Hamsters are lively, wonderful creatures that are easy to tame, and they are a perfect household pet. However, taming your new hamster can be difficult, but with patience and kindness, it is easy to make your hamster fond of you. Taming your hamster could take up to a week of dedicated and consistent work, but the end result is worth the effort. Here are some tips on how to successfully tame your hamster.
Understanding Your Hamster’s Nature
Before beginning the taming process, it is crucial to understand your hamster’s nature. Hamsters are prey animals and are timid by nature, so they prefer to flee rather than fight. Hammies generally stray away from predators and potentially dangerous animals in their natural habitat. You should keep this in mind while trying to tame your hamster. It will take some time for your furry friend to become comfortable around you, so don’t give up if success is not immediate.
Creating a Safe and Happy Home
First and foremost, you want your hamster to feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings. Ensure that their home is equipped with food, water, and bedding. Keeping your hamsters in a quiet and well-lit area is equally important. In addition, if you have other pets, make sure to keep them away from the hamster’s space, as the commotion could scare and stress out your hamster.
Getting Familiar with Your Hamster’s Scent
Hamsters primarily rely on their sense of smell to get comfortable in new environments. Before attempting to pick up or handle your hamster, try to interact with them by getting used to their scent. Place a small piece of fabric or tissue with your scent in their enclosure, and after a few days, place the same item outside of the enclosure so that your hamster can become accustomed to your scent.
Letting Your Hamster Adjust to Their New Home
When you first bring your hamster home, give them a few days to settle in and adjust to their new surroundings. Avoid disturbing them early on, but during this time you don’t want to completely ignore them. Alternatively, you can talk to them in a calm voice or put your hand near their cage for a few minutes a day so they can get used to your presence. As you begin to interact with them, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend with your hamster each day.
Starting the Taming Process
Finding the Best Time to Play
Hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Therefore, it’s best to approach your hammie at dusk or dawn when they are more likely to be awake and alert. Attempting to play with a sleeping or sleepy hamster is not ideal, as it can cause fear or aggression.
Using Treats to Gain Trust
One of the most effective ways to gain your hamster’s trust and bond with them is by using treats. You can entice your hamster with small pieces of fruits like apple or strawberry, vegetables like carrots, or even nuts like pumpkin seeds. Place the treat in the palm of your hand or on a flat surface and wait for your hamster to come to you to eat. This approach can help them progress to the next level of trust.
Gradually Building Trust and Interacting
As your hamster’s trust in you grows, you can start gently stroking their fur, talking to them in a soft voice, and even letting them climb or sit on your open palm. Remember to stay calm and gentle while interacting with them. Start by picking them up in their preferred method and gradually increase the amount of time you spend handling them each day. Respect your hamster’s signals to avoid fear or biting.
Reinforcing Positive Behavior with Treats
Your hamster will begin to associate positive interactions with you with a reward in the form of treats. Use the treats as a method to reinforce positive behavior, so be sure to reward your hamster every time they crawl into your hands and tolerate being held. Moreover, even if they don’t enjoy being held, don’t offer them the treat if they fight; it will make it harder for them to come to you in the future.
Maintaining a Healthy and Happy Relationship
Maintaining Consistency in Interactions
Hamsters are creatures of habit, so it’s essential to maintain a regular schedule of interaction with your pet. Make sure to spend at least thirty minutes each day playing with your hamster, even if it’s just letting them run around outside their cage. Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, such as increased aggression or sleeping for longer periods.
Providing Your Hamster with an Engaging Environment
Hamsters are lively creatures and enjoy both play and mental stimulation. Experiment with different toys, such as exercise balls, ladders, tunnels, chew toys, and mazes, to give them the chance to play and relieve any pent-up energy. Some hamsters prefer to be inside their cage, and others enjoy exploring outside their habitat. Therefore, it’s best to be observant to your hamster and see what they enjoy the most.
Knowing When to Get Help
If you feel like you have tried everything to tame your hamster but still feel like progress is not being made, consider getting professional help. A veterinarian or an experienced animal trainer may be able to offer advice or further help you in your pursuit of creating a happy and healthy relationship with your hamster.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: How long does it take to tame a hamster?
- A: It can take a week to a month to get your hamster used to you and their new environment.
- Q: Is it necessary to tame my hamster?
- A: Taming your hamster enhances the bond between you and your pet, and it also leads to easier handling and better care for your furry friend.
- Q: Why does my hamster bite me even after taming?
- A: Hamsters have different personalities, and some may take longer to warm up to you than others. Continue taming your hamster and remain consistent and patient.
Conclusion
Taming your hamster can be a challenging experience, but it’s essential for creating a long-lasting and healthy relationship with your pet. Taking the time to understand your hamster’s personality and providing them with a safe and happy home is the first step to success. Gradually building trust with treats and interactions, and encouraging positive behavior will lead to a happy and healthy relationship with your furry friend. Remember, it’s all about patience, consistency, and kindness.
References
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hamsters-taming-and-socialization
- https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/hamsters/socialising
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/taming-hamsters-pet-hamster-1238560