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View Full Version : Can you tame a hamster?


kashumz
Apr 9, 2007, 12:03 PM
I have a panda hamster names bamboo

She's 8 weeks old and I've had her a little over a week, not very long I know

She bites a lot and I want to know if there's a way to tame a hamster so they don't bite as much
Because I don't like picking her up anymore because I'm afraid she'll bite me and it takes the fun out of having a hamster for a pet

Any advice?

Clough
Apr 9, 2007, 12:08 PM
You might find some information helpful to you on the following sites. I hope that you do.

Taming your hamster (http://www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/petplanet/2005/05/10/smanimalhealth/tamingyourhamster.html)

Hamster Hideout - Hamster Care - Handling (http://www.hamsterhideout.com/handling.html)

http://www.geocities.com/taffy3001/handling.html

http://www.geocities.com/myhamster/naach/taming.html

Rhahavy
May 9, 2007, 03:37 PM
I have a panda hamster names bamboo

shes 8 weeks old and I've had her a little over a week, not very long I know

She bites alot and I wanna know if theres a way to tame a hamster so they dont bite as much
because I dont like picking her up anymore because im afraid she'll bite me and it takes the fun out of having a hamster for a pet

any advice?

Well, I also have a hamster and she used to bite very much, but after she got used to me, she wouldn't bit as much. All you have to do is try feed or petting your hamster with your hands and talk to it gently, that way your hamster will get used to you and it will recognize your voice when you call it. To pick it up I was scared to, but after your hamster gets used to you it will be easier for you to handle your hamster. First wash your hands really well so when your hamster smells you it won't mistake you for food. Then place you're your hand on the bottom of your hamsters cage. Let your hamster crawl in hand hand. When your hamster is in your hand lift her up slowly and gently. Cover her body with your other hand, that way your hamsters head will poke out so it could see what's happening around her. Do this several times a day, then your hamster will get used to this routine.

P.S. Only pick up your hamster in the evening, like about 7:00-10:00
Sincerely,
Rhahavy

tigerfeather
May 10, 2007, 09:14 PM
A few things that will make training easier:

1. Don't wake her up to pet her or play with her, make sure they she is fully awake (eyes open, ears perked up) before trying to handle her
2. Don't pick her up from above her, instead scoop under her. Hamsters are prey animals and they have an instinctive fear of things coming down on them from above
3. Give her lots of yummy treats while you're holding her, it'll reinforce that you're a good thing!

Good luck with your hamster. =)

brandy681
May 22, 2007, 06:44 PM
Growing up I was raised with hamsters and I don't ever remember being bit by one but I also handled them a lot, if they did bite it did not hurt at all. One time one escaped and I couldn't find him and I tried to trap him but it did not work, this made him wild because I could never catch the little guy. I left human and hamster food out for him and water and I would only see him once in a blue moon and he would run so fast behind the stove, refrigerator, etc that I never could get a close look at him. Anyway one day I woke up and the hamster drowned in the sink, he climbed all the way up and must have fell in. He was HUGE, I mean this hamster was the biggest hamster I have ever seen. I guess he was getting fat by eating all kinds of food. Anyway I suggest holding the hamster as much as possible, wear gloves at first if you have to but he will eventually get used to but it shouldn't take long.

csussa
Aug 27, 2007, 12:17 PM
I have a panda hamster names bamboo

shes 8 weeks old and I've had her a little over a week, not very long I know

She bites alot and I wanna know if theres a way to tame a hamster so they dont bite as much
because I dont like picking her up anymore because im afraid she'll bite me and it takes the fun out of having a hamster for a pet

any advice?
Don't worry I've heard that you can try talcon powder on your hands which they won't bite and its called lime something or lemon and it cums in gel and spray and in a animal shop you will find this in the gerbil section or parrot and you rub or spray on your hand and they go to bite you and get a taste of disgust and don't bite! Don't be frightened

mysteryperson123
Jan 3, 2008, 01:16 PM
My sister had a really naughty hamster and she never picked it up because she was so scared that Nutter (the hamster) obviously sensed it, one day a friend came round and picked Nutter up (with my sisters permission) totally unafraid, he was fine, in the end because my sister was too afraid to pick the hamster up and because the friend was the only one brave enough to pick Nutter up we let our friend keep him and he has a better home than before now. I think you just need to try and get the hamster used to you and you just shouldn't be afraid or worried.

csussa
Mar 5, 2008, 10:42 AM
I had this with my hamster stroke it and whisper to it nicely so it gets use tu you!
Don't be afraid hamsters sense this and will bite.
Also feed it treats like put treats on your hand and let it climb on your hand and it will become tame!
Mine is very tame and I love him so much <<<DP! He is only 9 months and don't worry it will all be OK just let it get used to u.

csussa
Mar 5, 2008, 10:44 AM
Sorry tu say this but female hamsters are more aggressive then males as females get older they get more aggitated and aggressive (well I don't no if its true, not always but I've red it in a book and on web) but males stay docile as they get older.

teghancat
Mar 17, 2008, 10:05 AM
Hmmm... I have a hamster EXACTLY like bamboo. Her name is fizz and I am constantly getting bitten. Try putting gloves on and handling her/hand feeding her, she will supposedly eventually get used to your gloved hand, take the glove off and try. Also, before you try and pick her up, make sure your hands don't have weird smells on them (wash with warm water and no soap) Some of these suggestions worked for me, but my hamster is still feisty. I think it's just their personality.

Blue Moon
May 17, 2009, 11:02 AM
Hi!
My dwarf russian hamster had to be put down yesterday (so sad) and he used to bite a lot too. So if your nervous about handling your hamster try not to be otherwise he'll sense it and maybe bite more. It helps to wear gloves so if he does bite it won't hurt. Put him in an open top box (I used a medium storage box) or a cardboard box that is fairly big. Put in a few toys he's familier with and put your hands in a cupped shape. Let him run into them if he wants and if he does raise your hands just a little bit so he can jump off if he wants.
Hope I helped
And pray that my hamster is safe in heaven.

shazamataz
May 17, 2009, 11:10 AM
Sorry to hear about your hamster Blue Moon, I'm sure he is happy where he is now :)

I've never owned a hamster but if I did I would try your method of taming them! Good advice.

joyluo1999
Jul 17, 2009, 10:21 AM
It's not good to pick hamsters up as soon as you get them. Give it some time to get use to you.

Irabluebird12
Oct 5, 2010, 06:04 AM
My hamster is very tame he never ever bite me.One day I washed my hands with some sweet smelling soap,and then,he bit me!when the smell is gone,he is totally fine with me.don't wash your hands with something that have scent if he gets used to your smell.

Alty
Oct 5, 2010, 02:18 PM
Very old thread.

Closed.