Ways to bond with my hamster?

Question

I don't bother my hamster alot since he's nocturnal, but during the day he comes out sometimes, but I don't feel like I'm paying attention to him, I give him treats and take him out and hold him at times, but I don't feel like I spend enough time with him! I feel so sad because I don't think he bonds with me, am I doing enough, what are some more ways I could bond with my hamster? Yes, I do have a ball, but he doesn't seem to like it that much. Plz answer! :(

Answer 1

One of my favorite ways to bond with my hamster is to put him in my bathtub. He can't climb out of it because it's too deep and too tall. I put all of his tubes and water bottle and food in there so it's like a playground for him.

Sometimes I'll even get in the tub with him. Hamsters don't get many opportunities to see or smell your legs. They might want to crawl around on you, too. You have to be careful that they don't crawl up you and jump out of the tub though.

Answer 2

i have a hamster too.

he's very old now, 2 exactly this week. and i feel we have bonded well..

when he was younger, i used to be scared of him. he used to bite me sometimes and they were painful bites too!

i didnt play with him much. i used to watch him and occaisionally give him a carrot or something.

then 2 or 3 months later i thought that was ridiculous as his life would be so boring.

i got him out and had him on my lap. feeding broccoli or a vegetable. i was still cautious of picking him up.

then i picked him up by using two fingers under his arm pits and putting him on my bed and to different places to get used to his feel and for him to know i wont hurt him.

i kept feeding him tiny tidbits, and in the next few weeks, instead of placing him on my bed or on a shelf, i placed him in my hands. i was shaking in fear as his bites REALLY hurt. but i fed him broccoli and he was not interested in his setting anymore. i think as he got older, and more mature, he was not interested in biting me.

i used to / and still do have him on my arms and block off any holes in my room and let him run around. in my bathroom especially. i got his toys and as i was used to picking him up alot, i put him in his toys and helped him play.

after school, i would get him out his cage, while he was sleeping, and cup him in my hands, while he was still sleeping, trying hard not to wake him up, i would then lie on my bed, him still in my hands, and take a nap with him also. this on many occaisions has made him more comfortable with me and he now, 2 years later, i think loves me just as much as i do him. he lets me touch him anywhere i wish to, and i can even hold him by the scruff of his neck if i wish. i can open his mouth and i can pull his ears and paws. there is much trust between us. its all about him trusting you. hope this helps x