Taming Your Hamster
We make our best effort to breed for temperament and we handle our hamster pups regularly from the time their eyes begin to open at two weeks of age. Regardless, hamsters are prey animals, and they are naturally wary of strange sounds and smells. It may take some time for your new hamster to trust and appreciate your attention. Once they do trust you, they will often run up to your hand and try to climb up your arm.
Often hamsters will show cage aggression or nervousness, they are typically much more relaxed with you once they are out of the cage. Imagine if you were a tiny hamster and a strange hand was coming from up above to reach in and grab you! If you are trying to pick up your hamster from his cage, and he is running away from you, flipping over onto his back, baring or chattering teeth, let your hamster be for the moment. Come back later with a treat to offer or coax your hamster into a secure container and then pick him up using the container. It’s silly, but the bathtub is a great safe place to get to know your pet. Place a towel on the bathtub floor, bring some treats or toys, sit down in the bathtub and let your hamster run around and explore.
Be careful! Hamster pups are super squirmy and jumpy! They tend to mellow out as they age. They WILL jump from your hands so make sure you have a secure hold and find a place to sit while holding your hamster. Small children need adult supervision to make sure your hamster does not get injured or unduly stressed.
Our favorite veterinarian service is Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services and we use them for regular vet care.
We also use Pender Vet Exotics, particularly for emergencies.