Tame the hamster

In addition, not all hamster species are 100% hand tame. You have the best chances with a golden or teddy hamster. These two breeds are generally considered trusting.

What does hamster taming depend on?

• Characteristics:Like humans, hamsters have different characteristics that can determine whether a hamster will be tame or not.
• Natural behaviors:Even a tame hamster can become aggressive if, for example, the natural protective or fear instinct is triggered.
• Previous experience:If a hamster has had bad experiences around people or pets, this can have a negative effect on its psyche, causing it to become either withdrawn or aggressive.
• Health: If a hamster is fit, there's a good chance you can tame it. However, if he's sick and in pain, he's probably untamable. An already tame hamster may even become aggressive if you get too close.

Active hamster taming

With active taming, the hamster is tamed against its will, so to speak. Unfortunately, this method is widespread, and mostly not out of malicious intent, but mainly because many new hamsters do not know how to deal with such a small creature. Children in particular often actively tame the hamster, although they do not assume that they are taming it at all.

For example, it is considered active taming if you pick up the hamster against its will and hold it so that it cannot run away. Any kind of approach that is not desired by the hamster can be counted under "active taming".

The problem : This kind of forced familiarity usually gets you the opposite of what you want. The hamster may not become tame, but may become aggressive, scared, or sick. Due to his small body size, he has no other option in his panic than to assert himself against you, for example by biting or hissing.

Passive hamster tame

With passive taming, you always meet your little hamster in a reserved and well-disposed manner, so that he gradually reduces his skepticism about you and becomes more and more trusting. You don't push him, which makes the animal curious. He gets to know and love you in a playful way.

The passive taming happens almost casually and should be done from the first day you brought the hamster into your home. This strengthens the relationship of trust.

8 steps to a tame hamster

Passive taming is truly much more effective and also more enjoyable for both of you. You what is the best way to go about it?

1. The pick-up day: Your new hamster moves in with you. Place him in his new home and then immediately remove yourself from the cage; Even if it is hard! Don't show up there again until the next day at the earliest and don't enter the room before then. This means that the hamster can get used to his new home in peace and without fear.
   Tip: Prepare the cage completely BEFORE. Provide bedding, cage equipment and sufficient water and food.
2. Arouse curiosity: On the second day you should only approach the cage in an emergency to give your hamster peace of mind. However, you can stay in the room and do light housework. Move quietly, don't make jerky movements, and talk to the little one in a low voice. You will find your hamster watching you. He becomes more and more curious and realizes that although he doesn't live alone, he doesn't have to fear any stress either.
   
   
   
   
   Tip: Try to keep this behavior going for a few days.
   
   
3. Your hand: Logically, you have to provide your animal with enough water and food. And it will be unavoidable that you have to reach into the cage. Do this slowly, not jerkily, talk softly to your hamster but resist the temptation to pet him. If he sniffs your hand curiously, hold it still.
4. Coaxing out of the cage: Before actively touching your hamster for the first time, remember that its cage is its territory. He is allowed to live here, retire and even defend it. And above all, he must not feel overly threatened in this safe place. Get him used to getting out of his cage before picking him up. Open and close the cage door several times a day and place some treats in front of the cage. He will quickly become curious so he comes out of the cage. After all, he is already sniffing the delicious scent of his favorite foods.
5. Bribing: If you notice that your hamster is not panicking or hesitant to hold your hand and is also getting out of the cage, you can take the next step.
   Don't put the treats in front of the cage anymore, but take them in your hand. The hamster will try to grab the treat. However, he will be skeptical, so it may take a few days again before he dares to try the treat.
   Then wait until the hamster goes back into its cage on its own. You should give him a small enclosure in front of the cage, because if he finds that he can suddenly frolic all over the room, he won't go back into the cage on his own.
6. Stroking:If the "bribe" works several times, you can try the next step of gently stroking your hamster. If he shys away, hisses or bites, let him go immediately. If he's not scared, keep petting him.
7. Pick up: If the bribe with the treats has worked for a few days, next time you can put the treat on your hand and see if the little one steps on it. Be sure to remain calm. If the hamster is frightened, it may withdraw for several days.
   If he's on hand, don't grab him, leave him alone to sniff and don't harass him.
8. Close your hand :If you have noticed that the hamster climbs onto your hand several times without any problems, you can close it carefully for the first time. You will quickly see whether your rodent feels comfortable with this or whether you have to open your hand.