Mumsnet Talk

That's it really . We got the hamster in the summer for DS1 and he seemed to be awake earlier at that time. DS1 (9 yrs) was doing really well with handling him until he got bitten and then he was too scared to touch the hamster. I've been getting Charlie out in the evening once sll the chores are done (9 ish ) to keep him used to being handled but I would really like to encourage the hamster to wake earlier so I can help build up DS1s confidence to handle him again . I know hamsters are nocturnal but I'm hoping we could get him to wake about 5ish. Is this possible?

Tis indeed!

Training!

Every day, same time, tap the cage a few times then replace food water etc . In other words name enough.noise to wake hammy up!
Once he shows his face give a small treat (cucumber mealworm etc) .

Do every day and after a whike he should start waiting for you

That should be a

Thanks BM, I've been rather random with the times so will try and be organised .

Does the training work with DS too Bonkey

If I give my son a drink of water and a mealworm, will it wake him up for school?

I imagine it may well do 70 especially if its a live one .

Must try it on DH too

Erm, sorry, not a good plan.

You could, but you will end up with a pet with a sleeping disorder & stress (sleep deprivation is torture which as a mum you probably know!).

You can
- wait for spring
- play with DS/hamster a bit later

Would have thought a 9yo would be up late enough for hamster to wake up normally.

5pm is too early.

Ours is the same. I give her food around 6pm. She gets up and takes some back to her bed, and goes back to sleep. She is awake now but still sitting in her bed. I don't think she'll be fully awake for another half hour. Pleased to hear she might wake up earlier in the summer.

Why would they wake up earlier in spring/summer?

Mine have always stuck to the same times until they were oap hammys!

And neither of mine were/are sleep deprived or stressed btw . Very happy hammys I have waiting for me at the bars at 5/5.30pm to either come out for a run or be fed. In fact I think he would be rather miffed if i left him until later!

Some of them respond to longer days/warmth with longer waking hours. They don't (unless very unwell/cold, and should be gently woken, warmed & fed) try to hibernate in winter but some definitely sleep longer.