| Tips, Dos, and Don'ts for Taming your Hamster |
| - Dos * Move slowly and talk softly when you are around your hamster; quick movements and loud sounds will frighten it (hamsters have very sensitive ears; NEVER speak directly into a hamster's ear!!!). * 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. - Don'ts * Never force your hamster to come out of its cage; always let it walk out onto your hands itself, when it is ready. * Try to avoid reaching into your hamster's cage while your pet is in it. Treat the cage as your hamster's "personal space", where it can feel safe. * Never force your hamster to do something (such as run through a tube) if it doesn't want to. * Do not attempt to hold your hamster when it is not completely awake as it will probably try to bite you. * Never tease or punish your hamster. * It is best not to introduce your hamster to another animal in the house, such as a cat or dog. Even though some individuals can get along with hamsters, the hamster will usually find these encounters uncomfortable! - Tips * If your hamster doesn't wake up when you shift or tap softly on the cage do not take it out. It is best to take your hamster out when it is already awake, in the evening. * Take your hamster out at the same time every day; your hamster will get used to the routine and will look forward to its play time. * Once your hamster is tame: When you take your hamster out, make a type of arena or "play pen" by creating an enclosure using boxes or other tall objects. Make sure your hamster cannot climb over an object, or squeeze through a gap between two objects. Fill the enclosure with a variety of toys and nick-nacks for your hamster to investigate; don't forget to scatter food throughout the arena! Your hamster will enjoy the freedom. * Although many references say that you should only take your hamster out for periods of fifteen minutes, you can really take your pet out for as long as you like, providing that the cage is available to it at all times; this means that the cage should be left open where your hamster can reach and find it easily, so it can return any time it wants. * If your hamster does happen to bite you, do not let go of your hamster suddenly or try to shake the hamster off. Hamster bites are seldom serious and clear up in a matter of days, whereas dropping your hamster or flinging it into the air can often prove fatal for your hamster. So put your hamster first and, even though it's biting you, take the time to lower it to the ground. When your hamster touches the ground, it will usually let go. (to top of page) |
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