How can i teach an adult hamster to let me pick him up?

Question

i got this hamster from a friend it is about a year old

Answer 1

I think Amanda is right. Move slow and steady. Soothing words will help as well. Also do not chase with your hand. When the hamster retreats allow it to do so then repeat the slow and steady. You can also alternate with and without a hamster treat or piece of food. Final piece of advice only do this a couple of times a day and give it a few hours between sessions.

Worse techniques would be to only hand feed it so that if it wants to eat it has to get close to you. One hand is low holding food and the other hand is ready to pet. This is akin to torture but is no less effective.

Last trick, which could back fire, is using a good leather glove. Pick it up and while it is squealing and biting your glove stroke it and talk softly to calm it down. Once it learns it cannot harm you and you are not harming it the hamster should be safe to try by hand. Of course it could bid it's time and wait for the pink soft to be revealed and a good bite will be forth coming. (which you would deserve)

Answer 2

Firstly, make sure you wash your hands clean of all smells. Then, slowly introduce your hand into the cage. Keep a distance. This will get him used to your hand itself. Then place a small treat on your fingertips and let him investigate it. Move the treat futher up the palm of your hand each time until he is on the palm of your hand. He will be used to being on your hand. At that point you can slowly remove your hand from the cage, and gently let him get used to being handled. Worked for me every time.

Answer 3

Try petting him and interacting with him at first. Once he's used to that and allows it, try the next step--picking him up.