How To Pick Up Your Hamster?
Hamsters are a common choice for children’s first pets. They’re adorable and simple to grasp for young hands. It’s easy to see how much stress this might give a little creature, and you’re correct to wonder do hamsters like being held or How To Pick Up And Hold Your Hamster?
Hamsters are inherently frightened because they are chased by other creatures in the wild. They may attempt to protect themselves by biting or leaping out of your grasp.
If your hamster appears fearful when you pick them up, it may be best to put them in their cage instead. You may offer them treats and let them approach you on their own.
How do you pick up a hamster without scaring it?
Before Picking up your Hamster, Always Wash your Hands
It is extremely vital to wash your hands before picking up each Syrian hamster if you have several. Hamsters use their noses to “see.” If you have the fragrance of one Syrian on your hand and try to pick up another, the hamster in your hand will assume it is being attacked by the other hamster. Dwarf hamsters, which live in groups, are also affected by this.
Use unscented soap to clean. If you use fruit-scented soap or have a food-like smell on your hand, the hamster will “see” it as food.
Introduce your Hand Slowly
A hamster’s best protection mechanism in the wild is to flee. Any unexpected changes in your hamster’s environment might be quite frightening to him, so make sure he can see your hand approaching him slowly.
Before handling your pet, place your hand inside the cage. Having a giant, terrifying hand in their house will give your pet fear, so don’t grab your pet. In the wild, predators grab hamsters, and you don’t want your pet to see you as a threat, as it may flee, get uncomfortable around you, and possibly bite you! Place your hand, palm down, on the cage floor for four or five seconds before moving it towards your pet.
Treats can be Used to Attract your Hamster
It is very natural for your hamster to be frightened of your hand. If he appears frightened, try enticing him to approach you by placing treats in your palm. When he is comfortable taking such treats, he will be significantly more willing to be picked up.
The best snacks are ones that your hamster would consume in the wild. He should eat fresh veggies (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) and fruit (e.g. bananas and berries). Make sure to first chop snacks into hamster-sized pieces.
Allow your Hamster to Crawl into your Palm
Turn your palm up and wait for your hamster to crawl into your hand. This may not work at first, especially if your hamster is unfamiliar with you. They could be terrified of your hand and try to avoid it. They will, however, get used to your presence and crawl into your palms after a few sessions.
Taking out your Hamster from his Cage
Lifting up your hamster may be quite confusing and terrifying. Face him towards you in your hands before raising him up. This will provide him with a focus point, making him less likely to jump when you raise him up. Slowly and carefully lift him.
As you lift your hamster, he may begin to bite your hand. Hopefully, his bites will not be strong enough to break the skin but will serve as a warning indication that he is worried. Again, try not to react to any bites and be calm.
If he begins to bite, softly blow a blow of air on his face. Because of the smell of your breath, he should take a step back and blink, allowing you to release your hand from his teeth.
Put Back your Hamster in their Cage with Care.
When you put hamsters back in their cage, they tend to jump. It is important to pay great attention to this stage in order to keep your hamster safe. Cup your hands to prevent your hamster from jumping, but don’t pressure them since this may cause it to feel afraid.
When your hands are securely in the cage, remove your upper hand and let the hamster wander off your hand. Dropping them in can lead them to become afraid.
Hold your Hamster Frequently
Repeat three times a day for many days, or until your pet eagerly seeks out your hands when you open the cage. It’s okay to start holding your pet for extended amounts of time at this point, and you probably don’t need to give them a treat every time you hold them.
Do not Punish your Hamster
Hamsters, unlike other animals such as dogs, have no idea of bad behaviour or punishment. The majority of the time, hamsters perform “bad” behaviours out of fear or boredom.
Distract your hamster with a toy or a reward if it is biting you. A nibble usually indicates that they are testing your smell. If your hamster bites you hard, it implies it is afraid and does not want to be in your hand. Hamsters are naturally prey animals and are quickly frightened.
What causes your hamster to bite will be revealed over time. Encourage positive behaviour with treats, and avoid doing things that stress your hamster.
7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Hamster
Hamsters are tiny and delicate creatures. If they are not properly cared for, they are prone to a variety of ailments. We are here to guide you on how to take care of your little buddy, what to feed them and how to treat them when they are sick or not feeling well. Keep visiting for more and support us by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.