Hamsters make great pets in the United States of America, but they aren’t quite as low maintenance as you might expect. Domesticated initially in the 1700s, they didn’t become commonly domesticated or bred pets in the United States until the late 1940s. But that doesn’t mean they can’t make excellent and loving pets with the proper training.
Here are 9 tips on how to tame a hamster:
- Start with a pup.
- Check out videos on taming a hamster.
- Make sure they have a comfortable home.
- Talk to them.
- Handle them often and carefully.
- Give them plenty of time.
- Use treats mindfully.
- Give them time outside their cage.
- Get them used to waking up.
How To Tame a Hamster – 9 Tips
Read on to learn more details on how to tame a hamster.
1. Start With a Pup
This won’t always be possible, but if you can, starting with a pup can make the process of taming a hamster much easier. Pups can grow up without exposure to people in pet stores tapping on their glass or mishandling them. This reduces trauma that must be healed before you can tame your hamster.
Of course, you don’t want a pup that’s still weening. A hamster pup can safely be removed from its mother at 21 – 28 days. Depending on the size of the litter, this might increase to decrease the number of days, but you shouldn’t attempt any sooner than 21 days, if possible. Watch for breeders who don’t follow this guideline, as it can be detrimental to the health of your new furry friend.
You should also ask how they’ve been handled when buying a pup. Some breeders won’t handle new litters at all, nor will some pet stores that have mothers. But pups should be touched starting at around 14 days.
This gives them a chance to socialize and adjust to humans. A pup that has been exposed to some touch and holding will better integrate into their new home and family.
Check out, How To Take Care of a Hamster
2. Check Out Videos on Taming a Hamster
Before you bring your new hamster home, watch some videos on how to tame, train and prepare for them. There are great channels dedicated to teaching the proper way to care for rodents, which are considered exotic pets. The better informed you are, the better your taming efforts will be.
Read How To Clean Hamster Cage
3. Make Sure They Have a Comfortable Home
The number of people who go into getting a hamster not knowing what qualifies as a suitable cage is a bit shocking. Pet stores tend to be less than helpful in guiding them. Some will end up with small, cramped spaces, while others might get the wrong type of cage altogether. When taming a hamster, it’s critical that you provide them with the perfect home.
Having the wrong cage can lead to anxiety, aggression, or even cause serious health issues. Bumblefoot (a common and dangerous infection) may develop due to walking on wire floors.
They can chew on metal bars, which can hurt their teeth or cause them to ingest metal shavings. Even using too shallow of a base where they can’t burrow might lead to severe complications down the line.
Cages with a deep, plastic bin with bedding are best to start with. Wire tops are fine, as they won’t lead to chewing in the way all wire cages might. There should be ramps, wheels, and plenty of boxes or places to hide. Add in something to chew