How do I hold my hamster?

Question

I just got my long-haired hamster from the store and I tried putting him in a cage, but he got out of my hands and I had to run around to catch him. I firmly held him (but not too tightly) with both hands, but he seemed very nervous and tried to escape. How do I calm him down (besides giving treats) and make him not as nervous so that I can hold him?

Answer 1

You need to start holding it a couple times each day. If you can't get it out of the cage with your hands, then get it into a toilet paper roll and then dump it (carefully) into your hand. Begin walking it from hand to hand, one in front of the other. You can also make it an unending "staircase". If you keep it moving you probably won't get bit. Do this over your bed so that if it manages to jump off your hand you can catch it. Once you're comfortable handling your hamster in this fashion, begin to closing your fingers as it's walking from hand to hand so that it's now moving through an unending "tunnel". This is a very important step and will get the hamster accustomed to being held and touched on its back. These sessions only need to last five minutes but you need to do them at least twice a day, preferably more. If you're scared of doing this at first, then wear a pair of thick leather gloves to get it accustomed to the "exercise".

If you have a ball that you want it to roll around on the floor in, work with the hamster before putting it in the ball. You may think that it will be more tired and easier to work with after having some exercise but it will be more excited and actually harder to work with.

If you don't think you're ready for the above method, then there's another method you can try. Sit in an empty bathtub with the drain blocked so there's no escape and let your new friend climb all over you. This is an easy way for your new friend to get used to your scent and presence. Bring the cage into the bathroom before you start trying to get him out. To get it out of the cage use a toilet paper roll and get him to go inside (as described above). As soon as he's in the roll all the way, bring it into the tub and set it on the floor of the tub and wait for him to come out. Do this until he seems more comfortable with you and then begin the methods of hand-walking described above.

I've never liked the recommendations to use treats to tame a hamster. Even if you wash your hands before holding the treat, as soon as you touch the treat with your fingers, they will smell like food again. A hamster that confuses your fingers for food will not bite hard but nibble. Nibbling doesn't break the skin, but I still don't like it.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 2

Try holding him in the cage where his feels safer. Pet him in the cage so he gets used to your smell and touch. Attempt to touch and handle him several times a day. Also talking in a softer voice will help calm him. When you do hold him outside the cage, hold him against you in the gentle but firm way you have been. You seem to be hold him correct. How old is your hamster, this can have some to do with the nervousness. Is he alright enough with you he hasn't bitten? If so that's great. Gaining his trust can take a few days, a week, or even more then a month, so be patient. We got a slightly older hamster (8-10 months) and she is skittish. Most hamsters sold in pet stores are 6 weeks to 4 months. She like yours is a Syrian long hair. I'm glad you were able to catch him or you'd be asking how to find a hamster instead. We have taken in Syrian and Russian dwarf hamsters that were known biters, abused, or that were attacked by other hamsters. Some come from private homes, while most came from the pet store. They had some slated for the snakes because of their behaviors but we took them and now their great pets. Just remember time, patience, and lots of handling are the key to taming him.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Keep trying to put him in the cage, and when you finally do, leave him alone for a couple of days. Let him get used to his new home. Then, put your hand in his cage with some food on your hand (sunflower seeds are a favorite of hamsters) and wait for him to come into your hand and eat the food. But be careful!!!! He may bite!!!! After a while, you will be able to hold him, but when he runs away, it will be more of a "this is fun" run instead of an "im trying to escape" run. If you have any more questions, email me at:[e-mail]

Answer 4

giving him treats is good, but it will also take time. he has left his whole world behind, to come live with you. try not to handle him for the first day, then for a few days put your hand in his cage, and let him sniff it, and become familiar with you. when he seems to trust you, then start lifting him out of his cage. it sound's like you are holding him right, but you can also hold him palms up, not really holding him but walking around your 2 hands cupped together.

good luck, and i hope i helped!!

Answer 5

If u just got him this is what my dad said to do:

for a week just put your hand in there to let him smell it. (palm of your hand down)

when he does that for a couple of days turn your hand palm side up and have him crawl on you. but dont pick him put

after a day or two of this start lifting him up when he crawls on there still in the cage.

when he is used to this you can pick him up!

it might take less time if u have a long-haired cause i have a dwarf and they are smaller.

Answer 6

Put your hand in his cage everyday and let him smell you until he gets used to you. I did this with my 7 year old daughter and now her long hair hamster sleeps on her. Don't grab at it. Just let it come to you. Pet it, just be slow with it. Even if it takes weeks do it everyday,

Answer 7

Hold him just tight enough that he won't get away with one hand and pet him softly with the other one. Other than that it just takes time for him to get used to everything. Also since he is new, I would suggest letting him get to know his new home and leave him alone for a couple hours.

Answer 8

for the first few days you should NOT hold the hamster, it is still getting used to you & its new cage. if you hold it and annoy it, it will get stressed and possibly get "wet tail". from that it can die. give it some time & it'll warm up to you(:` that's what mine did to me.

Answer 9

aww you need to hold him under his butt, and pet him gently. Dont make any sudden moves. It'll make him jump! :)