Taming a hamster

Taming a hamster sometimes requires a bit of patience. It is easier to tame a young hamster. Hamsters that haven't had much handling will often try to bite if you pick them up, and any startled hamster may bite. They are biting because that is their way of defending themselves, and they are scared. They are not trying to be mean. Another reason a hamser may try to bite, is if your hand smells like food! So wash your hands before handling your pet hamster. A lot of hamsters that are sold in pet stores will try to bite you, but that's only because they haven't had much experience with humans yet.

If your new pet hamster bites, just give it some time and let your hamster see that it can trust you. Don't try to touch your hamster yet. At night, sit beside the cage and softly talk to your hamster and let him get used to your voice. A little while later, maybe try to give your hamster a treat like a small piece of carrot or apple, let your hamster see that the treat comes from your hand. Hold your hand still inside the cage and see if the hamster wants to explore and smell your hand.

Sometimes it can take several days or maybe even a couple of weeks to earn a hamsters trust, but once you feel that your hamster is more trusting of you, and will take food out of your hand, then you can try to pick him or her up and out of the cage for a few minutes. Make sure you are in a secure area where the hamster can't escape or hide that you can't find him. Hold your hamster low to the ground, in case you accidently let him fall. Hamsters can get seriously injured from falls.

To pick up a hamster, you should to cup both hands around the hamster like a wall, and he will try to climb up and peek over, allowing you to cup one hand under him and one hand over him, but not putting any pressure on his back. The reason for keeping one hand over your hamster is to prevent him from trying to jump from your hand. Let your hamster just sit in your hands and get used to you. Eventually, your hamster will start to crawl from hand to hand, and will be more comfortable being handled.

If your hamster bites you, try not to drop him. Some people panic and their first instinct is to drop the hamster. Please just try to set your hamster back down in the cage carefully and start the taming process over.

If you need to pick up a hamster that is not tame, place a cup on it's side and many times the hamster will walk into the cup out of curiosity. If not, then slowly herd the hamster into the cup. If you need to, you can wear gloves to pick up a hamster that bites, but it is best to leave your hamster alone until he is comfortable with your presence.