Is there such a thing as too much handling?

Yzma · 03-01-2015, 04:55 PM

I read that you should have your dwarf hamster out with you for at least 20 minutes per day, but I'm wondering if there is any upper limit? I think I take her out for about 15-20 minutes 2 - 3 times a day (only after she has been awake for quite some time), and was wondering if this is just stressful for her? Should I give her more space? She hasn't seemed to react badly to it yet, I just want to make sure. Sorry xD

Cheetobandito · 03-01-2015, 07:17 PM

I don't have much experience with dwarfs, but
I'd say it depends on your hamsters behaviour, if she is tamed and friendly, then I don't think it would hurt, but otherwise it may stress them out too much. if your cage is small, then maybe out of cage activity should be increased?
again, I don't know dwarfs as well, but hope I help.
-Cheeto

Teddy001 · 03-01-2015, 07:47 PM

I have an dwarf hamster. I handle her, a few times per day, when she is up and about, just to keep her familiar with human touch, and of course for bonding reasons.. but, tbh, she really doesn't appear to be bothered by being held, although, I do not hold her too long, each time. I'd say, 15 min. max., or when she looks as though, she acts a bit nervous, then I will put her back in her cage.

cypher · 03-02-2015, 12:53 AM

It really depends on the hamster some like more interactive time than others but if you are overdoing it with yours she'll most likely show signs of reluctance when you try to get her out of the cage so just watch to see how eager & active she seems when you try to handle her or take her out.
I find all of mine tend to have different spots in the cage where they'll sit to groom or eat & show signs that they want to be left alone in there space, when they do that I respect it & wait until they want to come out.
As long as she seems happy with what you're doing & not stressed at all you probably have no need to worry.

Yzma · 03-02-2015, 04:18 AM

Thank you! I appreciate all of the advice!

I never take her out unless she herself climbs onto my hand willingly, so I hope that means she doesn't mind xD She always seems super energic too, so that's good, I guess

Thank you, again! ^^

Yzma · 03-02-2015, 04:19 AM

Thank you! I appreciate all of the advice!

I never take her out unless she herself decides to climb onto my hand, so I suppose that's a good sign

She always also seems very energic, so that's good, I guess

Thank you again! Specially you, Cypher! You're always so helpful, I just smile whenever I see a reply from you

Artisans_uk · 03-02-2015, 04:25 AM

Much as others have said, go by the behaviour of your hamster. If they show signs of not wanting to come out then leave them alone or if they are out and seem to be trying to tell you that they've had enough, then let them go back to their cage.

I have found that my hams are very good at telling me what they want, I just have to be ready to read their signs. Bracken has just made an appearance and made her circuit to see if I am about, if I'd called her and she had wanted to come out, she would have gone to the end cap on her tube which is one of the exit points for her and waited for me to remove the cap. If I'm working away but she's determined to have my attention, then she'll lick the end cap which makes a scratchy noise, over the months, she's actually roughened the surface of that cap!

Rue, will tell me when she's had enough of being in the playpen, she'll scuttle up to the top of the burrow box via the ladder and then look for me before taking up position to leap off the top....of course, she knows that my hand will be there for her before she takes the leap!

They will tell us mostly, we just have to be ready to listen.

cypher · 03-02-2015, 05:21 AM

Aww thanks! Just happy to help Yzma

kittokitty · 03-02-2015, 08:30 AM

Hamsters need time to do their own thing - I mean, imagine being picked up and cuddled for a few hours a day :P

Yzma · 03-02-2015, 11:52 AM

I wouldn't take her out for hours a day. 30-60 minutes per day, usually. Thank you though, Kitto, I'll be careful not to go over an hour in total

Artisans, your hamsters sound so adorable and intelligent! I know they usually show signs, but they depend greatly on their personality I think. I have had two hamsters previously, and they seem to be on three different sides of a triangle xD Completely different xDD I'm just scared that because she's new, I'm not that good on picking up on her signs just yet. I never take her out without her climbing on me though. I assume she would just avoid my hand if she didn't want to go out