How to Train Your Old Dwarf Hamster

Dwarf hamsters are usually territorial and don't like to be handled too much, especially as they get older. However, you can train an old dwarf hamster to accept your touch. All you need is a little patience, consistency and a pair of leather gloves for safety. After some training, your old dwarf hamster will let you handle him without fighting.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather hand gloves
  • Hamster food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a pair of leather gloves. Old dwarf hamsters that are not accustomed to being handled will often bite at your hand to persuade you to let go.

    • 2

      Rub the gloves on your arms or an unclothed part of your body to get your scent onto the gloves.

    • 3

      Put a little piece of hamster food in one gloved hand and put your hand into the dwarf hamster's cage.

    • 4

      Let the hamster come onto your hand for the food. Do not grab at the hamster as this may cause stress. The old dwarf hamster's first reaction may be to bite at the intruding hand; do not flinch your hand violently as the sudden movement may cause stress and fear.

    • 5

      Repeat steps 1 through 4 until the old dwarf hamster comes to your hand with trust.

    • 6

      Lift the hamster out of the cage slowly. Do not grip onto the hamster tightly; instead lightly clutch it in your hand so that it doesn't fall.

    • 7

      Handle the hamster for a few minutes at a time, every day.

    • 8

      Repeat steps 6 through 7 until the hamster no longer attempts to bite you when you handle it.

    • 9

      Repeat steps 3 through 8 without gloves. If the hamster is still attempting to bite you, put the gloves back on until this is no longer the case.