How do you handle a month old hamster?

Question

We have a baby syrian hamster and we are trying to handle it so it gets used to us. Unfortunately, every time we try and pick it up, it makes a wierd noise and tries to jump out of our hands.

Answer 1

Does it sound like a cross between a growl and a squeel? If it does then your hamster is scared, its still getting used to being alive! =]

Try putting some food on our hand and wait for it to come to you, that way its not startled, if it does go on to your hand, gently lift it, if its too scared keep trying everyday, be patient!

Answer 2

try putting the hamster in a cardboard that will fir your palms. Then give him some foods. WHile he is busy munching put the cardboard in your palms. Repeat several times until he got used to it, then try picking him up without the cardboard then give him food.

Answer 3

In order to have your hamster to trust you, you should occasionly give hime treats and avoid handling him until he will gain trust in you and will come on your hands on his own. This usually takes days or even months! Patience is an important factor. Also, to avoid any bites from your hamster, make sure that you wash your hands well after handling any food or else the hamster could bite you, (as the hamster would think that your hand is food!).

You can always drop me a line anytime on [e-mail]

Kind Regards

Nadia Vella

http://www.hamster-club.com

Answer 4

Your hamster is very new in your house. He is still new to his surroundings and scared. This behavior is very normal in hamsters who are new to their surroundings and hence get very jittery.

Taming can be a long process, don't expect your hamster to suddenly like be handled over night. It can take weeks or even months depending on the hamster. Here the the steps to handling a hamster -

STEP 1 - When you first get your hamster leave it alone for the first 2 - 3 days to let it get used to it's new cage and surroundings. If you pick him up on the first day itself, he will definitely bite you since you are a stranger to him.

STEP 2 - Once the hammy seems comfortable in his new cage, start talking to him softly and hang around his cage enough for him to get used to your voice and smell. After this time feed your hamster some treats from your hand so he get used to seeing your hand. This might take a few days to happen but be patient. If you feel that the hamster still bites you, you can use gloves initially.

PRECAUTION - always interact with the hamster only when he is active. If you touch him or disturb him when he is sleeping, he can get angry and bite viciously.

STEP 3 - Once your hamster seems confident with taking treats out of your hand you can try to start handling your hamster. Before you handle your hamster make sure you have washed your hands well. Hamsters have a strong sense of smell. If they smell something on your hand they may mistake it for food and decide to bite!

Get a cup or something similar and place it into the hamster's cage. He should come to investigate and crawl inside. Take the hamster and cup out of the cage and let him walk out onto your hand. While you do this make sure you're sat down or sat close to the floor incase your hamster decides to jump. Let him walk from hand to hand. Be careful you don't grab or wrap your hands around your hamster until he is fully tame as this may scare him and he will jump out of your hand.

STEP 4 - Once your hamster is more confident with you, you can start to pick up your hamster straight from it's cage. Just make sure your hamster is aware that you are there, if not you may suddenly scare the hamster and it may turn around and bite you.

Best way to hold hamsters is to make them climb into one hand and cupping the other hand softly over the body so that his head pokes out from the gap between your two hands. Remember, do not apply any pressure on his body, he will get scared and snap at you.

I am sure your hammy will get used to you in a few weeks and would be more than happy to let you handle him. All the best!