Waffles

[Doodleham]

I don't know if I can actually use the broken one if I sand it down.

 

[Maz]

You might be able to - maybe you could even glue that little bit back on - but it might fall off again so maybe not! Sanding it down would make it smooth in that corner and then it would just have an interesting shaped corner

 

[Doodleham]

Waffles is such a character. She's so funny. Always digs up the bedding, there's a pile of bedding on the floor at the front door of her cage that I tidy up daily.
I held her for a split second a couple of days ago, as she was climbing up the bars at the front of the cage and I put my hand in incase she fell. She went onto my hand which I slowly lowered and then she realised and jumped off. (She only climbs the bars when I'm there to get attention/treats, doesn't do it at any other time.)

Also she does this funny little noise when she's begging at the door for treats. It kind of sounds like a very faint sneeze. (But it's not a sneeze) I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing.

 

[Maz]

That litte noise sounds adorable Maybe an expression of some kind? Excitement? Demandig attention?

 

[ilguy]

If she does it consistently then you've probably got it right! They have such a wide range of vocalizations, and each hamster is different. Using context and following their behavior is the best way to learn them.

 

[Doodleham]

That litte noise sounds adorable Maybe an expression of some kind? Excitement? Demandig attention?

If she does it consistently then you've probably got it right! They have such a wide range of vocalizations, and each hamster is different. Using context and following their behavior is the best way to learn them.

It is cute the noise. But...if I look at her the wrong way or there's any sudden movements, hissy ham is back . I think she's got a real fright in her previous home. (I say home because the 2nd home she was only in for 17 hours ) Also she doesn't seem to like it when I wear blue she seems more hissy. I feel so sorry for her and wish I could tell her it's ok, she's safe and doesn't have to move home again.

 

[Maz]

That is really interesting. Blue and Green are the two colours they are supposed to be able to see. What is she like if you wear green? Any other colour will probably just look black and white to her. Maybe a previous handler wore a blue uniform?

I think this is time. And learning to build trust. Although she may always have some trust issues. I assume you just keep talking to her. I find that really helps over time, and they respond to tone of voice (and sometimes what you say!). I have had some really long chats and explanations sometimes - I swear they listen!

 

[Doodleham]

It was a family with a young son that had her originally. I will need to try green.

Well she's always up at the front of the cage when I'm talking to her. I talk to her a lot if she's up she seems to like it. I talk to Bruce too but he's like "meh, leave me alone. Just provide snacks and bye bye hooman." Lol.

Progress, Waffles had her sandbath in again for a little while tonight. I've been trying to do desensitizing with her by putting it in for a little while when I can supervise her. She doesn't seem to be eating it anymore. She squeaks at it and digs. Hopefully not long and she can have it in permanently.

 

[Maz]

That's great news she's not eating sand any more! I hope they are happy excited squeaks! She sounds a real character. She will soon learn that you're the carer and to be trusted, I'm sure