Vet Trauma and Adjusting Schedule

[RoboMommy]

Hi, guys.

A lot has happened with my husband and my robo, Orpheus, in the past week. We had a traumatic trip to the vets on Friday - it was a well-hammy visit and the vet was great, but the tech came out with combat gloves and he leaped and screamed (can't blame him, and he was fine). Needless to say, we're back at almost square zero after letting him be over the weekend - it's so sad because we actually were getting him to crawl on our hands in the playpen. He's much more active again and let us see him play late last night. Before it all happened, we were getting up early in the morning when he was more receptive. I'd like to be able to do night too, to interrupt our morning routine less. But he just won't come out before 11. I was wondering if you had any tips on how to very gently get him out earlier - we know he's awake, and we consistently do a light, give salad, sit, and ring chime sequence at 9.

Thanks!

 

[Maz]

Aw poor little robo - that did sound like a scary vet visit! He should get over it in a few days. How long have you had him now again? Do you mean he doesn't come out before 11am or 11pm?

 

[RoboMommy]

he’s on week 3. And he’s out between 11 pm and 6 or 7 am.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Tweaking temperature and light might help. If you observe his response using the camera at first that might help to simplify things. It's great that he has been climbing onto your hands in the playpen. I'm sure you will get back to this soon. He seems to be learning to trust hands (except for ones in big scary combat gloves) and hand feeding should make a big difference. They learn very quickly

 

[Maz]

So he's avoiding human time really I think it's still early days, three weeks, especially if he's had a vet visit recently - that could have set him back a little bit.

It's frustrating I know but I'd keep talking to him. Maybe give it another week or so and then if you can manage to stay up after 11pm you could try some playpen time. If he'll walk into something. Eg a tube. Be careful what you use as a taxi as they are very fast! Some people use a mug and put that in the cage, then when he walks in, pop your hand over the mug and carry him that way. I had to use quite a long tube as if it wasn't long enough, mine would shoot out of the end before I got my hand over the end.

 

[RoboMommy]

Thanks so much! How long should we try to get him to poke out earlier at night before shifting back to morning which worked before the visit? And temperature…interesting. What temperature change do you recommend?

 

[Maz]

Ideally around 20 degrees c. He might start changing his habits as he gets a bit older. The thing to remember is he's probably still a baby so still a bit apprehensive. He will grow in confidence the longer he has stability in his cage. If you know what time he's out, and it works for you, you could try offering some treats on your hand in the cage. Near the edge - let him come to you.

 

[RoboMommy]

he’s 9 mo old lol
And he’s able to do hand sometimes
The challenge is we need sleep so we can’t wait until he’s out out at night
But know he’s awake at 9
Why we chose it
Ideas to adjust him? We’ve been staying up and it’s wearing on us…
We’ll try doing the lure at the edge
Thanks again

 

[Maz]

Ah so he's not a baby It can be tiring and a bit stressful, yes, and unfortunately hamsters pick up on our stress as well. I am just wondering if you could maybe just ignore him for a few days Hamsters are also fickle. If they think they're being ignored they can start seeking attention! If they think you want to see them they can do the oppsite

So maybe just ignore him for a couple of days and then see if he'll take food from your hand.

 

[RoboMommy]

We did Friday to Monday night. I guess we could again…it’s just painful. He’ll take it. Again the issue is luring him when he’s awake.

 

[Maz]

I'm sorry, I know it can be frustrating. You haven't had him that long though, and if he's 9 months old already he'll have had a history and take time to build a bond and trust - both with you and his environment. It really is just a bit of time and patience sometimes.

Maybe just stick to your own routine for now and if you see him you do and if you don't you do. I can highly recommend a hamstercam! Then you can watch what he's up to on your phone while in bed, or watch the video the next day. It helps at first. I think I said before, it was some weeks before my last robo didn't hide away. And I bet if you went to bed early, he would come out earlier!

 

[RoboMommy]

Thanks. We did get a cam and love it. Based on what you said, I guess We’ll stick with our 9 pm and be strict about not waiting up too late if he doesn’t show for now.

 

[Socks' Mum]

It's strange, but when I'm want Socks to come out at 10:30 pm, he often appears

 

[Maz]

Aw - he is in tune with you It's lovely when that happens.