How to Gain the Trust of a Dwarf Hamster

Dwarf hamsters are an interesting creature to have as a pet. However, they are shy creatures that do not make friends easily. Gaining the trust of a dwarf hamster is a bit of an art. Patience is a big part of the process; it can take days or weeks to earn the trust of a hamster. But there are techniques you can try to hasten the process, and if you have children, you can get them involved.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Bathtub
  • Cage
  • Gloves
  • Food (cut carrots, celery)
Show More

Instructions

  1. Environment

    • 1

      Place a bath towel over the base of your dry bathroom tub. Your dwarf hamster must become familiar with your environment so it feels safe to roam.

    • 2

      Move the caged dwarf hamster to the bathroom and close the door.

    • 3

      Stretch out your gloved hand inside the cage to encourage the hamster to crawl into it. If it does so, gently move the dwarf hamster to the tub and place it on the towel. If the animal does not crawl onto your hand, rest your hand on the floor of the cage for five to 10 minutes so that the hamster might explore it. Talking softly helps the hamster build confidence in its environment.

    Hand Feeding

    • 4

      Prepare some small pieces of vegetables such as carrots and celery or green bell pepper and put your hand, gloved or ungloved, outstretched into the cage.

    • 5

      Give the hamster 10 minutes to eat from your hand. If it does not, leave a piece or two of the food in the cage. Keep trying to hand-feed the hamster until you succeed, but note that this might take a few days.

    • 6

      Talk to your hamster once it has started feeding from your hand. This gets it used to your voice and builds a better relationship.

    Familiarity

    • 7

      Place a small article of clothing, such as a sock, into the dwarf hamster's cage for it to play with or sleep on. This helps it know your scent.

    • 8

      Use an equivalent article of clothing when feeding your dwarf hamster. For example, you can place a matching sock over your hand, put pieces of food on it and let the hamster feed from your hand.

    • 9

      Bring your dwarf hamster to your bed when trust is established. Lie down, talk gently and supervise it as it moves around.