Stages of taming / when is "tame"?

[caro317]

Since joining this forum I've noticed quite a few people are like me going through the taming process although having different experiences, and some are saying their hamster is "tame" but what does this really mean? In my head it means will walk straight onto your hands, then sit still with you for a while, and climb on you but never try to jump or run off. What does everyone else think?

Also it's good to celebrate the small achievements during the taming process, especially if it's taking a long time to reduce frustration and recognise what you are actually achieving. So what would everyone say are the main stages of the taming process that are milestones we should celebrate? Off the top of my head I think this:

1. Hamster has had time to get used to their cage and listen to your voice.
2. Hamster sniffs your hand and learns your (washed hands) smell
3. Takes a treat from your hand
4. Able to lift hamster with hands for a moment and let climb straight off
5. Able to lift in hands and do small amount of hand walking
6. Hamster walks straight into your hands willingly

I feel like there's something I'm missing between being able to lift the hamster and them coming to you willingly but please add to this as needed. Just thought others going through the same process might find this helpful.

[Pouches]

Hi caro,
I think "taming" is a misnomer. You can't really tame a wild animal, you can domesticate them and to a point desensitize them to what would in nature would elicit a response. In regards to what you're referring to, some hamsters will never willingly climb into your hands and yet others will try to climb up your hand any time your hand is in their cage. It really depends on the hammie.
This whole process can be rather quick if you got the hammie at a young age, and as they get older it generally takes longer to get them to a point where a hand is no onger perceived as a threat.

[ham888]

I agree with Pouches, I'm not sure any of my hams have ever walked onto my hand but they were (and are) all quite happy to be picked up, no struggle and no attempts to bite. If I put my hand in Chocolate's tank she'll just sniff it and walk away, then stand up and want to be picked up. IMO I'd change (6) to 'happy to be picked up and handled generally' - 1-5 seem fine, especially 1-3.

[Pouches]

I do have a few who will try to climb up my hand if it's in their cage, but the majority of them don't investigate unless they smell something yummy.

[rikki1991]

Originally Posted by ham888

I agree with Pouches, I'm not sure any of my hams have ever walked onto my hand but they were (and are) all quite happy to be picked up, no struggle and no attempts to bite. If I put my hand in Chocolate's tank she'll just sniff it and walk away, then stand up and want to be picked up. IMO I'd change (6) to 'happy to be picked up and handled generally' - 1-5 seem fine, especially 1-3.

I guess it all depends on the hamster and there are no set steps every hamster will follow. My Peanut will happily come running over and get on my hand and a lot of hamsters wont. If i try to pick he up any other way she struggles so much its hard to keep hold of her (I have only done it once to remove her from a potentially dangerous situation it stresses her too much to do any other time)

[hammy2]

Because Zoes home has lots of tubes and compartments when I'd like Zoes attention I lightly tap or scratch on the part I want her in and she follows the noise. She climbs out on the own accord and walks onto my hand

[Ilovehamsters]

I have had my new ham for 3 days and he is already running up to my hand and climbing on it and waiting to be picked up! And he has only been here a few days! I say that one tip is TREATS you need them! Asscociate you picking them up/getting them out by giving them a treat if they come near you or put treats on your hand so they can eat them off your hand! He runs right up to me and sits on my hand and waits till I put him down again but he never gets off lol! xD Have fun with your new ham!

[Tam909]

i just got my Syrian boy yesterday at almost 7 weeks old and he was wanting out of his carrier immediately. He looked so friendly and inquisitive in the store! so i had him a few hours and he was running around my hand and today he's in his proper big cage and i was adjusting his hammock and he crawled onto me!
This is what i would usually do if the hamster wasn't so chilled like my baby Arthur
1. I think the first stage is getting him used to you and not being shy if your hand is in the cage and letting you stroke him.
2. Him sitting on your hand/ eating food from your hand
3.him sitting on your hand while it's moving about.
4. Him not wanting off.
5. i think tame is all this ^ and never ever biting you (unless you smell of sweeties!)
Goodluck!