How to Calm a Frightened Hamster

A hamster that is scared will sometimes turn on its back with its front feet up while baring its teeth. The only time a hamster tends to bite is when it's frightened. To calm down a frightened hamster, it's important that your pet feel secure.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pet the hamster gently in its cage when you first get it home. Its cage is where it is going to feel the most secure at first.

2. Put your hand inside the cage and allow your pet to check you out. Don't use any sudden movements.

3. Try rubbing some of its bedding on your hand so the smell is familiar to your hamster.

4. Offer the hamster pieces of food directly from your hand after a few days of caring for it.

5. Allow your pet to walk onto your hand. If the hamster responds well, pick it up using both hands, but don't be too firm.

6. Make sure you securely latch your pet's cage when you finish playing with it.

7. Place the cage in a quiet place, away from larger animals and children or other loud noises.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient with your hamster; some are more skittish than others.
• Wear gloves if your hamster bites. Your pet will stop biting once it is no longer frightened.
• Wash your hands before holding your hamster if you have just eaten or you may smell like a meal.
• Watch young children at all times around hamsters to make sure they are not squeezing them too tightly.