Hamster and children

[Womblehands]

i agree with the posts, i would just allow them to feed him through the bars. i'm so protective of my hammies also..his safety comes first.

[debs]

^^ agree

[Caisu]

It sounds like you've tried really hard to make it work, but some children will just be too young or too excitable to handle small animals safely until they get older. Don't feel bad about it, it'll be better for both the children and your Bogey in the long run if you don't let them handle him until they can do so properly! Good luck!

[DeweyTheHammy]

Lucky for me I've never had this problem!
The younest person I've had hold Dewey was 11 (I'm only 14 myself :P) and she has a hamster of her own as well and she's one of my best friends as we've known eachother since we were toddlers. But Dewey is a pretty calm hamster and doesn't mind much.
I don't have any cousins or neices or nephews or anything. But I did have a 5 year old at my house once and I just moved Dewey and Bloo's cages to a different room so she wouldn't see them

But I would keep the hams away form the little kids like you said if they just can't figure out how to handle them correctly. Maybe just do as someone else said and just hold him while they hand him treats??

[cassiew]

thanks again for ur replys. yeah ill let them handle him when there older. can feed him treats thru cage thats cool.

[Dora]

if they wont be taught then i wouldnt let them handle bogey for his own safety and well being. i have a 3yo and he is very gentle with dora.. but he wouldnt be allowed for obvious reasons to take her from her cage although i do let him forever have access to her when she is in her pen.. or i sit him down and let her roam about him and he can stroke.. or while she in my hands he can stroke.. he also feeds through the cage.

[Amethyst_ice]

i personally dont encourage any feeding through bars because it can encourage snatching. Better to put some food on hand, you hold their hand and let hammy take from hand x