Do not mistake scenting for nervousness or anxiety. This is his way of settling in and knowing where things are in his cage. [2] X Research source Approach his cage slowly and talk to him in a low and soothing voice while he is adjusting to his new home. It won’t take long for him to become used to your voice and even respond to it. [3] X Research source
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so your hamster will be fully awake in the evenings. [5] X Research source If you would like to wake him up, speak to him in a soft voice. However, it is better to wait until he has woken up on his own.
Wash your hands between handling each hamster. Wash your hands with unscented soap before holding your hamster(s). Fruit-scented soap could make your hands look like a tasty piece of fruit to you hamster!
It may help to move his cage down to the floor before picking him up so you can already be seated when you reach into his cage.
Your hamster may jump off your hands before you have the chance to lift him up. That’s okay—he may be scared of being in your hands at first. Let him jump on and off your hands as much as he wants until he’s comfortable with being held. [6] X Research source Your hamster may nibble your hand as a way to investigate something new in his environment. Be careful not to jerk your hand away—this would frighten him and possibly make it harder for you to hold him. Be mindful that it may take a few days before your hamster will feel comfortable enough for you to lift him out of his cage.
Your hamster could become disoriented if you lift him up with his back to you. Don’t be surprised if your hamster bites your hands when you lift him up. These are little ‘warning’ bites to let you know he is feeling alarmed. [7] X Research source Blowing a soft puff of air in his face should stop the biting. Holding your hamster close to you may lessen his anxiety, as well as make him less likely to jump. If your hamster continues to bite your hands, or seems really uncomfortable with being held, gently lower him back into his cage. Continuing to hold him when he’s uncomfortable will frighten him even more. Gently curving your fingers around his body could get him more comfortable with being held.
Depending on your hamster’s comfort level, you may have to place him back in his cage sooner than you want to. That’s okay—it may take him a while to be comfortable with being held. The first few times you hold him, hold him for about a minute. Gradually increase the time as he becomes more comfortable with you. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Your hand’s presence could increase your hamster’s stress level. Instead of eventually coming to your hand and accepting treats, he will probably just run and hide. [10] X Research source For Syrian hamsters, it is recommended to start holding them as soon as their acclimation period is over. [11] X Research source
Do not try to pull him off your finger, or, even worse, flick him off when he bites. Trying to pull him off will cause him to bite even harder, and flicking him off could seriously injure him.
