How to Bond With Your Hamster

Care

• Proper care is essential for the hamster̵7;s health and well-being. A comfortable hamster is far more approachable than an unhappy, stressed one. Acquire the largest cage possible; a rat or chinchilla cage is suitable provided the mesh is small enough that a hamster cannot escape. Use a safe bedding material and provide at least one plastic or cardboard nest box. Hamsters need a sheltered sleeping place to feel secure. Clean the cage weekly and change the water in the water bottle daily. Supply a balanced diet of hamster mix with some fresh produce. Hamsters also need non-toxic wood chews.

Toys and Treats

• A hamster̵7;s quality of life is further improved with plenty of toys. Hamsters are active and need toys to occupy them, especially in a relatively small cage. A solid wheel, not one with rungs, is essential. They also like climbing frames, tunnels and boxes. You can make most of these toys yourself. Cardboard is a suitable material for such toys, because it's non-toxic and cheap or free. Occasionally hand-feeding healthy treats, such as fruit or sunflower seeds, makes any hamster delighted to see you; hamsters respond well to bribery.

Handling

• Show patience with a new hamster. Initially, the hamster needs at least a day to settle into its new home before you approach it. Put the cage in a quiet room and let the hamster explore and make a nest by itself. Later, get the hamster accustomed to your presence by spending time near the cage. Because hamsters are nocturnal, you̵7;ll probably need to wait until the evening. Put your hand near the hamster, but don̵7;t pick it up yet. Once the hamster is used to you and showing no signs of fear, pick it up with both hands and take it out of the cage. Hold the hamster briefly before replacing it in the cage the first few times. Once the hamster is comfortable being picked up, you can sit with the hamster in an exercise pen or hamster-proof room, letting it explore you.

Hamster Communication

• If a hamster flattens its ears down, it is angry, anxious or scared. You might notice your hamster doing this when it has just woken up or when a strange person or animal is near the cage. New hamsters sometimes cower when you stroke them, flattening their bodies down, which is a sign of fear. Don̵7;t pick up your hamster at this time. Squeaking is usually a sign of distress, indicating the hamster is hurt, angry or terrified. If your hamster has perked ears and is acting inquisitively, perhaps running over to you when you approach the cage, it is relaxed and curious. This is a good time to handle your hamster.

Things to Avoid

• Hamsters react defensively when awoken. If you wake a sleeping hamster, even a gentle one, it will be startled or scared. The body language when a hamster is woken up is unmistakable, with it turning round, flattening the ears and noiselessly ̶0;snarling.̶1; Don̵7;t wake up a hamster unless you must, because it reduces the trust between you and your pet, and you run the risk of being bitten. Do not use hamster balls. Because the hamster cannot get out, running in a ball can be a very stressful experience. There is also a risk of injury. Instead, use a playpen or secure room, such as a bathroom, to exercise your pet. The hamster should consider being picked up an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one.