How to Make a Dwarf Hamster Like You

How to Make a Dwarf Hamster Like You. Dwarf hamsters do well as a single pet or in small groups of other dwarf hamsters. Hand taming dwarf hamsters is necessary to prevent bites and unruly behavior. Interestingly enough, dwarf hamsters must be handled frequently to prevent them from losing their tameness and reverting to a wild rodent. To tame a new hamster or to re-tame an older hamster, always speak in a calm low voice and be gentle to reinforce its trust in you.

Things Needed

• Hamster cage and substrate
• Quality hamster pellets
• Clean water and water bottle
• Hamster treats and chew sticks
• Hamster exercise ball and wheel
• Clean cotton gloves

Step 1

Provide your dwarf hamster with a clean cage and hamster-safe substrate. Dirty housing causes disease and illness, which can affect temperament and tameness.

Step 2

Provide clean water and fresh food to keep your hamster healthy and in a happy mood.

Step 3

Provide your hamster with a hamster wheel as a form of activity to burn excess energy.

Step 4

Allow your hamster to get used to its feeding and watering routine and the sounds of your house for a few days before you attempt to handle your hamster.

Step 5

Place a treat in the center of your gloved palm and gently insert your gloved hand into the cage, laying the back of your hand on the cage floor to expose the treat.

Step 6

Allow your hamster to walk around on your hand to get the treat without trying to hold it or close your hand. Do this until the hamster sits comfortably in your hand or comes up to your hand expecting a treat, which may take about a week.

Step 7

Gently clasp your hand around your hamster once the hamster sits in your hand without hesitation.

Step 8

Don't attempt to take the hamster out of its cage until the hamster doesn't struggle to break free when your hand is clasped around it, which may take a few days to a week.

Step 9

Take the hamster out of its cage and be extremely gentle when interacting with it when your dwarf hamster completely trusts you.

Step 10

Stay close to the ground and speak calmly to develop a trusting bond with your hamster. Dropping or scaring your hamster will make it less eager to interact with you.

Warnings

• Occasionally, offer treats to instill a trusting friendship between you and your hamster.
• Use a hamster ball when the hamster is outside its cage to prevent dropping the hamster.

Warnings

• Hamsters that are dropped can lose their trust of humans, making them more difficult to hold.
• Handle your hamster at least once week and no less than once every two weeks to maintain tameness.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith: Russian Dwarf Hamster
• The Friendly Dwarf Hamster: The Taming and Training of Dwarf Hamsters
• Dwarf Hamster Corner: Hand Taming
• Doctors Foster and Smith: Habitat Tips for Hamsters
• Doctors Foster and Smith: Nutrition Requirements for Small Pets by Species