Taming Hamsters

[animalexpert]

Taming and handling your hamster is a gradual process of gaining confidence. Most hamsters can be tamed if you spend time with them regularly. In general, younger hamsters are easier to tame. If your hamster still persist in biting you, it may also be a sign of other factors causing it stress, such as illness, overcrowding and fighting with other hamsters. Here are some helpful dos and don'ts in taming your hamster.

Taming DO's:

• Establish a routine where your hamster will know that you are feeding and playing with it. It may even look forward to the next play time!
  
• Small treats given to your hamster after playing with it will help your hamster gain confidence in you and know that you mean no harm.
  
• Talk/whistle to your hamster and they may learn to recognise your voice.
  

Taming DONT's

• Never pick up your hamster when it is still sleeping. You will most likely get your fingers bitten by a crossed hamster. It is best to handle your hamster when it is awake at night.
  
• Make sure your fingers do not smell of food or your hamster may accidentally nip it, mistaking it for food.
  
• Upon alerting your hamster of your presence (by tapping softly on the cage, for e.g.), give it enough time to investigate your presence.
  
• Do not blow or breathe heavily on the hamster.
  
• A sure sign that hour hamster is annoyed will be that its ears are curled and laid back. Do not handle the hamster when this happens.
  

Some good references:

A Step-By-Step Book About Hamsters by Anmarie Barrie (T.F.H Publications,1987)

Dwarf Hamsters: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Sharon Vanderlip (Barron's Educational Series, 1999)