Please help me

[Elliej1]

Hi, I’m currently a new hamster owner in the UK. I’ve always wanted a hamster and have throughly researched into for around a year. A couple of months ago I was offered the opportunity to re-home a hamster as the previous owner could no longer keep the hamster. I offered to take the hamster and look after her for her (I was told she was female). She gave me a cage, some food and all the other accessories. I didn’t touch her within the first week so she could adjust to the nee surroundings. I slowly introduced me and my partner to us by placing our hands outside the cage so she could become used to us. Eventually we began placing our hands in the cage while she ran around and then putting our hands closer to her as she ate and eventually she started taking food out off our hands. I was told she was friendly and she seemed it however in the bag was some treats unsure off what they are as I binned them and since she had one off them she won’t come near us and began biting? I’m really unsure as off what to do I have spoke to other owners and even spoken to staff in 2/3 different pet shops and all have said to leave her as she may just not like us. However I feel as though this is wrong and is not exactly a way off life for her to just be left alone. I was wondering if anyone could help. I want to get her out and around the room she’s in so she can play but I’m scared that we won’t be able to handle her to allow her to do that. I am unsure off what breed she is, and I’m not 100% sure off her age.

I know this was very lengthy however I felt like you needed to know the full story to understand why I’m so worried about her current situation. I would never giver her away or anything like that I just want her to feel safe around us.
Thank you for any advice.

 

[Maz]

Hello. Do you have a photo of her? It sounds unusual that a treat could lead to biting. I suspect it may be more to do with hands in the cage. Maybe she tolerated it for a while and then didn't like it any more. They can feel very territorial about their cage/habitat and can behave completely differently when out of the cage and can be easier to tame and handle then. Setting up a secure area or playpen area with a few toys in, for her to have some out of cage time can help. You could even sit inside it as well and let her run over you. It all helps her to familiarise with your scent and presence.

 

[Zara]

Hi Elliej1, it sounds like your hamster was starting to settle, she may have just been spooked by something at the tIme. I have a Syrian who we brought from a pet shop and it took around 6 months for him to settle. I wonder how old your hamster is? Had he been with the first owner for some time? Do you have any other pets in your home? I’m sure it’s fixable as sounds like you were doing well together.

 

[Elliej1]

I was told it was a Roborovski hamster or something? So she’s only small, I try to keep her higher up as there are two cats who currently live here however are never in her room. She had seen them previously to being spooked and did chase one in her ball, with the last owner im unsure how she was, I was told she was very friendly and loved to be held but other then that seemed fine, they had her a few months before I took her and I know they got her from a chain pet shop in the UK. I’m mainly worried as pet shop staff have said to just leave her… which worries me and one even said to return her I just want to make her happy and safe and any tips will be highly appreciated.

 

[Elliej1]

Hello. Do you have a photo of her? It sounds unusual that a treat could lead to biting. I suspect it may be more to do with hands in the cage. Maybe she tolerated it for a while and then didn't like it any more. They can feel very territorial about their cage/habitat and can behave completely differently when out of the cage and can be easier to tame and handle then. Setting up a secure area or playpen area with a few toys in, for her to have some out of cage time can help. You could even sit inside it as well and let her run over you. It all helps her to

I thought it was odd that she began biting after the treat but nothing else had changed around her for her to react that way? I’m just worried about her and want to give her the best life I can

 

[Maz]

Ok - if she is a roborovski - they are the most frightened of all the species as they are so tiny. All hamsters are prey animals but robos are particularly conscious of being prey animals. The other thing is - they shouldn't have a hamster ball. They are too tiny and it's a frightening and stressful experience for them - plus they can get injured as their toes can get caught in the slits. Hamster balls aren't suitable for any dwarf hamsters - and many people are of the opinion these days they shouldn't be used for any hamster. She will definitely be scared by the cats. She will be able to smell them - and cats have been known to pull cages off stands! So good they are in another room.

I think it is time and patience. Roborovskis are very much known as watch pets rather than handling pets. They can be tamed but it can be quite difficult and take a lot of patience. So it's probably best to start from scratch with a settling in period and ensure her cage set up is suitable.

A settling in period is leaving them alone for a week or two and not doing any clean outs in that time. During that period you could talk to them through the cage and offer the odd treat through the bars (if she has cage bars). It may be that you might need a cage change as well. Despite them being so tiny they are highly active and energetic and really need the same size cage as larger Syrian hamsters. It's very common for people to be sold a cage that's far too small. Not sure what cage you have? But they can get stressed and a kind of cage rage in a cage that;s too small.

Ideally something like a Hamster Heaven (without the tubes etc) is a good size for a robo. Ours is in a 100cm cage and uses every inch of it.

Robos are big diggers as well and like to dig tunnels - it helps them feel secure and enjoy their cage. So you would want something that holds at least 6" of substrate. They can be easily injured by falls, being so tiny, so the cage doesn't want to be too tall or have a lot of levels.

But for now maybe give her a bit more settling in time from scratch. One thing you can do is the tissue trick. That's where you put a few sheets of toilet paper up your sleeve (or down a bra) and leave them there for say a couple of hours. Then tear each sheet into strips and put them in a pile in the hamster's cage - near their house (but not inside it). They will take some for their nest and it will have your scent on, so it'll help her get used to your scent and associate it with her safe nesting area.

Although they are hamsters who often prefer to stay in their cage (if it's enriched enough) they can be quite communicative in a way and will sit and listen if you talk to them or show you if something is wrong in the cage by going over to it and then looking at you hard! They are also quite entertaining to watch as they're so fast and busy. They also love a sand bath (if you haven't got one) and enjoy cleaning themselves in that daily.

Some people can be a bit overwhelmed at how fast and difficult to handle they are. But just take it one step at a time. She may never be easy to handle or want to sit to be stroked but they can be very enjoyable pets and learn to trust you. They are probably the most independent of all the hamster species though.

Hamsters don't usually bite unless they are in pain or if they think you taste or smell of food! Sometimes they will do it out of fear if they are not used to being handled. So it really is time and patience.

I have a robo too - I have had him out of the cage in a playpen area sometimes, but he rarely wants to come out. He does his own thing!

 

[elusive]

Hello & welcome to the forum.
Great advice already so I can’t add much to that but don’t be too disheartened, Robos aren’t the easiest ham to begin with but I’m sure with time & patience & any help or advice you need you’ll get there.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Welcome to the forum. It is lovely you are so much for your hamster. What horrible advice you got to return her. I have a robo too. I would never attempt to touch him as he would hate that. I have a camera in his cage so I can ensure he is well as he is active when I go to bed.

You have had some great advice. With not using the ball and ensuring her cage has plenty of bedding and is a good size your little robo will be very happy with you.

 

[Member ID2]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I have two Robos, in their own cages of course and both are hamsters i rescued.

Personally, i go along with what the hamster feels happy with.
My Robo Finley does not want to leave his tank at all and squeaks at me angrily when i handle him for a health check now and again. My Robo Bernard comes onto my hand to eat seeds and now and again comes out to play in a secure hamster playground. He is not keen on handling so i don't.

I use a ball to transport him upstairs to the playground but would never subject him to the stress of rolling around in a hamster ball.

I think for a hamster it is very important to have a large and well enriched habitat. Some seek or like human company and some don't. It depends on the individual hamster's personality.

I'm glad that you are here and didn't listen to the petshop's suggestion to return your Robo. Sadly, the majority of petshops give out very poor advice.