#abused hamster

[peanutbutterbyler]

[hammyadventures-blog]

A Question about Abused Hamsters

Q: I have a hamster, I got her when she was 8 months old and she had lived in a box for all that time without anyone who played with her or showed her love. She is scared of everything now, she has been with me for 4 months now but I can't even touch her... Do you know what can I do to show her that she doesnt have to be scared anymore? I am not new in the "hamsters world" I used to have a hamster and we used to be like you and Qtip but he died from cancer last year.

A: Oh gosh, the poor baby. :( [sad face] That's a good question. I'm sorry your hamster was put in such an awful situation. I don't personally have experience working with hamsters who have been abused, but I'll give what thoughts I have and some places I look to for help (this will be a little long, sorry). I've survived abuse myself, and I feel a lot of the things I would want as a survivor can be applied to some animals' situations.

I think an important first step is to recognize that your hamster may never feel unafraid. Some animals bounce back from abuse and are okay with humans again eventually, but many won't ever feel completely safe around us again (for good reasons!). You may also develop a better bond but not be able to touch or hold her much or even at all, but I think improving any of this relationship will be good for you both. So I would say try not to get your hopes too high and try to be understanding of her fear, even if you feel frustrated that she doesn't feel safe around you yet-- remember, you know you're not going to try to abuse her, but she doesn't know that. This will help both you and her.

The next thing I would say is to be as educated about hamster behavior as possible and her behavior/personality. Knowing what exactly scares her is going to be a crucial part of building a relationship with her that's satisfying to you both. It's also important to know what behaviors to avoid for her health, too, since hamsters are prone to stress-caused illnesses and can die easily.

Another thing you can try to do is what new hamster-human relationships employ-- associating your smell with good things. :] [smiley] So for her, this would likely mean associating your scent with food, treats, and respectful distance/treatment. Obviously it's important for all hamsters to have this association with their humans, but I think it would be even more important for you to be extra careful around her to make sure you don't accidentally trigger her fear. Going out of your way to show her that the way she feels is valid and important will help her feel respected. I think, in general, prioritizing her needs and desires over your own is going to be one of the best things you can do for her-- after all, her needs have never been considered or cared for before.

I hope this helps! >< [scrunched eyebrows] Sorry it's a bit long. I would suggest you also check out some pages like Hamster Hideout and Hamster Central-- there are lots of experienced hamster parents on there who can also offer great advice. :] [smiley] Best of luck to you and your little one! I hope you both end up with a satisfying relationship! <3

Here's a thread you can check out, by the way! Hamster Hideout: Abused Hamsters