The excitement of bringing a new pet to your home which can be a part of your family is amazing. They usually add extra happiness to the people and environment.
As for the cutest pet-like hamsters, they’re very cautious animals. But once they get to know you, you’ll feel that love coming from them every time you see them.
Now the question is how long does it take to tame a hamster, actually?
Well, it takes some time for them to get used to you and finally recognize you as their owner (or friend, whatever you like to think). Usually, it takes around 6-7 days to 4-5 weeks. You definitely need to be calm and patient if you’re trying to tame one, though.
So, in this article, we gathered some information about how long it takes, how you’ll understand if it’s tamed and what are the good ways to tame it faster.
Let’s jump into the details, shall we?
How Long Does It Take to Tame A Hamster?
It actually largely depends on your Hamster’s personality, means, some hamster is kind of shy, some are friendly, and some are more adventurous. You’ve to identify the type in the first place and then try to put that type of effort depending on their nature.
Generally, all types of hamsters get used to their owner in around 2 weeks. The approach of your family members and the placement of their new space plays a huge role too in their taming session!
If everyone is cooperating and if the space is clean and trusted, it’ll take less time for them to open up.
How You Can Tell If Your Hamster Is Tamed?
Just like us humans, Hamsters show their love in the same way once they get used to you. There’re some signs when you can finally relax that your pet is tamed. Like,
- It’ll not back away when you go near the cage
- No signs of stress will be in it when you try to show your affection
- You can play easily with your pet and it’ll not get sacred
- Some hamsters relax and sleep in their owner’s hand when they feel really comfortable and trusted
- It’ll do stretch with the body to show you that it’s happy
How Do Hamsters Behave Before Getting Tamed?
Well, as your Hamster can’t speak, you’ve to understand their body language to communicate.
For example,
- Before they get used to you, they may chatter or Trimble their teeth if they’re scared or overwhelmed. You need to act depending on the gesture.
- Again, your Hamster may run away from you once you unlock it from the cage. Don’t panic, it’ll hide behind your furniture or in the corners of your room. Slowly talk with it and try to make a bond.
- At times, they may give you a bite in your skin to protect themself. It doesn’t mean he’s aggressive. They’re simply not sure about the new surroundings.
- Sometimes they may act like they’re dead or frozen if they’re really scared. It happens when you make loud noises.
If these things happen while the taming session, don’t worry. Your pet is trying to cope up and these will go away in a few weeks.
Some Steps to Follow to Tame a Hamster
To warm up to you, hamsters may take a little while as we mentioned before. If you want to make the process a bit faster, here are some steps you can follow.
1. Make Your Hamster Comfortable
To make your Hamster feel comfortable, you’ve to follow these,
Give It a Nice Home
When you get a new hamster, first try to provide him with a space that’s super comfy. A suitable cage will attract its attention and he’ll feel more like home. Keep absorbent bedding for the support and a water bottle outside the cage so he can drink it.
Moreover, try to clean the space daily and change the spot once a week.
Feed Him Regularly
As hamsters are omnivores (eat both animal-based and plant-based Food) it’s easy to feed them. You can give them dried food pellets with some raw vegetables and fruits.
They can eat around 10grams of dry food twice a day. You can also try to treat them with broccoli, cauliflower, banana or peaches. However, try not to give anything acidic like lemons or oranges. It can make your Hamster’s stomach upset.
By feeding regularly will help them to understand that you can take care of them and they’ll feel safer.
Wait a Week without Touching It
Give some time to your pet to get used to you. Don’t touch it or try to force something on it for some time so that he can feel comfortable around you. Make sure to be patient in this part!
2. Introduce Yourself
After a week of the previous 3 steps, now it’s time for you to make a move on introducing yourself. Let’s help you with how to do it properly!
Help the Hamster on Recognizing Voice
In this step, try to talk with your Hamster in a calming and soothing voice. It’ll get afraid in the first place which is absolutely natural, you can continue talking gently. You can also put the lid of the cage up so your pet can hear you clearly. But be careful as it may escape any time.
Give Your Hamster More Treat
By giving treats with your own hands, your pet will think you love him and it’ll help him to come closer. Try to talk while giving treats too so it can recognize the voice correctly.
Moreover, you can rub the treat in your palm lightly so that your pet can recognize the scent of your skin too. It’ll help to build a connection even faster.
