Hampster help.

[Karen]

What were the circumstances with him biting her? Does she handle him often? I wouldn't panic at this point - it could be that he just has to get used to her, or that she inadvertantly did something to startle him.

[Logan]

You have to be very patient and careful with new hamsters, especially. Tell your sister to make sure that Aspen (love the name, by the way) is fully awake and has had a chance to move around the cage some before trying to take him out. Our Olivia, who is fairly new to our house, hasn't yet gotten used to being picked up. So I usually offer her a fist first (kindly, course ) and then slowly open my hand up. I usually have to corner her to pick her up, but once I have her in my hand, she's fine.

Our only bites have occured when we woke one up too quickly and immediately tried to pick it up...of course, they only wake up usually when we are asleep!

Good luck!

[ September 08, 2001: Message edited by: Logan ]

[Buddy2101]

Ok, thanx guys I was so scared I would have to get ride of him. She has only held him once. I try to handle him at least a hour a day but sometimes it just doesn't work out. He is so cute I lvoe him so much he loves to sit on my lap and watch tv (he actually stares at the tv) I haven't had the courge to pick him up yet but I am ggoing to do it here in a lil bit. Another question is it true that if hampsters smell food on your hand then there is a chance they will bite cause she said she just got done eating cheese puffs and he bit her on the finger she was eating them with. I don't know thoguh but thanx everyone.

[Logan]

Ha Ha!! Maybe Aspen thought your sister's finger was a great big Cheeto! I definitely think that could be part of the problem. So, another suggestion is to wash up before picking up!

[Buddy2101]

Ok problem!!!!He just bit me. I think he has turned mean. I don't know cause he was just running from hand to hand and then I felt his teeth enter my skin! I am so upset. I don't want to loose him but then I got him so I could play with him not just so that he can sit there! Please help. I don't know what to do. I also want to say thanx to all of you for helping me I know some of my questions are weird btu I want to give him the best home possible and you guys are the most experinced people I knwo. So thanx for putting up with my lil questions.

[ September 09, 2001: Message edited by: Buddy2101 ]

[Logan]

Instead of trying to hold him so much, why don't you create a "playground" for him. I have read on a hamster site that many folks have set up a big Rubbermaid plastic bin with shavings and toys and given their hammies some extra exercise and different surroundings there for a little while each day. Of course, you would be right there, supervising. Why don't you check out this community? Maybe you can get some better ideas there. Here's the link: http://communities.msn.com/Hamstersgalore .

One thing you might have to realize is that it will take some time for Aspen to get accustomed to being held. That doesn't mean that you can't enjoy him in other ways. Try handfeeding him some neat treats, like yogurt drops, or a small piece of lettuce or carrot. You just need to take your time, and introduce him slowly. Remember that this is all new to him too, and he can probably sense your fear of being bitten, which frightens him.

I feel a little embarassed by responding when I am not an expert either. But maybe the link to that community will help you. Good luck!

[Buddy2101]

Ok this is the verdict on Aspen. I am going to hand train him. But I don't know how. But this is what I was thinking. The only time he would be aloud out of his cage was when I was holding him but when he bites me he gets put bakc in the cage for 5 mins then gets to come back out. I am hopeing he will get the idea that the only time he is aloud out of the cage is when I am holding him and if he bites me there is no more play time. Then after that we will move onto puttign him in a exersise ball. Does this sound like a good idea or do you guys have something that would be better?

[Logan]

I don't know if you can train a hamster that way, Buddy. He's not a dog. Have you done any searches on the internet yet? Or checked into that hamster community I mentioned? Or bought a book about hamsters?

I just know you take it slowly...and that he probably isn't going to understand a "time out".

I think patience is the best thing at this point.