Help me tame my Russian dwarf!

You'll also need to find somewhere to put him on changeover day as it can be a bit time consuming getting everything set up right so you don't need to tweak things later (which probably would stress him out). I used to put our Syrians in a pet carrier with some bedding, food and a little house and then put that in another room with a blanket over - and they would usually just go to sleep. However, getting a hamster in and out of a pet carrier isn't always that easy unless they're happy being picked up - another bin might do temporarily.

I always put them in a different room though because they seem to be able to sense or smell or hear when you're messing with their cage and can get quite anxious about it!
 
I always put mine in a carrier too when I’m doing a cage change over, I find dwarf hams are usually pretty easy to get in & out of a carrier, provided you wait until he’s settled a bit more again he’ll probably be happy enough to hop into the mug or whatever he’s used to.
I haven’t found it much of an issue with dwarf hams tbh, they seem fine in the carrier in the same room probably better around familiar smells I would have thought especially as it can take longer than you expect to get the new cage just right, it does me anyway!
 
UPDATE: I have an update since moving Edmond to the larger bin. I got the 50 gallon bin and I’m really happy with the decision. I tried to set it up just as his previous bin and moved over all his old bedding. He selected a new nest, but oh well. No biggie.

Things definitely got worse before they got better. Edmond was super bitey both inside and outside the bin. But I didn’t give up. I saw an article online that suggested gently blowing on ham’s face and this did the trick. He would stop immediately. We did really short taming sessions on the sofa for a few weeks and there’s been major progress! No more biting when I go to lift him out of the bin or during playtime. I have learned to respect his boundaries too. I finally feel at peace and am really enjoying interacting with him each day 🥹 Thanks everyone for your help!!!
 
It is lovely to hear Edmond is happier in his new set up.

I find hamsters have days they do not feel like interacting so if Edmond does not seem sociable do not worry. 🙂
 
Glad to hear Edmond is enjoying his new larger bin :-) I think he will be much more relaxed with that. The blowing on them thing isn't really recommended as it is unpleasant for the hamster and they can see it as a hostile thing. It probably does help distract them in the moment but it doesn't take away the cause of the stress that's making them bitey. It can actually make hamsters more angry.

I think probably the bigger bin cage will have more to do with him being calmer. I am really happy to hear you can interact with him now :)
 
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