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Questions about hamsters2007-11-24 22:14:20

Ok I just got a new hamster (Nipsy) and im kind of scared of him and i dont know why what should i do

i dont want to get rid of him but im just scared he is going to get out his cage cause he keeps climbing up and chewing on the bars

how long do they stay up at night

if im scared of him should i give him away or should i wait and see if its just that he is new and everything

Answers:

Do you have any friends that have hamsters themselves? If you do then have one come over and take the hamster out for you, then you hold him. You need to get through your fear because he feels it from you. You most likely scared of getting bit, right? Have you friend work with you on getting him out and they can be there to talk you through it. Sometimes a bit of encouragement is needed to build up you confidence. If small enough, try using a toilet paper or paper towel roll cut in half and coax him into it to remove him from the cage. We've had to do this with many hamsters, gerbils and mice. Further to make friends and to show him you mean no harn, offer a treat of sunflower seeds. Another trick that works well is to let him stuff his cheeks full of fod and reach in to pick him up, this way he's less likely to nip or bite you. The more often you pick him up, even if you hold him in the cage, the more confidence you will gain in yourself and him in you.

Now as for the bar chewing, it really can get on ones nerves and I can speak from experience. We've moved many chewers into the living/dining room for this reason. Some all is needed is a gentle to the belly and a sharp no when doing it so they learn what your doing is related to the chewing. (I've got a gerbil gnawing right now) There are products like Apple Bitter that can be sprayed on the bars, but I don't know if it works since we use other methods to try to get them to stop. Now causes of this can be lonely, bored, chronic chewer (get a tank for these), or needs food/water. Give him a toilet paper roll to chew on or a chew stick or 2. There are edible logs and houses made just with the chewer in mind. We gave one of these to a female chronic chewer and it helped greatly, took only a month to finish it off. She had chewed 2 wheels (almost nothing left of both), several food dishes, and the bottom of her cage (not through). Same cage still used, wire mesh wheel, creamic dish and a log a month, but now I use a wooden log my vet suggested (not sure what wood) has helped curb her chewing habits. Now her brother has started on the bars. The female hamster in next cage over is new and he loves to get on her nerves,but now she started chewing the bars also. Blowing on her belly works short term. See site listed below for additional help on chewers.