Taming your hamster

Taming a hamster is a fun and sometimes challenging process. Trust and patience play a major role in taming your hamster. Not all hamsters are tame quickly. Therefore some tips and tricks about taming your hamster!

Step 1

Step 1 in the taming process is a well-designed hamster enclosure. Slowly place the hamster in its new hamster cage. You could possibly ask the pet store or breeder for old nest material so that his familiar scent is present in his new home. This can make your hamster more comfortable in their new home. What is very important is that you give your hamster time to get used to its new enclosure. So don’t take him out of his enclosure for the first few days. What you can do is sit next to the enclosure and talk to your hamster to get to know your voice. Dwarf hamster cannot see well so recognizing your voice is an important step in the process.

Step 2

When your hamster is used to its new environment it is time for step 2. Before you start with your hamster, you should wash your hands well. Wash them with soap, but make sure to rinse well with water!

Step 3

Never approach a hamster from above, as this is perceived as a threat. Also, make sure your hamster is always awake when you try to pick it up, otherwise it can be very frightening and immediately defensive! Place your hand carefully in the enclosure, rustle a little in the ground cover and talk to your hamster. This is how you announce that you are there.

Step 4

You can get your hamster’s attention by offering him asnack. You can hold it between your fingers and give it to him or you can put the snack on your flat hand. Once your hamster sits on your hands, keep it in its enclosure. Train this several times first so that he is used to sitting on your hand. If you regularly give your hamster food from the hand, he will get used to your hand better and will regard it as positive

Step 5

Once your hamster is used to sitting on your hand, gently remove it from its enclosure. Never completely hold your hamster. They don’t like that. That gives them the idea that they are locked up and then they will try to free themselves by biting. Holding your hamster against you is a good way. This way you have them well under control and they get used to your scent. A dwarf hamster cannot see depth. So if you have it on your hands, be careful, because it will run off your hand and can hurt itself.

Tip: If you find it too scary to pick up your hamster with your hands, you can also choose to put on gloves. You can also teach your hamster to walk in a container so you can get it out of its enclosure that way.

Step 6

Trust and patience are most important when taming your hamster. Radiate peace and security and do not panic! Taming your hamster is not always fast. Let your hamster to set the pace, otherwise it is likely that the trust does not come.

Hamsters orient themselves partly by gently touching their surroundings with their teeth. This may look like biting, but it is not. Therefore, try to remain calm when your hamster gnaws a little bit on your hand.