The room should not be very busy with human activity—this may be bewildering or frightening to your hamster. [5] X Research source Your bedroom is usually not a good place for a hamster cage, since your hamster is nocturnal and will make a lot of noise while you sleep. [6] X Research source
Do not be concerned if your hamster is washing his face or grooming himself excessively. These are not signs of nervous tension, as is commonly believed. Rather, he is scent marking and claiming his new territory. [7] X Research source Scent marking allows your hamster to recognize places and items in his new home. [8] X Research source
Try talking to him in a low and soft voice when you get near to, and reach, his cage. [10] X Research source
Talking to him in a low and soft voice may help him relax and be comfortable with your presence. You do not need to stand by his cage for long periods of time. Try standing there for a few minutes at a time to see how he reacts to you. Once you see him going about his normal business when you are nearby, continue talking to him. The sound of your voice will continue to help him adjust. Consider offering him treats when you are near his cage. [13] X Research source Place them in the bottom of his cage, since he will probably not be ready to take them from your hand.
Do not wake your hamster up to work with him. If he is sleeping deeply, being woken up suddenly can cause him to jump into defensive mode,[15] X Research source which could lead to you being bitten or nipped at. If he is busy doing something else when you approach his cage, get his attention by lightly tapping on the cage, moving his water bottle, or softly talking to him. [16] X Research source
If you have multiple hamsters, wash your hands between handling each one. The smell of one hamster on your hands would lead the next hamster to believe he is being attacked.
Do not be surprised if your hamster runs and hides when you first place your hand in his cage. From his perspective as a prey animal, your hand reaching into his cage could resemble a large bird swooping down to scoop him up. Rest your hand in a non-threatening way, with your fingers curled. Spreading your fingers out could make your hamster think he’s being attacked. Do not pull your hand away if he starts to nibble on it. His nibbles are a way of exploring your hand. If you suddenly pull your hand back, you could frighten him and make him more wary of your hand. Try offering him treats, talking to him, or stroking his back as he becomes more comfortable with your hand. [18] X Research source [19] X Research source Eventually, he will take your treats from your hand. [20] X Research source
Your hamster may become skittish and jump off your hands when your hands are still in the cage—let him do so. [23] X Research source If he seems agitated, calm him down by giving him a treat and/or stroking his back. [24] X Research source Talking to him in a soothing voice could also calm him down. Your hamster may squeal when you pick him up, signaling that he’s annoyed with being held. [25] X Research source If he continues to squeal, gently place him back in his cage and try to pick him up at a later time. If you are having trouble picking him up with your hands, place an empty mug in his cage and let him climb into it. When he has crawled into the mug, gently ‘pour’ him out of the mug into your hands.
Hold him close to your body and stroke his back and forehead. [26] X Research source When he is more comfortable with being held, sit or lay on the floor and let your hamster crawl and climb on you. [27] X Research source
Try to set your hands on the bottom of his cage before letting him out of your hands. Give him a treat when you place him back in his cage.
