Among the different types of dwarf hamsters (Campdell's, Siberian's, Roborovsky's), Campdell's is the most common among domestic animals. Regardless of the hamster breed you have in your home, know that they can all be tamed in the same way; you can learn to hold it to help it feel comfortable with you, your family and friends.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get it used to you
Step 1. Allow him to adapt to the new environment
The dwarf hamster is cute and adorable and you will probably want to start holding him right away; however, when you bring him home, he needs some time to get used to the cage. Give it a day or so to explore the new environment and learn about the objects present; the more comfortable he feels in the cage, the easier it becomes for you to tame him.
During this phase the hamster also begins to recognize your activities and the movements you make around the house
Step 2. Spend some quiet time with your new friend
Once he has settled in, he stays next to him for a while without interacting; for example, sit next to the cage and watch TV or read a book. Before you start taming him, you need to make sure he feels peaceful in your presence by staying calm and calm.
Step 3. Talk to him
After a few days of settling in, you can start talking to him so that he gets used to hearing your voice. If you have a Siberian specimen, it is very important to talk to him, as he does not see very well; once it has learned to recognize your voice, it is less likely to bite you when you grab it. In any case, even if you have chosen a hamster of another breed, the animal still appreciates hearing the sound of your voice.
Talk to him in a quiet, gentle tone
Part 2 of 3: Hold the Hamster
Step 1. Choose a suitable time to be with the little rodent
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night. Pick a time in the evening, like after dinner, when he is most likely awake. If you find that he has just woken up, give him about 15 minutes to fully wake up before trying to pick him up.
If he is sleeping, you must not wake him up, otherwise he may get scared, think you are a threat and he may try to bite you; wait for him to wake up on his own
Step 2. Wash your hands
Before picking it up, you must wash them carefully to eliminate any food odors; if he were to perceive traces of food on his hands, he might think that they are food themselves and would bite them. Use a fragrance-free soap to wash them.
Step 3. Put your hands in the cage
Cup them and slowly lower them by inserting them into the hamster's dwelling; talk to him while you make this gesture, so that he knows it's you and doesn't get scared. At this stage, you shouldn't make sudden movements or make too loud noises, otherwise you could frighten him.
- If your new little friend isn't ready to walk on your hands yet, consider grabbing some treats to attract him.
- If this doesn't work, you can use a similar but larger spoon or utensil; keep it on the floor of the cage and let the animal climb into it (do not use it to actively pick up the hamster). After lifting it up and out of the cage with the spoon, transfer it to your hands.
Step 4. Pick up the hamster and let him get to know you
When it starts to feel comfortable enough on your hands, you can slowly lift it a little more towards your body; if you can, turn it with your hands so that it is exactly in front of you. Being able to see you directly helps him not to feel disoriented and scared when you grab him.
- When you take it out of the cage, let it move on your body; allowing him to "get to know you" helps him become familiar with you. Stay still as much as possible while the hamster moves and climbs on you.
- Consider sitting or lying on the ground so that it can "walk" on your body with greater agility.
Step 5. Hold it in your hand every day
Domestication requires daily exercises; grab it several times every day for 5 minutes at a time. With daily practice, the hamster becomes more comfortable and gets used to being held in the arms better.
Make sure these sessions are repeated at the same time every day; that way, he knows when to expect it
Part 3 of 3: Learn Tricks to Tame Him
Step 1. Learn to recognize the difference between biting and nibbling
The hamster acts both ways on your hands when you tame it. When he feels scared or afraid he bites, but he also does when he is bored in the cage or not feeling very well. Instead, he can nibble gently without intending to hurt when he wants to test and "explore" the things around him.
However, its bites are not violent to the point of causing bleeding, but they may still scare you. When he just wants to "taste" you, he squeezes more delicately than the actual bite
Step 2. React correctly when it bites you
If he does it violently, blow on his muzzle; it is a gesture that he finds unpleasant but does not hurt him. By doing so, you let him know that he doesn't have to bite you anymore. Even if the pressure from his teeth scares you, you shouldn't drop him, as he could suffer an injury.
- By placing a few toys in the cage, such as empty toilet paper or paper towels, you can keep them from getting bored and maybe stop biting.
- If the extra toys or snout puffs don't bring the desired results, take him to the vet for a checkup.
Step 3. Don't put your hand in a dwarf hamster's cage
This breed is very territorial, it may react violently when it sees it and try to bite you, especially if it doesn't know you're around. In this case, pay close attention when you want to get close to him.
Your hand is very large in comparison to its body and may consider it a threat to its territory
Advice
- The domestication process can take a few days to two weeks.
- Offer the dwarf hamster treats as you tame it, but only if it doesn't bite you.
- In general, dwarf hamsters are easier to tame than larger Siberian ones; however, those of Roborovsky are more stubborn than the Siberians.
- If you have a Campell hamster, you should put more time and effort into making it friendly and taming it; try to hold it more frequently and spend time with it.
- You can put some coloquintide extract (available in pet stores) on your hands to prevent it from biting you.
- If you are concerned that it may bite you, wear cotton or gardening gloves for some protection and feel safer.
- If you own a Chinese hamster, be very careful not to scare it because it is more fearful than other specimens.
- Don't drop it, you could cause severe trauma and even kill it.
Warnings
- Do not chase him into the cage to pick him up as you may terrify him.
- Don't put your fingers near the muzzle of a Campbell's hamster, it may react by biting you.
