| Handling and Taming Your Hamster |
| The First Month The important thing in creating a type of bond with your hamster is its trust in you (that you won't hurt it), and your trust in your hamster (that it won't bite you). When you first bring your hamster home, it will be quite scared. To avoid making your hamster unfriendly and to start establishing this bond of trust, do not force it out of the carrying box. Open the box and place it on the floor of the cage and let your hamster come out itself. When it does, do not play with it right away. Instead leave it in the dark for a few hours to let it settle down, then follow this chart: |
| Day 1 - Watch your pet but don't disturb it. Day 2 - Start to hand feed your hamster in its cage. Talk to it softly so it gets used to your voice. Let it smell your hand so it becomes familiar with your scent. Days 3-5 - Pick up your pet in your hands, outside of its cage. Let it run from one hand to the other with your hands flat. When it is used to this, start to curl your fingers around its body as it runs, this way it will get used to being held. Days 6-14 - Introduce it to your family first, and then your friends. After 2 weeks - Handle your hamster several times a day to help tame it even more. If you take it out at the same time(s) everyday, your hamster will become used to the routine. ** Hamsters are near-sighted and cannot see more than a few inches in front of them. Because of this, handle your hamster only when you are sitting down (if a hamster falls from more than 20 cm it could become seriously injured). |
| Equipment Feeding The Cage Handling An Interesting Life Finding a Lost Hamster Health Dealing with Hamster Loss |
| Holding your Hamster Let your hamster run from one hand to the other, and even across your arms (see picture below left). When you start handling a hamster, especially when they are young and fast, it's also important to be able to hold them firmly in your hands (but NOT tightly) to stop them from running or jumping down. This can be done by cupping your hands around your hamster, leaving a small hole in which it can poke its head but not get through; this way it will not be as scared, as it can see what is happening around it (see picture below right). Its important to leave enough room between your hands so as not to crush your hamster, or force it into a ball. You should use this technique when you carry your hamster across a room etc. You can also use this method to pick up your hamster from the ground Once you have mastered this technique, try picking up and holding your hamster using one hand; this method can prove useful when you have the other hand full with something else. Curl your fingers around your hamster's body and lift. Hold your hamster firmly but do NOT squeeze your hamster, especially not below its forelegs, as this can cause your hamster to stop breathing. Try not to carry your hamster like this for long distances. A third way to hold your hamster is by holding it from the nape of its neck, as its mother did to it to carry it around. As soon as your hamster is lifted in this manner, it becomes immediately still. This method should ONLY be used by an experienced hamster owner, and only if you know exactly where to hold the hamster and how much pressure to apply. ** Always let your hamster smell and see your hands before picking it up. If you frighten it or come up from behind it, your hamster may bite you. For more tips on how to tame your hamster visit this page: Tips, Dos and Don'ts for Taming your Hamster (to top of page) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The First Month Holding Your Hamster Tips, Dos and Don'ts |