How To Pick Up a Hamster When You're Scared

Getting a hamster can be an exciting experience, especially if you have wanted one for a long time. Unfortunately, the first hamster cuddle can be scary for some first-time hamster parents, especially if you’re scared of being bitten or hurting the tiny furball.

Here is how to pick up a hamster when you’re scared:

Let your hamster adjust to the new environment.
Let your hamster get familiar with your presence.
Put your hand in your hamster’s cage a few times a day.
Wash your hands before you pick up your hamster.
Ensure that the room is quiet.
Put on gloves.
Have the hamster come to you.
Pick up your hamster.
Prevent your hamster from jumping off.
Help your hamster associate you with a good time.
Keep your hamster close to your body.
Talk in a soft voice.
Discipline them by blowing in their faces.
Give your hamster breaks between sessions.
Put your hamster back in its cage.

You can kickstart the rewarding journey as a hamster parent by applying the above methods. In the rest of this article, I will discuss each tip in-depth and look into some common questions about handling hamsters.

Table of Contents

1. Let Your Hamster Adjust to the New Environment

Hamsters tend to be very sensitive toward change, and going from a pet shop to a new home is scary enough. The new and unfamiliar environment can trigger survival instincts, which increases the chances of bites should you pick your hamster up before they fully acclimate.

Experts recommend allowing your hamster to adjust to the environment for about 2-3 days. This period will give them time to settle into their new surroundings and get comfortable with you being around them.

Letting hamsters settle and acclimate to the new environment means minimal handling. If your adorable furball has a lot of anxiety, you can also cover the cage with some thin cloth.

Read Why Is My Hamster Rolling On His Back?

2. Let Your Hamster Get Familiar With Your Presence

Your hamster will need to get used to you being around. In the beginning, your hamster might act defensively or hide away due to a lack of trust. By familiarizing your hamster with your presence, you can make it feel more comfortable.

An excellent way to tame your hamster is to get it accustomed to its scent. Each time you enter the room during the first three days, hold your hand outside the cage until your curious hamster comes to investigate.

Repeating this several times a day can help your hamster settle faster and speed up the taming process. After a few days (or weeks) of repeated visits, your hamster will be increasingly comfortable around you.