Of the various types of dwarf hamsters (Campbell's Russian Dwarf, Siberian Winter White, and Roborovski), the Campbell's Russian Dwarf is the most popular pet choice. Regardless of the dwarf hamster species you have, all hamsters can be tamed using the same method. Taming a dwarf hamster by holding it will make it more friendly to you, your family, and friends.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Your Hamster Accustomed to Your Presence
Step 1. Let him get used to his new environment
Pygmy hamsters look so cute and adorable that you might want to get hold of them right away. However, when he brought him home, he needed some time to get used to his new cage. Give him a day or so to explore his new environment and learn the positions of various objects in his cage. The more comfortable he is in his cage, the easier it will be for you to tame him.
During the adaptation process, your hamster will also learn about your activities and movements around the house
Step 2. Spend some quiet time with your hamster
While giving him time to adapt to you and his cage, try spending time near his cage without interacting with him. For example, you could sit next to his cage and watch television or read a book. He will feel comfortable in your quiet presence before you can begin to tame him.
Step 3. Talk to him
After your hamster has stayed for a few days, start talking to him so he can get used to your voice. If you have a Russian dwarf hamster, this step is very important because hamsters cannot see very well. If your hamster recognizes your voice, there's a good chance it won't bite when held or picked up. Even if you don't have a Russian dwarf hamster, your hamster will still love to hear your voice.
When talking to your hamster, use a calm, soft voice
Part 2 of 3: Holding a Dwarf Hamster
Step 1. Choose the right time to tame it
Hamsters are nocturnal animals so they are active at night. Choose a time in the afternoon or evening (eg after dinner) as the hamster may be awake. If you see him just waking up, give him 15 minutes to "collect the souls" before trying to hold him.
If the hamster is sleeping, do not wake it. If you do, he will startle, mistake you for a threat, and try to bite you instead. Therefore, wait until it wakes up on its own
Step 2. Wash your hands
Before handling a dwarf hamster, wash your hands first to remove food odors. If your hamster smells food on your hands, it will think your hands are food and will bite them instead. Use unscented soap when washing your hands.
Step 3. Lower the position and insert your hands into the cage
Shape your palms like a bowl and slowly lower your hands into the cage. Talk to your hamster with your hands down to let him know where you are and not see you as a threat. Don't move suddenly or make noise when you put your hand in the cage, as this can startle and frighten her.
- If your hamster is still reluctant to climb into your arms, try placing a tasty treat in your hand to entice him.
- If snacking doesn't work, try using a sauce, a gravy spoon, or a large spoon. Place a spoon or anchor on the floor of the cage and let it climb onto it (don't pick it up with a spoon or anchor). Once you've removed the anchor or spoon from the cage, transfer the hamster to your hands.
Step 4. Pick up the hamster and let it explore you
Once your hamster is sitting or standing comfortably in your arms, slowly lift it closer to your body. If you can, position him so that he is facing you. If he can see you, he won't feel confused, anxious, and frightened when he's lifted up.
- After you remove the hamster from the cage, let it walk on your arm or body. By exploring you, your hamster will feel more comfortable in your presence. As much as possible, stay still and calm as he climbs and moves on top of you.
- Try sitting or lying down so he can crawl and move more easily.
Step 5. Hold your hamster every day
Taming a dwarf hamster requires daily practice. Try holding it several times a day for five minutes. With daily practice, your hamster will become more docile and easier to hold.
Try holding it at the same time every day. That way, he knows when you will arrive and holds him
Part 3 of 3: Learning Taming Tips
Step 1. Learn the difference between biting and nibbling
The hamster may bite your hand when you try to tame it. It will bite when it feels threatened or frightened. Hamsters will bite if they feel bored in their cage or feel sick. On the other hand, dwarf hamsters also use their bites as a way to test and explore their environment.
While not strong enough to make your hands or body parts bleed, the bite can take you by surprise. Compared to attack bites, small bites are less painful
Step 2. Show an appropriate reaction if your hamster bites you
If he bites you, blow air into his face. Hamsters don't like this aerial shot, but won't hurt them. By blowing air into his face, your hamster will understand that he can't bite you anymore. Even if the bite takes you by surprise, don't drop it because it could hurt or sustain injury.
- Put some toys in his cage (eg rolls of toilet paper or paper towels) to reduce boredom and possibly break his biting habit.
- If extra toys or blowing air into his face aren't enough to stop his biting, take him to the vet for a check-up.
Step 3. Don't put your hand in the cage (when you're not training or taming it)
Russian dwarf hamsters are very protective of their territory. If you have a Russian pygmy hamster, it will react violently to your hand in its cage and may try to bite it, especially if it is not aware that you are nearby. Therefore, be careful when putting your hands in the cage.
Your hands look large compared to your hamster's body size. He will perceive your hand as a threat to his territory
Tips
- Taming a dwarf hamster takes a few days to about 2 weeks.
- Give him treats while you're trying to tame him, but only if he doesn't bite.
- In general, dwarf hamsters are easier to tame than larger Syrian hamsters. However, Roborovski hamsters may be more difficult to tame than Syrian hamsters.
- If you have a Russian dwarf hamster, you will need to put more time and effort into keeping it friendly and docile. Try to hold her more often and spend more time with her.
- To prevent hamster bites, you can rub jam or a bitter ingredient (such as Bitter Apple products sold at pet supply stores) on your hands.
- If you're afraid of being bitten by a new hamster, try wearing cotton gloves or gardening gloves to feel protected and more confident.
- If you have a Chinese dwarf hamster, be careful not to startle him as this species is more easily startled and frightened than other dwarf hamster species.
- Try not to drop the hamster. Doing so could result in serious injury or death.
- The Roborovski hamster is a very agile species and requires a lot of patience. It may take a while before you can get a hold of it. If you are not happy, another species may be a more optimal choice.
Warning
- Don't chase your hamster in its cage just to hold it. This can actually shock and frighten him.
- Do not place your finger in front of the Russian dwarf hamster's face. It can actually bite your finger.
