dwarf hamster care

Question
I was curious as to why hamsters squeak; my hamster has not made any noise at all since the first time I bought her- which was about three weeks ago.  I was thinking perhaps she isn't shy or afraid, but she still doesn't trust me or quietly comply when I try to hold her.

Answer
hi elizabeth,

firstly dwarf hamsters are much more reluctant to be held than syrians. so she will probably take longer to tame than usual.

make sure you always give her treats when she does what you want her to do, handle her as much as you can. do not try to hold her after you've eaten, wash your hands afterwards. if she smells food you will get bitten lol. pick her up by scooping her up from underneath, don't go over her as it will scare her and you will have to start again. once she gets used to the feeling of being handled, she should be fine.

secondly, hamsters squeak for lots of reasons, mainly mothers squeaking at their babies, or looking for a mate or just to make noise. so don't worry about that at all. she's perfectly normal :)

thank you for your question, and good luck in taming her :)

joanne x