Tino's thread

[Maz]

Aw thank you - I’m sure he appreciated that. I think some is his personality - placid to the point of catatonic . And some is the fact that he had less socialising as a baby as he was so very young when he came to me. Our first Syrian was like this - he never wanted to come out and I used to have to trick him into a tube with food. But once he was out he loved it and was such a cuddly hamster too.

 

[Lovelyness]

They’re all different, and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. Sounds like a smaller cage would be more manageable and also may well suit him more

 

[Socks' Mum]

!

 

[Jain]

Sorry to hear you are still suffering pain it makes everything a lot more effort from what I hear of Tino I doubt he will miss his original cage so long as he can still hide.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Aw, little sweetie!

 

[ilguy]

I would hold off on moving him. I know the urge is very strong to interact with Tino, but it's going to stress him out more and associate your smell & presence with negative things.

What about rubbing your hand on some bedding, and placing it in the enclosure with a treat on top. Or sit next to him when he's likely awake under ground, and talk to him a bit.

 

[Maz]

Oh I have tried! I don't think the move will be stressful with all the same contents and bedding and the cage has the same front door - just a bit smaller length and widthwise but it's still a 100cm cage It won't happen until I'm better anyway.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Oh I hope you are feeling better, it must be frustrating Male Syrians sometimes need a little bit of encouragement, unlike their female counterparts. They're not really lazy, but can get set in their ways, I think.

 

[Maz]

I just can't really do any bending or reaching at the moment, which is frustrating!

 

[Zara]

Yes, something smaller will make him more accessible. I’m sure once he realises how much fun there is to be had in your home, he’ll enjoy regular outings. Hope you heal and feel better soon.

 

[Maz]

Thanks Zara.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I was thinking, perhaps Tino has been bred to be placid and easy to handle. Perhaps you can just pick him up from his cage and sit with him. We are so used to skittish pet shop hammies. Part of being a show hamster is not to mind being on display and travelling about, being handled by strangers, so they may be bred for this. The other thing is he is bred to hold condition well and does not need to feed the way a more lightly built hamster would. Although of course, he needs his regular meals just as any hamster would. This might make him more laid back as well, which is different to what we are used to in rescue and rodent mill bred hammies. I could be completely mistaken of course, but it's a thought.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I just can't really do any bending or reaching at the moment, which is frustrating!

Oh, it sounds sore. Take care Maz, it'll go eventually, but theses things seem to take forever to get better.

 

[Maz]

I was thinking, perhaps Tino has been bred to be placid and easy to handle. Perhaps you can just pick him up from his cage and sit with him. We are so used to skittish pet shop hammies. Part of being a show hamster is not to mind being on display and travelling about, being handled by strangers, so they may be bred for this. The other thing is he is bred to hold condition well and does not need to feed the way a more lightly built hamster would. Although of course, he needs his regular meals just as any hamster would. This might make him more laid back as well, which is different to what we are used to in rescue and rodent mill bred hammies. I could be completely mistaken of course, but it's a thought.

That would mean removing most of the bedding He's not easy to find. And I suspect he moves if I start removing bedding.

I think I'll just go with the move to the Plaza 100. All his cage contents will be the same - they will fit fine. So he gets used to coming out regularly again without me having to remove everything from the cage. He'll still have plenty of bedding but will be more accessible. I know some people just leave them but I think it's important to have regular health checks at least and if he gets used to not being handled then it'll be more stressful for him when he is.

The rib muscles are improved a lot already - but I still have to be careful not to bend and reach or they go again. I was told it could be 8 weeks!

 

[Socks' Mum]

Yes, I agree, they benefit from being accustomed to attention. You have the extensive experience and knowledge to do the right thing for Tino. I think moving him to a cage where he can't disappear is a good thing. That is an issue I was concerned about with Socks when he was younger, preparing him for potential vet appointments and being able to do health checks. I didn't want the vet not to be able to treat him if necessary and also I want to know that he is healthy and doing well. You can't sedate hamsters the way you can with a really nervous dog or cat, so as you say, getting them used to being handled is a very beneficial thing and could save their life. I always had that in the back of my mind with Socks . Besides which, we had some really great fun, remember him hamster break dancing in his tunnels! He still does that, but not as vigorously as he did when he was younger.

It's good to hear that your injury is starting took heal, really great news! Take care and get plenty of rest.

 

[Jain]

Pleased you are starting to feel more comfortable 8 weeks must feel like forever but hopefully you will feel better as each day goes by.

 

[Jain]

I was thinking, perhaps Tino has been bred to be placid and easy to handle. Perhaps you can just pick him up from his cage and sit with him. We are so used to skittish pet shop hammies. Part of being a show hamster is not to mind being on display and travelling about, being handled by strangers, so they may be bred for this. The other thing is he is bred to hold condition well and does not need to feed the way a more lightly built hamster would. Although of course, he needs his regular meals just as any hamster would. This might make him more laid back as well, which is different to what we are used to in rescue and rodent mill bred hammies. I could be completely mistaken of course, but it's a thought.

I identify with what you say regarding show hamsters being handled by strangers Pete isn't a show hamster but he was taken out and handled from a very early age and from me getting him at 8 weeks he never needed a taxi he came straight onto my hand he is a little bit cautious with complete strangers but only while he has sussed them out.

 

[Maz]

I don't think he was a show hamster really - he is a pedigree and may have certain personality traits in bred as you say

 

[Socks' Mum]

Yes, I think they possibly select parents who show less tendency to have a flight response, which in turn makes socialisation something they pick up more quickly. I'm sure Tino will do well. Pete is a little star!

 

[Maz]

I don't know. If you remember Tino was a squawker when he first came. But he was so young.