Handling Advice

Bryony · 01-15-2020, 09:00 AM

So I have had my Syrian hamster for about 10 days, he is 9 weeks old. He is at the stage where I can coax him onto my hand with a treat and he will sit on my hand and eat it. However, he runs straight off if I move my hand slightly so I can't really practice handling him.

He is a bit skittish so I worry that if I try to pick him up and he bites me, that I will drop him and that will be a terrible step back in taming.

Just wondering if I am moving too fast and should continue just letting him sit on my hand for a while or if maybe I should put gloves on and start getting him used to being handled?

It's my first hamster so I am unsure how fast to progress and thought maybe some people with experience could advise me!

LunaTheHamster1 · 01-15-2020, 10:51 AM

Before I advise, can I ask what species of hamster you have?

Bryony · 01-15-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

Before I advise, can I ask what species of hamster you have?

Forgot to mention he is a Syrian, I have added it to the info

cypher · 01-15-2020, 11:14 AM

Sounds as though he's doing well, you could just continue for a bit longer if you feel he may need to get a bit more confident with coming to sit on your hand for a treat.
Baby hams rarely sit still for long even if tame so it might be an idea to set up a play pen for him with a wheel & toys but sit in it with him so he can climb on you & just run around you & on & off your hand for a while to get more used to you.

LunaTheHamster1 · 01-15-2020, 12:27 PM

Ok, as he is a syrian, you could start off with setting up a cardboard box with some toys and hides and treats in and just interact with your hamster - letting him get used to your hands more.. e.g. let him wander over them and know that he is ok, not necessarily picking him up, then you could progress to just holding him a little bit up off the ground. then letting him run off again and do his thing.

Once you have tried the above and feel like he is progressing you could try some bath tub bonding if you have a bath, or use a big cardboard box, or can you section an area off that will be safe, so you can sit in the same area as your hamster, put some hides/toys out and let him wander over you, just getting used to you.

You can move him from his cage to the other area (whatever you are using) with a mug/jug, so he doesn't jump out of your hands until he is tamer.

Goodluck, do let us know how it goes.

Bryony · 01-16-2020, 08:11 AM

Thanks for all the advice! Good to know we are on the right track, i think i just needed reassurance that I'm not doing things wrong but i will continue to be patient! I actually let him free roam in my bathroom today (with lots of hides) and he loved it! Definitely good advice to get him out and about

LunaTheHamster1 · 01-16-2020, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryony

Thanks for all the advice! Good to know we are on the right track, i think i just needed reassurance that I'm not doing things wrong but i will continue to be patient! I actually let him free roam in my bathroom today (with lots of hides) and he loved it! Definitely good advice to get him out and about

Brilliant, glad to hear it is going well and he is enjoying himself.