Edited by Mel, Tryme2, Katy Linsao, Zentopia and 9 others
Hamsters are very loving and cute creatures. They make great first pets, but it's very important that you raise the hamster properly, otherwise it will end up being afraid or will have a tendency to bite. Raising a hamster is very easy as long as you can give it a little time each day.
1It is best to get a young hamster so that it will get used to you easily: One around 5-7 weeks old is best.Ad
2Once you have your hamster, no matter the age, leave it in its cage with the following: food dish, water bottle, exercise wheel and toys. Give it about two days to explore its new home and get used to its habitat.
3Every day talk to it gently and, after the second day, while it's not sleeping or eating, let it sniff your hand, then pick it up gently and put it on the floor.
- Make sure that the area has no electric cables that the hamster can chew on, cracks it can climb through or holes it can hide in.
- You should always wash your hands before and after you hold the little critter.
4Feed and give water to your hamster daily. The hamster will like its owner more if it is treated well.
5Take a piece of celery, apple or cucumber and put it near your hamster.
- Let it eat while you stroke it gently.
- If it bites do not hit your hamster or yell at it. Instead firmly but gently say "No", then put it back in its cage.
6The next day, try to let the hamster eat the celery from your hand. If it eats from your hand, stroke it and praise it. If not, put it on the ground, watch it eat and try again tomorrow.
7Once it eats from your hand, hold it and stroke it every day.
8Your hamster will learn to love you very quickly.Ad
- Whenever your hamster does something right praise it and speak its name. ("Good girl Tootsie, good girl.")
- If you notice something wrong call your vet immediately.
- Each day after you can hold it, check for any signs of illness. The eyes should be clear; bum should be dry; the fur should be full with no bare spots.
- If handled harshly hamsters may bite so be careful and gentle with your hamster
Things You'll Need
- A hamster
- A cage
- An exercise wheel
- Treats (optional)
- small house/shelter