Hamsters are adorable and cute pets; they are quiet, gentle and require relatively little effort. Taking your little friend in hand not only allows you to establish a stronger bond, but also helps to tame him better. It is not very natural for hamsters to be held by people, so you need to make sure you know how to handle your specimen properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Hamster used to your Presence
Step 1. Don't handle it right away
If you just brought him home, he needs some time to get used to you before he appreciates being held; wait at least 12-24 hours before grabbing it.
- Approach the cage and speak to the hamster in a calm, friendly tone of voice.
- You can also start getting used to your presence by simply reading a book or watching television from the same room.
- Make sure the pet can see you and understand that you are a friend and not a predator.
Step 2. Put your hand in the cage
In nature, hamsters are only grabbed by predators, so your little friend needs to understand that you are acting friendly and that you do not intend to harm them; start by putting your hand inside the cage and give it time to "study" it.
- In order not to scare him, keep your hand limply relaxed.
- At first it might also be useful to keep it closed in a fist; you can open it gradually, with the palm facing up, as the hamster becomes familiar with you.
- These rodents have a tendency to nibble on their surroundings to control it; if the animal gnaws at your hand, gently withdraw it. Moving it suddenly could scare him and make him reluctant to get close in the future.
Step 3. Lure him with treats
The hamster may be very suspicious of your hand; in this case, try to keep some treats to encourage him to get closer. When he accepts food from your hands without difficulty, he is more likely to get caught.
- The best treats to use are those that the hamster would normally eat in the wild; for example, you can offer them fresh and washed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots) and fruits (bananas, berries).
- Remember to shred the food before giving it to him.
Part 2 of 3: Pick up the Hamster
Step 1. Wash your hands
These animals rely on smell to orient themselves in their surroundings, and strong smells can stress them. By washing your hands before handling the little rodent, you make him feel more comfortable. Use a fragrance-free soap - the fruity ones might make him think your hand is food.
If you have more than one hamster, it is essential to wash your hands; the smell of another specimen could make him believe that he is being attacked by a similar one
Step 2. Let me see the hand
In nature, these rodents do not have many defenses other than escape; any sudden change in the environment triggers a state of alarm, it is therefore important that the pet can see the approaching hand.
When you put your hand in the cage, hold it still for a few seconds so that the rodent gets used to its presence
Step 3. Lift it up with your palms
It is of utmost importance that you feel safe when handling it. When it gets on your hands, cup them slightly to offer support; use both hands, so that the hamster can rest comfortably and safely on both palms.
- If he doesn't spontaneously climb onto his hands, consider using a shovel; wait for him to walk on it before lifting it. You can transfer it to your hand when you have taken it out of the cage.
- Alternatively, you can use a one-liter plastic bottle cut in half as a scoop. Hold the lower half in one hand and let the hamster enter it; in this way it can feel the heat of your skin, but it is not able to bite it through the plastic.
- Check that the edges of the bottle are not sharp.
- Over time, the hamster learns to feel comfortable in your hands and you no longer need to use the shovel.
Step 4. Lift the pet and remove it from the cage
Feeling physically relieved can cause him great fear and disorientation. Before doing this, turn it so that it faces you while you are holding it. This foresight gives him a point of reference and reduces the likelihood that he will jump as you lift him. Proceed slowly and gently.
- Be aware that it may bite your hands as you lift it. The strength of his jaw is probably not enough to hurt you, but the hamster uses this technique as a warning sign that he is getting scared.
- If he begins to bite, blow gently on his muzzle, he should flinch and wink trying to understand what smell he has just perceived; meanwhile, you can free your hand from its grip.
Step 5. Keep it on your lap or near your chest
Leaning it against your body keeps it safe, also preventing it from running away or jumping away.
Step 6. Put him back in his cage
Since this animal is not used to being handled, it probably does not like being held for long periods; if you feel he is agitated or trying to bite you, gently return him to the cage.
- Lower it carefully and place it in its home. These animals are easily injured in the event of a fall, so you should get him to a level where he can safely drop out of his hands and reach the floor of the cage.
- You can open your hands to simply allow him to walk away from your palms.
- In the beginning, hold it in your arms for a short time (less than a minute) and gradually increase the duration of the sessions until the animal gets used to being handled.
Part 3 of 3: Precautions
Step 1. Don't grab him while he's sleeping
Hamsters have a very deep sleep; in nature, they hide in deep underground burrows where they can rest almost completely undisturbed. If you suddenly wake him to catch him, he may interpret your gesture as a danger (for example, the presence of a predator nearby).
If you really want to wake him up, do it gently, for example try to talk to him softly; you can also move the substrate a little with your hands
Step 2. Do not lift it to considerable heights from the floor
These hamsters are very susceptible to fall injuries, so it is best that your specimen is always close to the ground when you are holding him; do not raise it more than 30 cm from the floor.
- If he tries to escape, keeping him close to the ground reduces the chances that he will be injured after the jump.
- Consider handling it when you are lying on the ground to avoid lifting it too much.
Step 3. Do not make the sound of kisses when holding the pet
Speaking to him in a sweet and soothing tone makes him feel more comfortable in your arms; remember that the sound of kisses can actually scare him.
Step 4. Don't take it by the scruff or an appendage
If you take him by the skin on the nape of his neck, you are putting immense pressure on his head, enough to cause exophthalmos (prolapse of the eyes).
You should never lift it by one of its appendages; not only would you hurt him, but he would be disoriented when he was lifted up in the air by his paws
Step 5. Don't punish him
Hamsters are unable to associate consequences with their actions; the only result you get by scolding and physically punishing him is to appear as an enemy.
- A firm "no" should be the most intense punishment to use.
- Blowing on his face, especially when he bites you, should be enough to keep him from doing it again.
Advice
- The hamster can take a few hours to several days to get used to you and your smell; in the meantime be patient.
- If he resists, don't force him to be grabbed; expect another chance when he seems more likely to interact with you.
- Don't put a finger near his muzzle, you will induce him to bite.
- Spend a lot of time with the hamster; when you first take it, just try to make him feel comfortable. If you have a female and a male in the same cage, handle the male first so he doesn't bite you.
Warnings
- Citrus fruits are not good for hamsters; avoid feeding your little friend lemons and grapefruits.
- Grabbing the hamster by the scruff or appendix could cause severe trauma.
