What Tricks Can Hamsters Learn?

Hamsters are smart little creatures that can learn quickly from an owner who has plenty of patience. With repetition and treat rewards, hamsters are happy to learn new tricks, including using a litter box to minimize cage cleanings to going through a homemade obstacle course.

  1. Litter Box Training

    • Hamsters can be trained to use a litter box. Most pet stores with hamster products carry hamster litter boxes, litter and scoops. These are different than cat litter supplies, so do not use those for a hamster. To start, place the litter box in the corner of the cage where the hamster urinates most. Allow the hamster time to get comfortable with it in the cage. Place feces pellets from the cage or hamster ball and place them in the litter box. The hamster recognizes its own scent and feels at ease using the box for its business.

    Building Trust

    • Hamsters need time to get accustomed to being held and to learn that they won't be harmed.

      Most hamsters do not wish to be immediately held, so it is important to get them accustomed to being held to avoid possible nipping. Before picking up a hamster, wash your hands to ensure they don't smell like food, making them less desirable to nip. Never drop or set down a hamster immediately if it bites. This trains the hamster that a bite means it will be put down and reinforces that behavior. Pet the hamster before picking it up. Let the hamster sniff the owner's hand first. An owner should gently pick up the hamster and allow its feet to rest on the palm of their hand. Stroke the back of the hamster gently. If the hamster seems nervous and looks as if it might bite in defense, put it down before it does and try again later. Make a routine of this and the hamster will eventually become comfortable with being picked up and held.

    Teach Them to Come When Called

    • Hamster balls allow owners to let their hamsters explore areas outside of their cage without fear of losing them.

      The hamster must be tame and comfortable with the owner before training to come when called. By using treats, you can train a hamster to come to you when you call its name and open the cage door. After a few repetitions, the hamster will run over and crawl into your hand. Choose a noise, such as a whistle, the hamster's name, a bell or something defining that the hamster will recognize. Hold a treat in your hand and call the hamster, showing it the treat. The hamster will come for the familiar treat. Do this regularly throughout the day on a regular routine. The hamster will learn to scamper over and retrieve its treat when it hears the noise.

    Obstacle Course Training

    • Hamster wheels provide exercise for the caged animal.

      Set up an obstacle course made from just about anything --- pencils, stacked ice cream sticks or blocks. Make sure it is safe for the hamster to scale. For early training, choose up to four obstacles. These can be increased as training is increased. Use a treat, such as crushed cereal, to coax the hamster through the course. Feed the hamster a tiny bit of treat only after each obstacle is scaled so it doesn't get full and no longer wants the treat. Do not feed the hamster if it does something undesirable, such as going around the objects or trying to scamper away. This only reinforces unwanted behavior. Do this for about one week, and then increase the speed. Do for another week, and then change the obstacles. In a few weeks, the hamster learns that climbing these obstacles means a treat, and it will do so willingly and quickly.