you are trying to socialize with the little guy after dusk, when he is awake on his own time being that they are nocturnal and are more "cranky" is bothered when they want to sleep during the day. I also remember laying my hand in the cage flat often for the first three days before attempting to pick them up so they would get used to my scent and try placing a sunflower seed in your flat hand so he associates your hand with a treat. Not sure about your dog but I would assume once he gets used to the new smell, he will get bored of it so put the cage in a room where the dog can see it but not reach it. Good luck!

Message edited 2/20/2012 9:13:53 AM.

Re: hamster

I had my hamster, Napoleon (because he was a great escape artist who loved navigating his way through our home), for years (he died very recently). Honestly, he was never stoked to get picked up, and I did all the time. Even when he saw his ball and knew he was going to have free run of the house, he ran from me. He never bit me, or shook in my hands, he just didn't want to be picked up. Once he was out, he was happy as a clam. I wouldn't worry too much that he seems scared, it may just end up being his personality. I don't think, honestly, that you continuing to pick him up, even when he runs, is going to scare him/worry him further in any way.

Re: hamster

I had two hamsters when I was a kid (not at the same time) and the second one was definitely more friendly than the first. I got him when he was a baby though and the female before him was already an adult.

Give him treats through the cage like sun flower seeds and nuts. Even if he doesn't take it from your hand right away he'll get used to your scent and associate you with treats.

I absolutely believe they have different personalities. The second one I had would sleep in my hand and was so sweet and friendly.

He was a teddy bear hamster. do you know what kind yours is? Dwarf hamsters are generally less friendly. My college roommates and I got one and she would nip us everytime we would try to get near her. We brought her back for a teddy bear hamster and also chose a male and he was way sweeter too.

Good luck!

Re: hamster

Hi hamster luvahs

Thanks for all your replies! I appreciate the tips and info on the various personalities of hamsters past and present.

(I'm sorry to hear about sweet Napoleon.)

Update - My guy is a syrian hamster (i think that i same as teddy bear?) I visit with him every night from about 7:30-8:30 (give or take). He seems to be warming up to me and getting used to my scent. I tried giving him sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, but he seems kind of indifferent about them. He looves apples, tofu and broccoli though. hehe.

Tonight he actually let me scoop him up! I created a little playground for him in a clear storage crate which I have on the table next to his cage. He scampers around it, and tries to escape, so not sure if he doesn't like it or if he is just looking for more adventure.

I really had no idea how cute hamsters could be!

ETA: fed him treats through the cage and he takes a few bits from me then goes and runs on his wheel. so cute I'm gonna give it a little while longer before I begin introducing my dog to him. Don't want him to get frightened

Message edited 2/21/2012 10:21:36 PM.