Wash Your Hands Properly
Before you pick up your pet, try to wash your hands with soap or handwash properly. That’ll help to remove all the food scents in your hand so the Hamster can’t bite the skin accidentally thinking it’s the food
Well, you can also wear gloves in the beginning while picking up your pet if you’re afraid of getting bitten.
Pick Up The Hamster
Try to pick up your pet easily. Don’t grab it as it might think of the gesture as a threat. Let it walk in your hands naturally.
And if you hear your Hamster is making a squeaking noise, just put it back in the cage. You’ve to wait a few more days as it may not be still comfortable!
3. Building up The Bond
You’ve to build the bond with your Hamster by,
- Making him feel safe
- Continuing talking with him
- Showing love and affection
Well, those were the steps you’ve to follow if you want to make the bond with your Hamster fast.
Some Important Tips
We know you’re taking your time to be friends with your new pet. But there’re some tips we would like to give you about your Hamster!
- Make sure your hamster cage has a wheel so that it can run on there at all times
- You may train it to do tricks like paw, stand, etc. with the treats or snacks.
- Change the water and food every day
- Clean the bedding and toilet each day
- Interact with him and try to play so that he can feel at home with you and get tamed easily
Frequently Asked questions
Q: How long does it take to tame a new hamster?
A: The time it takes to tame a new hamster can vary depending on the individual hamster and the amount of time and patience you dedicate to the process. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Q: What kind of cage should I get for my hamster?
A: It is recommended to provide a spacious cage with plenty of room for your hamster to move around and explore. Look for cages with solid flooring and a securely attached water bottle and food dish.
Q: How can I tame my hamster with treats?
A: You can tame your hamster by offering it treats from your hand. Start by placing your hand in the cage to let your hamster get used to your scent, then gradually offer treats from your hand to build trust.
Q: Is it okay to hold my hamster right away?
A: It’s best to let your hamster get used to its new environment before attempting to handle it. Give your hamster some time to settle in and become familiar with its surroundings before attempting to pick it up.
Q: How should I handle my hamster in a way that makes it comfortable?
A: When you pick up your hamster, use a gentle and calm approach. Cup your hands together and scoop your hamster up from underneath, supporting its body to make it feel secure.
Q: What is the best way to coax my hamster to come to me?
A: You can coax your hamster by offering it treats and speaking to it in a soft, soothing voice. It may take some time for your hamster to feel comfortable approaching you, so be patient and persistent.
Q: Can I use a playpen to interact with my hamster?
A: Yes, a playpen can be a great way to interact with your hamster in a controlled environment outside of its cage. It allows your hamster to explore while providing a safe space for interaction.
Q: How do I know if my hamster is becoming more comfortable with me?
A: You may notice your hamster becoming more relaxed around you, showing less fear or hesitation and possibly allowing you to pet it. These are signs that your hamster is starting to feel more comfortable with your presence.
Q: What can I do if my hamster doesn’t seem interested in interacting with me?
A: If your hamster doesn’t seem interested in interacting, give it more time to adjust and continue offering treats and gentle interactions. Some hamsters may take longer to warm up to human contact.
Q: How often should I attempt to tame my hamster?
A: It’s important to be consistent in your efforts, but also be mindful of your hamster’s behavior. Avoid forcing interactions and allow your hamster to dictate the pace of the taming process based on its comfort level.
Are Hamsters easy to tame?
With patience, gentleness, and proper routine, it’s quite easy to tame a hamster. You just have to give it some space when you bring it home to avoid getting scared about the new environment.
Does a Hamster bite hurt?
Well, Hamsters are known as the softest and sweetest pets. They like to cuddle a lot. But that doesn’t mean they won’t bite you. Sometimes out of fear, or if it gets confused by your hands with some food, it might bite you.
It won’t hurt that much as they’ve small teeth, but the bite should be treated well.
How often should I hold my Hamster?
Hamsters are usually nocturnal animals. You may play with him in the evening when he’s awake. Try to hold him once a day and talk with him.
Do Hamsters need baths?
Not really. As they’re fastidious groomers, they keep themselves clean on their own. But if they have some spots or mud in their body, you can clean it with water.
The Bottom Line
Hamsters are really good pets as they’re playful, have low maintenance, and are gentle with their owners. They’re also quite easy to tame, and for your confusion about how long does it take to tame a hamster? This article is right here.
We tried to provide you with all the details about the process so you can do the right job.
Good luck with the taming!
Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.
John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.
John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.
WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.
John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.
FollowJohn on her hamster blog to embark on an exciting Journey into the world of hamsters, where love, care, and happiness come together to create unforgettable experiences.
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