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Before you bring your new hamster home:

A quick note: While I am a strong advocate for hamsters being given a wide variety of space, stimulation, and freedom (O-U-T- time) during it's life, I also believe you will get better results if you start your new hamster out with only the "bare necessities" (nothing more than basic physical needs) for the first week or 2- depending on how fast your hamster warms up to you. If you give him all the "extras" in the very begining, he will not only become bored quickly, but you'll also find that he will NOT develop a strong dependence on you (your hand.)
I know that may sound silly if you are not experienced with hamsters... But this method worked like a charm with my hams- both syrians and dwarves alike. The list below is all you will need in the begining. However, he will need alot more from you later on. If you want him to be truly happy for the remainder of his life, (1-3 years) be sure ahead of time that you are prepared---by bookmarking this site and informing yourself of what your hamster will need after the "bonding period." (<---More about that later)

BEFORE HE/SHE COMES HOME, have these ready:

(Click each item for more info):

suitable cage

wheel

quality food

water bottle

food dish

suitable bedding (PLEASE CLICK!)

something to chew/gnaw on (this is a must!)

some sort of treats (valuable training tool)

That's it! These things will ensure that you hamster has everything he needs to go through the difficult, but neccesary "bonding period."
*Very Important*... Before you go on to read about the Bonding Period, please click below- to learn what NOT to do while transfering your hamster from his cage at the store into his new one. This step is VERY important if you don't want your ham to start out afraid of you!

The "TRANSFER..."

The "Bonding Period"

We've bonded, NOW what?

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