Many theories exist as the best method of taming your hamster. Of course all have their own merits and we all have different ways of approaching this crucial stage in getting to know your pet. My preferred method is to allow the Hamster to dictate its own pace, letting it come to you when its natural curiosity gets the better of him or her.
Starting out
It’s important to let your new pet settle in to its new cage when you first bring it home, 1 or 2 days should be sufficient for them to become familiar with their new surroundings and start to get to know the sounds, sights and smells of their new environment. Its important here to let the Hamster move at his own pace, an early forced attempt at holding them before they are ready can cause a major setback which may take weeks to repair. Slowly and quietly talk to your Hamster, much like you would talk to a small child, let them become familiar with their name. Offer small treats such as the special Hamster chocolates you can buy at all good pet stores (never offer human chocolate, it can melt in their pouches causing problems) later on you can give small pieces of fruit and vegetables but it is important not to introduce these too quickly at first, they can cause stomach upsets in young animals not used to this in their diet.
The 1st attempts at contact
My preferred method of initiating the first contact is to sit on the floor with your pet’s cage in front of you. Make sure the room you are in has all doors closed and escape routes blocked in case of unexpected breaks for freedom! (The bathroom is excellent for this as it has minimal hiding places) Open the door of the cage and attract your Hamsters attention by offering a treat or waving your fingers gently in their eye line, let the Hamster sniff at your fingers if they wish but do not touch them at this stage as it will more than likely startle them. After a few nights or repeating this your Hamster will know what to expect when your hand enters their cage, they will know it’s not a bad thing as it often brings food, at this stage they may start to explore your hand or try to climb onto it. At this stage you must let them take things at their own pace, a sudden grab for them will more than likely leave you with a painful bite and reduce confidence levels on both sides.
Your Hamster may well now ask to come out if the cage door is open and will climb out on its own, now you can attempt to pick them up. Using both hands gently scoop them up, making no attempt to place your hands around their body, fold your arms and let him or her run over you for a few minutes, whilst they are doing this stroke their back lightly. Having a cup or bowl is useful to place them back into the cage at this stage as being grasped may cause them to jump suddenly or ‘ping’ as it is known. This is why it is very important to be as close to the ground as possible should this occur. After a few times of doing this your Hamster should become more accustomed to you, and allow you very gently put your hand around them and replace them into the cage, usually followed by an attempt on their part to come out again straight away! Depending on how much time you dedicate to this routine your Hamster could be tame in a week or so, but never rule out a sudden unexpected jump until you have owned and handled them regularly for at least 2 months, its best not to rush this process, don’t get over confident and forget the golden rule to take things slowly.
However experienced you are at taming there is a very strong possibility you WILL get bitten in the process at some point, some Hamsters are more highly strung than others, the most important thing is not to let it discourage you, to coin an old phrase, you must get right back on the horse!
Conclusion
It might seem a daunting task at first but with a little time and patience you can share a special bond with your pet. After all, a happy Hamster enjoys time out of his cage interacting with you and your family. I don’t claim to know everything and every owner develops their own way of doing things but this method has worked well for me over the years, should you choose to follow it I’m sure it will for you too, good luck.... and don’t give up!
Written by Spacemonkey
