Having an absurdly hard time taming my robo

[ForgetfulBreeze]

So, I'm having a really really difficult time taming my robo. I got him (Dash) February 20th this year.

So, when I go near him, he bolts as fast as he can run away. Like so fast. And when I stay still, he freezes in his hide and gets ready to run. He NEVER has taken a treat from me. He seems so terrified of me.

I honestly have just given up and let him do whatever he wants. I leave treats down, and after a few minutes he comes and gets it, but he just is so scared.

When I get him in a hide/tunnel and put him on my hand, he literally flies off my hand. Runs as fast as he can and soars through the air. I'm worried he'll get hurt if I do this.

I'm thinking maybe getting him out in a playpen? But at the same time, I'll have to chase him into a cup to even get him out, which'll make him more scared.

Any tips to basically start over with him? Or do you think he will be a "don't touch/watch" hamster? (I'm okay with that, as I have 2 severe biters and one who sometimes bites).

Also, I'm maybe thinking of decreasing his cage size until he's a bit more tame, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. I can put him in a 600/650 sq inch cage. He's in a 950-1000 sq inch cage right now, with 1/2 sand. I also need to make some platforms so he can have more places to hide.

Thanks.

[Kikya]

Have you tried the box method? That is what I did with my robos and it worked really well. I do think Robos within a larger cage just go wild but you can take them out for training sessions:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9_Y ... 6o-fIKE07F

[hotglue01]

I'm sorry to hear this...

My Buttercup was really skittish of me for a few months, too, but now he's docile and loves to get picked up + get kisses. In the days when he wouldn't let me touch him at all I used to talk to him a lot, saying his name again and again and offering him treats. I think animals can tell when the love is there, and call me a foolish optimist but I believe showing that love will help your robo trust you. And I know you're very loving toward him! Dash is lucky to have an owner who takes the time to come to the Clubhouse. <3

Good luck!

[ForgetfulBreeze]

I've been getting him out in a large bathtub and talking to him + getting him used to my hands. He still wont go near my hands, but he will eat some pumpkin seeds I lay out for him. It's progress!