IM NUTS (hamster related)

[funkychunkymonkey]

How to you train a hamster to be calm? My aunt bought her daughters a black bear hamster last weekend when the kids fell in love with my hammy (3 years old and mellow). So now she and the kids are having issues with taming the hamster and the kids are timid with him because he bit the oldest (she had the smell of food on her hands). Somehow they think since my hamster is so tame that im going fix their hamster so hes comming for a 3 month visit. Any advice for me?

 

[Tuffcookie]

It's easier if the hamster is young.

I have had alot of hamsters over the years. In the beginning you will get nipped a couple of times. You should always make sure your hands are warm and you talk to the hamster a while before attempting to pick him up. Also, put your hand inside the cage so he can pick up your scent before picking him up. Do not try to grab a sleeping hamster. You wouldn't like that either!

TC

 

[turkeymama]

We are learning this as we speak. We have a 2 month old teddy bear hamster that "Santa" brought.

One of the most important things we have figured out so far (besides not picking her up when she's asleep) is to wash our hands BEFORE we try to pick her up. She has only nibbled us when our hands weren't clean. The other time she nibbled me was right after I gave her a treat and the yogurt smell was still on my fingers.

We try to always hand-feed her something (either a piece of her food or a timothy-tot) prior to petting her or handling her and it seems to help. Plus, like Tuffcookie said, we put our hands inside the cage for several minutes to let her smell us before we attempt to pick her up. It is making her much less skiddish. She now responds to my voice and my daughter's voice when we call her, and we've only been working this for a week.

We've just been taking it slow and allowing her time to come to us. It seems to be working well so far.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I guess im just worried, Ive been bit many times before by my hammy. I guess im just afraid that this one is going to be too hard to handle (hes a runner). My DC wants to know, Can you train a hammy to run a maze?

 

[turkeymama]

How big is he? Aren't black bear and teddy bear hamsters the same type of hamster, but just with different hair? I'm asking because we've read that these hamsters will actually mellow out as they age. I know that isn't real helpful right now, especially if the one you're working on is young. I would only try to handle him when you have 2 sets of hands and try to do it in a confined area. That way, if he does get away from you, he can't get far. I can remember pulling out dresser drawers and furniture away from walls when I was little because our hamsters would escape and hide. Oh the joys of having fast little animals with sharp teeth.

 

[Crystal0608]

I've had a few hamsters since my childhood and the teddy bear seems to be the calmest for me and fattest lol. I've had a black bear as well, fur doesn't get along and smaller IMO. I would try to make its cage comfortable, and every hamster I've had favorite item-an old footie. They like to nest. An old towel over the cage or partial over the cage keeps them warmer also. Maybe put the hamster in a ball to roll around in a while (not picking up) and maybe he'll be calm enough to hold for a bit.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

hes let out alot, in a hammy play pen on my kitchen table (only cat safe spot to let him run without fear). I appreacate all the advice. He was picked because he was bigger. The kids wanted a dwarf orginally

 

[smschex]

DD number 4 got gerbils several months ago and had great success getting them used to being held by putting a towel down in the bath tub (with out water of course! ) and sitting it while she held them. That way if one wriggled free there was not far to fall and they were in an enclosed space and easy to catch. She coaxed them into a large clear plastic cup with a treat for the transfer from cage to tub. Now they love to be carried around with her and I never know where they will turn up!

We have had hamsters in the past and were never really able to hold them without being nipped. Part of the problem was there was a new baby in the house that kept us from consistently handling them each day. After nips that drew blood, I wore thick gloves to take them in and out of the cage.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

as soon as my aunt brings me angel she (he?) will be held daily and let out daily for table time. I spoil my pets (badly) so I hope that helps me with angel. I think I could try the bathtub thing. It could work better than what I did when I last held the hammy (over the pen on the table). It grinds its teeth alot when your holding it too.

 

[turkeymama]

OP, any luck taming the little darling yet? Ours is making progress and actually came out of the cage into my hands several times today. She is quite the social butterfly.

 

[Ohiodislover]

When we first got our hamsters we would wrap them in a large washcloth straight out of the dryer. Think swaddled baby. They felt warm and cozy while being held

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

The little darling dosent arrive till the 22nd. My aunt lives 2 hours away and is planning on sending Angel with my mom when she comes up.

 

[DVCJones]

We got my DD6 a Chinese Dwarf hamster back in Sept. She just adores "Jerry."
I don't know if we got lucky when we got this little guy, but he has been very friendly. It has nipped a few times, but nothing too hard. The nipping has become less frequent as he is handled more often. My DD plays with him every day.

I would think the more you handle them the more they become used to being handled.

Good luck!

 

[Silent1CB]

Wouldn't it be better for him to stay home and for the kids to learn how to handle him? How are they going to learn if you take the hamster?

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

Im going to tame him then the kids are going to learn to handle him, this way he's used to being held. Right now hes a runner and trys to excape there hands.

 

[C.Ann]

hes let out alot, in a hammy play pen on my kitchen table (only cat safe spot to let him run without fear). I appreacate all the advice. He was picked because he was bigger. The kids wanted a dwarf orginally

DGD received a hamster for a birthday gift back in September.. He's a pretty clam little fellow - doesn't "nip" - and loves attention.. He lives in a huge "Hamster Hotel" - with all different rooms; a wheel to run in; etc.. However, for Christmas I purchased a "Critter Car" for him - and he absolutely LOVES that thing.. When you put him inside, it's all enclosed so the cat and dog can't bother him - and it's propelled by his running in the "wheel" that's inside of it.. You should see him scooting all over the house! And if you call him by his name, he comes running right for you in his nifty blue car.. BEST investment ever!!