can I just scoop my hamster up?

banin · 02-03-2013, 12:07 PM

I got a new hammy yesterday and he runs away everytime I put my hand in the cage, so I was gonna say can I just pick him up, not in the scary way where i grab and lift, just cup my hands around him so we has no choice but to climb into my hands and crawl about. Its just I literally haven't even stroked him since bringing him home. In the pet shop he was running around on me, but at home he won't come near me. He seems quite settled in his cage made himself a little hideout where he sleeps and eats and pretty much does everything, he runs around the cage climbing and stuff but won't come near me

psl · 02-03-2013, 12:16 PM

Usually it would take a while before your hammy can come to your hand when it come to taming.
I usually have a treat elt him come to you if he take it just do it gently he will eventually come to you
If you have a ball put it in where he come out the door and let him come in the ball then sit in the bath and let him come out and run over that way he cant escape I did this with daughter for two weekends as she had bed time routine usually in bed when he just started to come out and now we had him for nearly we can put our hand in and he come on that when you can start cupping your hand
I hope im right on this as this is our second hamster but that what we did we just let him get on with on with his cage every night coming to changing his water we usually talk to him get him to know your voice aswell.

samincittagazze · 02-03-2013, 12:21 PM

It can take quite a while for a new hammy to settle in, and a day isn't very long. I would suggest, like psl, that you give him some time.

There are some great taming tips on the wiki here - Taming tips - Hamster Central WIKI

FinalStraw · 02-03-2013, 12:28 PM

He is likely just adjusting to his new home, everything is new for him. In the past when I have had a new hammy I let them settle in for a few days before introducing my hand for small periods of time, whilst talking softly. I don't chase them around, just keep my hand still and they can explore if they are curious.

He will get used to your presence and voice soon enough. You can then offer treats on your palm and see if he will climb on your hand. If he does and is busy eating you can try and stroke him gently. Simply, it's just a case of building trust. This is what has worked for me in the past. I'm sure he will love being held in no time

banin · 02-03-2013, 12:43 PM

Okay, thanks I'll try leaving him alone for a few day before trying to put my hand in, as i just attempted to stroke him as he was eating and he threw himself onto his back but I removed my hand from the cage and he carried on eating so I don't think I scared him too much. I'm just worried he's going to get used to being alone all the time and never want to be handled

psl · 02-03-2013, 12:56 PM

No he will be fine he need to get used to his new surrounding as long he eating and drinking then he will be fine. Like all we said it will take a while and one thing you dont want to make him stress out....it can take up a week before being handled just let him hear you and that you going to feed him and drink.

also you need to be patience aswell.

racinghamster · 02-04-2013, 04:54 AM

Hi. You really need to take a back seat for a few weeks and just work around your hamster and not try to lift him too soon. He is still settling in and a few days is nowhere near long enough for a hamster to accept you or his new surroundings. Hamsters rely mostly on their smell and hearing rather than their eyesight, so you need to be aware of this. When a hamster throws itself onto it`s back or makes noise, it`s a warning and a hamster will bite if scared or stressed, so try not to provoke these actions and if he`s taking longer than usual to calm down, you can always take the lid off his cage and allow him to come out onto your knee on HIS terms. Taming should always be done with consideration of the hamsters environment and temperament.

Patience is always needed and rewards follow.