How to Capture a Hamster

If you want a cute furry pet that is easy to care for, get a hamster. They generally are friendly, but you must remember that they can be good at escaping from their cages, too. You will often come across owners frantically searching for their escaped hamsters. They may be found napping in cozy places, such as under couches and dressers or behind the bookcases after a tiring night. An escaped hamster can get quite destructive, to the extent of chewing through furniture, doors, curtains and electrical wires. So, it is beneficial to know how to capture a hamster, if it escapes.

  1. Cage

    • Set up the hamster's cage on the floor with the cage door open. Place fresh food and water in the cage. You can even place some your hamster's favorite treats in the cage to tempt it to return. Known smells and odors are quite useful in attracting an escaped hamster. So, placing the hamster's toys and favorite food in the cage may be a good idea. Once the hamster is hungry, it will return to the cage to nibble on the food. Make sure you are around to snap the cage door shut.

    DIY Trap

    • Take a bucket or basin that is at around 12 to 18 inches deep. Stack books or magazines to form a staircase. This will lead the hamster to the mouth of the bucket. Fresh green vegetables, boiled or scrambled eggs or any food item with a pungent odor, if placed on the book staircase, will increase the chances of attracting hamsters to it. The hamster will assume that there is food in the bucket and jump in, but will not be able to get out.

      Place the trap in the room or location that you think that the hamster may be hiding. Usually, hamsters love to hide under couches and inside cupboards or stereo cabinets. But, your hamster may have its own favorite hiding place.

    When to Capture

    • Evenings are the best time to set a trap, ideally after turning off the lights. Keep the trap in the room where you think the hamster may be hiding. Wait for it to come out after the sun goes down. Take a newspaper and place some moist food, such as lettuce, carrot or fresh corn in various corners. It will not be long before you will see the hamster eating your offerings and you will be alerted by the rustling noise of the newspaper.

    Precautions

    • If your hamster is missing, immediately shut all doors that lead outdoors to prevent the hamster making its way out. Ensure that you restrict the entry of cats and other pets into the house, so that the hamster is not accidentally hurt. Seal gaps in the walls or doors to prevent your hamster from getting stuck in inaccessible areas.