Your hamster will need a large cage so that he has plenty of space to run and play. The minimum size cage is 59 cm x 36 cm X 25 cm (approximately 23 in x 14 in x 10 in). Ideally, his cage should also have some tubing and ladders. [2] X Research source
Use unscented soap to wash your hands If you are handling multiple hamsters, wash your hands before and after handling each hamster.
Hamsters are prey animals, so putting your hand in his cage could resemble a bird reaching down to swoop him up. The more comfortable he becomes with your hand, the less afraid he will be of you picking him up. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days before he is used to your hand. Feeding him treats can also help him get used to your hand being in his cage. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Sitting on the ground or standing over a tabletop are the best places to hold him. Your hamster may want to jump, which could cause injury, so you want to make sure that you are as close to a solid surface as possible. After you pick him up, you can also try lying back on the floor and allowing him to walk around on your chest. [4] X Research source If you are having trouble picking him up in your hands, you could also lift him outside of his cage by gently nudging him into a cup or small bowl. Keep in mind that hamsters generally do not enjoy being handled for long periods of time. [5] X Research source Begin by holding him for a few seconds and gradually increase the amount of time that you hold him. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If he gets squirmy, place him back in his cage as gently and slowly as you picked him up. Because they are prey animals, hamsters are wary of sudden changes in their environment. Slowly reaching in and picking up your hamster will help reduce his fear that he is being scooped up by a predator.
If you have other pets, they should not be allowed in your hamster’s play area. A clean bathroom is a good area for your hamster to play in. Make sure that the toilet lid is closed so that he does not accidentally fall in the toilet.
Not only are they extremely dangerous and even cruel٫ they also provide no benefit for your hamster.
Playpens are available at your local pet store.
The obstacle course can be made of common household items, such as empty cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls.
If you have searched all of these places with no luck, consider placing food near or inside of his cage to encourage him to come back to his cage.
The exercise wheel should be large enough (minimum 12 inches in diameter) to prevent your hamster’s back from bending when he is running on the wheel. [10] X Research source Listen to the wheel when your hamster is running on it. If it is noisy, you may want to consider moving your hamster’s cage to an area outside of your bedroom. Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so your hamster would likely be running on his cage during the night. [11] X Research source
If you see him trying to climb, you could slowly reach into his cage and gently place him back on the cage floor.
