My hamster attacks the toothbrush

[Aisling and hamster]

Hi, so i have been taming my syrian hamster using erinshamsters method. I'm having trouble on the third step which is rubbing your hamster. she says to rub the hamster with a toothbrush first in case he bites. but when my hamster sees the toothbrush he attacks it. Any tips to stop this would be great

[CMB]

It may take time before the hamster will let you stroke it with the toothbrush. You could try distracting it with food. Something you can hold so the hamster doesn't just pouch it, but bites bits off. Then stroke it with the toothbrush.

[Kissa]

To be honest, my advice is to stop trying to stroke your hamster with a toothbrush. I don't think it is doing either you or your hamster any favours, it sounds like it is just irritating your hamster.

I tend to favour the "just get on with it" taming approach, but then I am not afraid of hamster bites because I have cats who like to chew my hands in play If you're concerned about bites, I've heard people have success with wearing some kind of gloves to protect hands.

[cypher]

I agree with Kissa, I would expect a ham to attack a toothbrush tbh! Most don't bite, just introduce your hand slowly, let your ham approach you rather than forcing your hand on him to begin with & he should be fine.

[Aisling and hamster]

Originally Posted by CMB

It may take time before the hamster will let you stroke it with the toothbrush. You could try distracting it with food. Something you can hold so the hamster doesn't just pouch it, but bites bits off. Then stroke it with the toothbrush.

Thanks for your help.

[Aisling and hamster]

Originally Posted by Kissa

To be honest, my advice is to stop trying to stroke your hamster with a toothbrush. I don't think it is doing either you or your hamster any favours, it sounds like it is just irritating your hamster.

I tend to favour the "just get on with it" taming approach, but then I am not afraid of hamster bites because I have cats who like to chew my hands in play If you're concerned about bites, I've heard people have success with wearing some kind of gloves to protect hands.

ya I'll do that it sounds easier then the toothbrush method. thanks for your help