How to Tame a Hamster
A hamster can grow nervous or fearful if it has not been handled by its owner over an extended period of time, especially if it is young. Patience and constant nurturing will tame the wildest of hamsters, and soon you will be able to enjoy a calm, well-behaved pet.
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Instructions
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Tame a hamster by leaving it alone in its new cage for a few days. Your new pet hamster will be extremely nervous and agitated while getting used to its new environment and will be unresponsive to any training or taming efforts. You can begin to tame your new hamster once it starts establishing routines within its habitat, such as nesting, exploring and eating and drinking regularly.
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Call your new pet by its name whenever you interact with it. Hamsters actually can respond to their names over time, and it will be easier to tame it once it becomes accustomed to the sound of your voice. You should always call your pet hamster by its name whenever you give it food or water.
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Wear thick gloves to protect your fingers when you begin to tame your hamster, which will help you to avoid jumping or dropping your hamster if you are bit. Once your hamster realizes that you are undeterred by its biting behavior, it will begin to settle down and trust you.
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Place some hamster food next to your hand, and allow your hamster to eat without touching it. Allow the hamster to get used to the presence of your hand.
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Pet your hamster while it is eating. Be gentle and stroke its back lightly until it is comfortable with your touch.
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Put some hamster food in your gloved hand, and allow it to eat. Let the hamster explore your hand at its leisure before you attempt to move your fingers or stroke its back. Avoid sudden movements, and keep your hand within a few inches of the ground at all times.
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Remove the glove and allow your pet to feed directly from your hand. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your hamster, especially if you've just eaten. The smell of food on your fingers may confuse your hamster, causing it to bite.
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Tips & Warnings
You should try to purchase a pet hamster that is between the ages of 4 to 7 weeks, since it will be easier to train and tame it before it acquires any bad habits or irrational fears.
