Be sure to also put a water bottle for your hamster to drink out of in the cage.
Typically, hamsters should eat about 10 grams of dry hamster food twice each day. For a treat, consider giving them small bits of broccoli, peaches, cauliflower, or bananas. Do not give your hamster anything citrus (like lemons or oranges) or acidic (like onions) because it could cause your hamster to get an upset stomach. During the first few days after you get your hamster, be careful not to push yourself on it too quickly. This is especially important during feeding time. Just put the food in the cage and then leave the hamster alone to eat in peace. This will help your hamster feel safe around you.
Sometimes this process can take a bit longer. It’s important for you to be patient in the beginning.
You may want to come near the cage and spend a few minutes at a time (several times each day) just speaking gently to your hamster. You can even take the cage lid off after the first few days so that your hamster can hear you better. Just be careful to make sure it doesn’t escape.
You can also rub the treat in your palm so the hamster can get to know your scent. Continue for a few days.
You can even wear gloves when picking up your hamster in the beginning if you are afraid of being bitten.
You can also include a couple of treats in your palm to help your hamster feel less afraid. Don’t pull away when your hamster makes sudden movements at you when you are going to pet or handle it. You are only going to scare it even if it scared you.
Never grab your hamster, as your hamster will see that as a threat. Instead, cup your hands and let it walk into your hands on its own. If your hamster makes a squeaking noise, that means it is agitated and you should put it back in its cage. Take some more time letting your hamster get to know you before you try to pick it up again.
You don’t want to try to force your hamster into something that will make it scared. This could be detrimental to the bond you’re trying to build with it. Always make sure your hamster is comfortable with the bonding process before moving on to the next step. It may even take longer to tame the hamster in the long run if you try to rush it.
You should try to hold your hamster for at least a few minutes every day. Otherwise, it will be harder for it to get used to you and it will take more effort to tame your hamster.
The more you play with your hamster, the more tame it will be.
Be cautious about not waking up sleeping hamsters. This can startle them and cause them to bite. Hamsters may also bite if your hand smells like food. So be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your hamster.
The biggest health problem among hamsters is diarrhea. This condition needs quick vet attention since hamsters can perish from dehydration. The telltale sign that your hamster has diarrhea is when your hamster’s rear end looks wet and brownish in color. Another common medical complication for hamsters is protrusion of the eyeball from the socket. This is usually caused by an eye infection or by some other kind of physical trauma. If your hamster’s eyes look like they are bulging, take it to the vet immediately.
At the very least, make sure there are no closed off portions of the habitat where one hamster can corner another. And try to make sure there is two of everything so they don’t fight over food and water.
