Always let your hamster sniff at your closed fist before attempting to pick them up. Do not surprise them. [5] X Research source Always handle your hamster over a table or while sitting on the ground. Otherwise, your hamster might suffer a serious injury if they squirm out of your grasp. A fall of only one foot can seriously injure a hamster. [6] X Research source If your hamster tries to squirm away or bites you, put it back in its cage. It is tired of being held.
Don’t play in an area with a small space that your hamster can squeeze into to hide, such as underneath couches or drawers. Bathrooms are convenient enclosed space to play in, but be sure to shut the toilet lid. Consider purchasing a hamster playpen to make sure your pet can’t escape. It should be larger than the hamster’s cage. Also consider covering the pen with a mesh screen so your pet can’t escape. Purchasing a child’s wading pool is an easy way to provide an enclosed, inexpensive play space.
Search near the hamster’s cage first. Look in small places: behind and underneath furniture, in between cushions on sofas and chairs, on bookshelves, in drawers, and inside shoes, tissues boxes, and shoe boxes. If your search fails, leave the cage open and place your hamster’s favorite food near and inside it. Turn out the lights and wait for your hamster to come. If that fails, set out some food before you go to sleep and surround it with flour so that your hamster’s tracks lead you back to its hiding place.
The wheel should be large enough that your hamster’s back does not bend. [13] X Research source Solid wheels are preferable, as your hamsters toes or legs may get caught between the bars of a wire wheel. [14] X Research source Check the wheel periodically to make sure it is rotating freely. Remove any obstructions as needed and grease with olive oil or vegetable oil.
Be sure you are seated on the ground so that your hamster doesn’t hurt themself if they fall. Make sure you are in an enclosed area so your hamster can’t escape. [19] X Research source Limit your time handling your hamster to 10-15 minutes, and for the first few times only 3-4 minutes. If you handle your hamster for too long, they will try to escape or bite you. [20] X Research source
Paper towel or toilet paper tubes Tissue or shoe boxes Paper bags Shoes Ramps (a propped up piece of wood or cardboard) Cereal boxes
Junk food: pizza, chocolate, potato chips, pickles, salted peanuts or other high salt foods Citrus fruits, dried fruits, fruit pips, or apple seeds Iceberg lettuce, parsley, or rhubarb Avocado, eggplant, onions, peppers, mushrooms, or garlic Potatoes, kidney beans or red beans Red meat
