When you buy a hamster it is normally not tame because the shop has no time to hold your hamster so you have to tame it yourself. It is better to tame your hamster while it is young because it is much easier. Talk to your hamster while you're taming it. It will get to know your voice. Look at your hamster straight in the face. Hamsters bite only when they are frightened. If your hamster does nip your finger, it is best to put it back in its cage and leave it alone a couple of hours so that it can calm down. To hold your hamster you should cup your hands gently around the hamster. Do not pick your hamster under the arms this can stop it breathing. I often pick my hamster by the scruff of the neck to observe it's teeth and fur condition. This method I would say is not for the novice. You should be able to tame your hamster in about three weeks if you follow the described method. Do not rush it, or you may have to start all over again.

First watch your hammy for a few days to find out when it is awake and active - the best time to start taming. Note its favorite foods so you can use them to overcome its fear. Now start putting food straight on the cage floor, so your hamster gets used to your hand and learns that it brings food. After a few days, leave your hand there while the hamster eats.

When your hamster is confident enough to eat beside your hand, put the food in the palm of your hand. It may a while before the hamster will eat from your hand without fear. When it does, you can stroke it gently with one finger along its back. Never stroke its head.

Next, get your hamster used to being picked up. When it is eating from your hand, cup the other hand over it, and lift it gently a little way off the ground for a few moments at a time. After a few more days, if your hammy seems happy being lifted up, you can take it right out of the cage in your cupped hands.

Play with it near the ground so that if you drop it or it jumps out of your hands, it doesn't have a long way to fall. Let it run from one hand to the other. Soon it will be confident enough to run along your arm.

You can alternatively gently hold the hamster by it's scruff to prevent falls.
Taming is a long process and takes a great deal of patience. Do not rush it as it can cause you to lose your hamsters trust. Taming times vary greatly depending on the hamster.


This is how you are supposed to hold your hamster.





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