What's Wrong with these Hamsters???

[Hamsters82]

Hey guys,

I have a question to ask about my friend's hamsters. They are old (3yrs) and none of them will allow my friend to pick them up! She says they were like this when they were younger as well. Her hamsters won't touch their food b/c her scent is on it & whenever she tries to hold them they want out. She'll even look at them & they'll hide! She says she hasn't hurt them, nor has the breeder that gave them to her. They like the dog better then my friend.

I've tried to help her & give her ideas, but frankly right now I'm out of ideas. Is there any hope for these hamsters b/c she says they may be starving themselves. Its kind of odd b/c (she lives with her mom) her Mom won't take them to the vet, which I think they need.

Do you guys know what's wrong? Or do you know of some good ideas to help my friend out b/c she's really sad & wants to love them? Thanks in advance!!

[Die Fledermaus]

Why don't you have someone else serve the food, someone with a different "scent"??

Why don't you give them different food??

Mine always devour warmed scrambled eggs, or warmed "chicken and vegetable" baby food in a small bowl. Or room temperature cheddar cheese. Or cottage cheese with a little bread in it? Mine always go right after brocolli. They seem to enjoy Kashi. They always went for peanuts.

Three years is a blessing. I wish some of mine lasted that long.

>> They are old (3yrs) and none of them will allow my friend to pick them up! She says they were like this when they were younger as well. <<

You think they are going to change now, at age three??
There is something suspicious about their treatment that the hamsters NEVER let themselves be picked up. That is not normal.

[Hamsters82]

Thanks DF, those were good ideas. The scent thing was a good idea; I even asked her to wash the inside & outside so they couldn't smell her too. Yes, I thought it was strange too when she told me. Have you've seen kitten on another forum, that's who I'm talking about. She wrote something there too if you want to put that in. I'll pm her what you wrote. Thanks again; anyone else?

[Hamsters82]

Or nevermind...I see you already answered her there.

[calvinator1]

Try wearing gloves when placing the food in the tank or picking up the hamsters.

[Hamsters82]

Calvinator1--that is a good idea. I'll relay that message to her; guess I forgot that one since we used a glove to train our bitey dwarf.