shaky????????

Question
Dear Kelly,

      every time I pick up my hamster it shakes back and forth for aproxemently ten secconds do you now what is wrong with it?  

Answer
Hi Jeff,

It sounds as if your hamster may simply be nervous.  Before you handle your hamster, wash your hands thoroughly.  Then, pick him up gently.  Make sure he sees you before you pick him up; otherwise, he'll be scared, and he won't know what's happening.  When you handle him, don't make any sudden movements that might frighten him.  Also, make sure there are no household pets around you.  Hamsters can smell cats and dogs from a long distance away.  Finally, when you first pick up your hamster, hold him in one palm, and with your other hand, gently place it lightly on the hamster (avoiding its head and neck) for a few seconds.  This will help reassure your hamster, and it will let him know that he's in familiar hands.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly