Hamsters are small soft-haired rodents and are perfect pets; however, many of these, especially the more aggressive dwarf hamsters, tend to bite easily. Fortunately, this defense mechanism becomes less and less intense as the animal begins to become familiar with the environment around it. With proper precautions and attention, you can manage to pick up your hamster without it biting you, as long as you give it time to settle in and train it not to.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Handling the Hamster
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before attempting to grasp it, it is important that your hands are clean; if they release odors, such as those of food, cosmetics or any other fragrance, the hamster is more likely to bite. Also, by washing them before holding the pet, you protect it from possible germs.
Step 2. Don't sneak up on it
The hamster becomes aggressive when frightened, but by not making him anxious, you can save yourself some bites. When you want to pick it up you have to make sure it sees you; show him your hands and let him sniff them before trying to lift him.
Step 3. Draw it onto your hand with a treat
If you just stick your hand directly into the cage and grab the animal, it is likely to get defensive; instead you should make him come to you. Hold some tasty treats (such as sunflower seeds) in your hand and let the hamster take them; with a second treat she tries to convince him to walk on the open palm of the other hand and then take it out of the cage.
Hamsters do not have good eyesight, so avoid holding the treats between your fingers, otherwise they may get confused and bite your fingertips instead of food
Step 4. Grab the small rodent with both hands
If you want him to remain calm, you need to keep him properly. With the fingers of one hand, gently wrap it under the belly, while the other should support the rear; always use both hands when grabbing it.
Step 5. Use a scoop to transfer it
Hamsters get very defensive when taken out of the cage; to prevent your little friend from biting you, you can get him out of the enclosure by using a ladle or shovel instead of your hands. This method is particularly useful when you need to move it out of the cage quickly; you can purchase a suitable tool at pet stores or you can cut a two-liter plastic bottle in half to make a craft scoop.
Part 2 of 3: Get It Set
Step 1. Leave it alone for a few days
Whenever a hamster is moved to a new environment, they experience anxiety and fear. As soon as you bring him home, give him a few days to adjust; do not pick it up at this stage. When he feels comfortable and settled in, he becomes less aggressive and is more likely to train and interact with people.
Step 2. Talk to him
This animal is quite farsighted, which means that it has difficulty seeing things close by; however, to compensate for this visual defect, he has exceptional hearing. If you want to help him get used to your presence, let him familiarize himself with your voice; play some music and sing near the cage, talk on the phone when you are in the same room or just talk directly to the hamster.
Step 3. Get him used to your scent
In addition to incredible hearing, the hamster compensates for the visual defect with a strong sense of smell. Another way to allow him to become familiar with you is to let him smell you; you just need to sit next to the cage for a while each day or put a basket of dirty laundry nearby.
Step 4. Set a time
Define a specific time to be with him; the hamster is a nocturnal animal, which means that it sleeps during the day and stays awake at night. Choose an evening time when he is awake and commit to meeting this appointment each day when you spend time with the rodent; if you're constant for about two weeks, you shouldn't have a hard time handling a tame, gentle hamster when you're done.
Step 5. Put on your gloves
If you have to pick it up before training, don't forget to put on gloves for your safety; any type is fine, from disposable ones, to those for dishes or winter ones.
Part 3 of 3: Train him not to bite
Step 1. Get in a quiet place
Once you have removed the hamster from the cage, place it in a quiet space; choose a small one, where he cannot hide and where there is nothing that can hurt him, usually the bathroom is perfect.
Step 2. Interact with your little friend
Place it on your lap and let it walk on you; relate to him by making slow gentle movements. It is important to avoid feeling anxious and therefore aggressive; every time you play with him you have to move slowly and harmoniously.
Step 3. Blow on his face
When you notice that he is about to bite you, you can teach him not to by blowing on his face; a quick whiff can dissuade him from his aggressive intentions and is able to make him understand that biting is the wrong behavior.
Step 4. Pay him regular attention
Every evening, at the designated time, take him out of the cage and interact with him for 10-20 minutes; when finished, put it back in the cage. Keep this appointment for two weeks.
Step 5. Be patient
If you stick with your little friend and spend some quality time with him, he is eventually well trained and shouldn't bite anymore; however, it takes patience, because it is a process that does not end overnight. If you feel frustrated, you are likely passing this emotion on to the hamster; instead keep calm and you will see that the animal remains calm too.
