Hamster beginner, taming advice needed

[cypher]

Having them calmly sit on your hand takes time, it's only natural for a young energetic ham to want to run around exploring rather than sit still being stroked!
Just be patient, continue doing what you are already & with time he should calm down a bit, some always remain a bit hyper but most will enjoy cuddles more after a while.

[AprilPearl]

Most hamsters don't sit calmly on hands/laps. Some breeder hamsters will, as they have been bred for a calm temperament, but pet shop hamsters are naturally more active. In time, he may sit still for short periods of time. But, he's probably never going to be sitting on your for, say, half an hour at a time! He will slow down as he gets older, but hamsters are not "lap pets", like cats. Very rarely, you might get one who will sit still on you for hours, but it's not really in their nature. This doesn't mean that he's afraid of you, though. I actually like that hamsters are so active as it gives them personality and it's fun to watch them hurrying about doing this and that.

If you're looking for a rodent which will sit happily on your for hours, then guinea pigs are the pet for you. They are so calm and cuddly and I loved mine dearly. But, I have to admit that hamsters are more fun. In my experience of guinea pigs, they are like cuddly toys. They are happy to be picked up and if you put them down they wait to be picked up again. They cuddle into your chest and will stay put until they need to pee. And, this sounds very nice. But, you can't play with them like you can with hamsters. Your kids will probably get more enjoyment out of a hamster as a more active pet and could become bored with guinea pigs.

[flowerfairy]

My guinea pigs are definately not fans of being held. One will tolerate it but the other two ... No way!

[sniffles]

Thanks for the replies, we've adjusted our expectations! The hamster's doing even better since I posted, he's almost completely comfortable being picked up and has also been let loose on the living room floor and unlike previous times doesn't immediately head under the sofa/tv. I agree active's probably better and the kids are enjoying him.