The Robovski dwarf hamster is a tiny animal, small as a bean when born and no bigger than an average-sized thumb when an adult.
But it is skittish and fast for its size, capable of covering up to 6 miles during its nightly forages.
Making you wonder How to Tame a Robo Dwarf Hamster effectively.
Curious but somewhat shy, the Robo hamster will not attack unless threatened and cornered. It prefers to escape and hide when frightened.
You will want to keep away your noisy children when trying to tame this one.
This hamster is a native of the desert wilderness of Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Xinjiang.
The expeditioner Vsevolod Roborosky was the first to note it on his 1894 expedition. It came to the Western world via Britain in the 1960s and is now popular in pet shops.
Feeding your Robo dwarf needs no special diet.
This nocturnal hamster is omnivorous and subsists on seeds and nuts, plants, vegetables and fruits, and small quantities of meat and insects.
If you’re wondering can my hamster east grapes, the answer is yes, but of course at a minimum.
You can keep it on a similar diet at home, including processed dairy products like cheese and yoghurt.
Just bear in mind that these products may have exceedingly high levels of fat, sugar and salt.
The Robo Dwarf Hamster as a Pet
These tiny cuties are not for children, nor even for first-time pet owners.
They are small and delicate, therefore in need of extra care.
Think of him as the new baby of the house, in that regard why not get some cute hamster names for him.
You need experience and patience to keep your Robo dwarf hamster properly and safe.
Only when you do that will you be able to enjoy its company.
When you adequately care for it, your Robo Hamster lifespan can go past four years, almost twice as long as it does in the wilderness.
You can keep the Robo dwarf alone or with other Robo dwarfs.
It is not a cuddly animal unless you learn how to tame it. Then it will not hesitate to climb onto you to explore or snuggle in a warm spot.
How to Tame a Robo Dwarf Hamster: The Process
The Robo dwarf hamster is easier to tame than its Syrian and Chinese cousins.
Nevertheless, the process requires skill and a great deal of patience. Your hamster does not take naturally to petting, so you have to ease him (or her) into it gradually.
The very first step is to make sure the environment is not stressful.
The cage should be large enough, well ventilated and adequately furnished with toys. The hamster should be well-fed, well-rested and comfortable.
Under these circumstances, it will be relaxed enough to let its natural curiosity take over.
Keep away dogs and cats; those are its natural predators and will unsettle it. Keep away from noisy children as well.
Different people swear by different ways of taming, but the goal is to get your Robo dwarf hamster used to your presence and touch.
The best way to achieve that goal is to do it gradually and methodically.
Spend some time with your Robo dwarf hamster
Spend some quiet time with your hamster each day.
Approach the cage when it is awake and sit close by without engaging with him. Do this until you notice it doesn’t startle in your presence.
Talk to it in a well-modulated soothing voice so that it can get used to your presence.
Robo dwarf hamsters have poor vision, and your voice helps put them at ease.
Hold your hamster
These hamsters are nocturnal animals.
They will sleep for a good part of the day and become active at night. Never attempt to hold your hamster while it is sleeping.
Try give your hamster 30 minutes after waking up before you can start holding him.
Wash your hands before you handle the hamsters.
This will prevent the transfer of germs but will remove any scents from your hand that the hamster may misinterpret.
Now you can begin the real taming. Lower your hand gently into the cage. Do not attempt to reach for the hamster. Your Robo dwarf may react by running away and hiding.
Don’t let that bother you, because for this step you might have to do it several times before he will even come out.
You can encourage him by putting a treat on your hand. If that won’t entice him, remove your hand after some time but leave the treat there.
A few more times, and he will be brave enough to approach your hand for the treat.
The first time he approaches your hand and even climbs on to it may be exhilarating. However, don’t scoop him out.
Don’t even move your hand. Let him climb and do some exploring.
When you feel your hamster has become comfortable, you can now gently lift him out of the cage.
Begin by moving your hand slowly just to ensure you don’t frighten him.
Sometimes your hamster will be startled and bite you.
Try not to drop him when that happens. The fall may injure or kill him because of his tiny body.
If you succeed in this, do not stop holding him, or the gains you have made will be lost.
Spend time holding it each day, but not for too long.
The Robo dwarf hamster are used to being alone. Therefore, while it may enjoy your petting, do not overdo it.
Some helpful Tips to prevent biting
Trying to create a bond with your new pet can be a challenge, and bites are not a thing anyone is comfortable with.
But these tips should help with the taming process as you both get to know each other.
Put some Bitter Apple on your hands to discourage hamster bites.
When the hamster bites you, blow gently into its face. It hates this, but it is much safer than dropping him.
Wear gloves when you handle your hamster so you won’t feel the bites.
Don’t put your finger in your hamster’s face.
It sees poorly and will bite when it bumps into you.
Don’t chase your hamster around the cage trying to catch it. It could get hurt, and that will make it harder to tame him.
Final thoughts
Be patient with the process.
Some hamster keepers have reported success in a matter of days. Others have met with frustration even after a month of trying.
Eventually, you will succeed, what is important is not giving up.
But remember, if the process seems detrimental to your tiny friend, you do not have to push it. You can enjoy your little pet’s company by observing without having to cuddle him.