Roborovski's hamster is the smallest and liveliest species of hamsters; with time and patience you can manage to tame it. It can live in small groups or in pairs, but if there are episodes of struggle between the various specimens, you have to separate them.
Steps
Step 1. In the first week you bring him home, leave him alone, except when you feed him
If he learns early on to associate your smell with fear, it will then be much more difficult to tame it.
Step 2. Get used to your voice
Sit next to the cage and speak in a calm, friendly and jovial tone about whatever you want; it's also fine to hum calmly without suddenly changing tonality.
Step 3. Offer him a treat
Every day put a treat in an area where the hamster can smell it, but at the same time allow it to hide from you; wait 5 or 10 minutes for the pet to find the courage to take it before giving up. Put a smaller, different one in its food bowl.
Step 4. When she begins to take the treats, try to hold them in the palm of your hand
Step 5. When the hamster climbs up on your hand to get the treat, try to lift it a little off the floor of the cage
Probably, the little rodent will jump off.
Step 6. Keep your hand at a safe height over a surface the hamster can't get off of and offer him another treat
This step must be performed when it stops jumping from the hand.
Step 7. Gently stroke him while he eats the treat you offered him
Step 8. Offer your other hand to jump on it (proceed like this when he has become familiar with your caresses without the need to feed him)
Always reward him at every game session that has ended successfully by giving him treats.
Advice
- If he does something wrong, like gnawing at the sleeves of your shirt, just say "no" in a calm, firm tone and when he stops giving him a treat; do not speak too loudly, otherwise the little rodent will learn to fear you.
- Use treats, such as sunflower seeds, in moderation; two a day is a good amount.
- Do not give Roborovski hamster sugary treats, as he is prone to diabetes.
- Do not grab it, otherwise your gesture becomes very similar to that of a hawk trying to catch it with its claws.
- Believe in yourself; if you're scared, so is the hamster.
Warnings
- It may take a few weeks or months to tame this hamster, don't give up.
- It is an incredibly fast rodent; do not be tempted by the desire to keep a specimen just brought home in your lap, otherwise you will never see it again.
- It might bite you. If this happens, return the pet to the cage without offering it any food; wash the wound and apply a plaster.
