Hamsters are small, rotund animals that look like a cross between a rat and a wheelie bin. They are typically green with white markings, though some are cream or light grey.
Hamsters are versatile pets. They can be supervised as newborns until they reach adult weight, which is about 25 to 30 pounds. Once this occurs, hamsters can be enjoyed as little or big fellow!
They are also easy to housetrain, making it a very portable pet. Most come with you as they travel due to their small size and ability to climb walls and fences!
However, hamsters can get messy if they need to urinate or feces breaks down. This makes cleaning up after them an easy task.
Hold your hand flat
Most hamsters like to be held, and if you have one in your hands it is worth trying this out.
Holding can be done by placing your hand on the hamster’s back, under the tail, or over the head.
If you choose the back method, keep your hand away from the tail.
If you choose the under-tail method, keep your hand away from the leg. If you choose the over-head method, make sure your hands are clean to prevent any infections.
If you use a c-shaped handle that doesn’t allow for holding or removing of the hamster, keep those hands away from the bottom end of that handle to avoid injury or pain.
Make sure your nails are short
A short, sharp nail is a cardinal rule to having a hamster without getting bitten. Most hamsters are fond of their large, floppy nails.
Hamsters have long lives, averaging about six years. That makes being careful to keep your nails short and keeping a watch out for aging hamsters worth it!
Unfortunately, aging faster can mean aging more quickly. Hamsters can be very exact about what time of day they get hungry. This can make being careful to keep food supplies in check a little tricky at times.
If you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your hamster is safe and happy, then get some short, sharpening stones! They will help you keep your nails short and prevent the risk of declawed surgery or overuse of the thumb nail to scratch.
Use the palm grasp method
This is one of the most effective ways to pick up a hamster. The palm grasp method is a training method that uses your hands to get something from another person.
It was developed so people could pick up their pets without hurting them. By using a closed hand grip on the hamster you are trying to pick up, your chances of success in getting it to inhabit your hand is much better.
To use the palm grasp method on an individual hamster, place your hands on either side of the hamster’s body and lightly pull down. You should be able to hold it without too much difficulty if it is small enough.
If you have a larger hamster, try using one hand and then two before you give up, but do not try this with any other species of Hamster because it may result in an escape attempt or possibly being bitten by anything else in the group.
Use the pencil grasp method
This is one of the most basic ways to pick up a hamster. When you see a hamster, you can try the pencil grasp method. It is very similar to attempting to pick up a child in that you are not the only way to handle it.
The only difference is that you are much more precise in how you handle them. You can use your hand, brush or finger instead of tools like paper or fingers to hold and handle the hamster.
The best times to use the grip is when the hamster is alone and not being socialized with other hamsters. You can also do this at night when there are no other hamsters around as they cannot defend themselves during the day.
When picking up a hamster, be very careful if there are any ribs or vertebrae visible.
Hold it by the tail
Most people try to pick up hamsters by holding them by the tail. This is most common when trying to catch a baby hamster.
The problem is, this may result in getting bitten or picked up by the tail.
To prevent this, you must hold your hamster by the bars at the bottom of the cage. This is much more efficient than trying to hold it with one hand and pull with the other.
You can also try holding it by its upper body, but that may result in a drop in self-esteem.
Holding it this way will give you a better chance of getting it outside, which is what you want it for survival.
If you have more than one hamster, make sure to give each one its own area to escape to.
Know what kind of hamster you are handling
Hamsters are native to North America, where they are called hamster. They are small, brown and orange animals that look like a cross between a mouse and a rat.
If you are looking to pick up a new hamster, you should know the kind of hamster you are handling. There are five different types of hamsters: Chinese, Indian, European, Malayan, and African.
The Chinese and European hamsters can be safely acquired as kittens are clear-skinned. The Indian and Malayhamsters may be slightly tan or white with some dark spots on them. The Asian hamstersonly can be very light brown or black with white markings!
Knowing which type your new Hamster is in order to pick up is this: Place your hand under the chin to determine if it is a Chinese or European style of mouth (the Chinese have only the short gap between the front teeth), whether or not it has legs that look like they go above the floor level, and whether or not it has an adoption certificate.
Practice handling them lightly before attempting to pick them up
When hamsters are a little bigger, try holding them in your hands. If you have a habit of picking up and handling higher animals, do some training before attempting to pick them up.
Hamsters are very energetic little animals, so make sure they are comfortable before trying to handle them. If you have experience with other small animals, such as rats or mice, you can use those same techniques.
It is best to practice this method on your own hamster or with a small amount ofHAMSTERS provided. After a few attempts, give it up and find another way to handle them!
After practicing holding and handling these little creatures, if you can still get bit by trying to pick one up. You will find that they will run away or fight back which is what causes them to be more sensitive.
Handle them under their belly with your other hand to help keep them still
When hamsters are young, they can be handled easily. Just keep an eye out for the time when they are safe to be picked up.
Hamsters are active little creatures so make sure to let them run in a supervised environment. If you pick your hamster up in a cage, make sure to keep the safety lid closed and that you handle it under its belly only!
If you have ever had a other small animal such as a mouse or Rats, then you know what kind of habits these animals have. Hamsters are no exception!
Hamsters will usually climb almost immediately so make sure to get your hamster up and out as soon as possible if he or she gets stuck. Once they are out, feel free to play with them!
Another habit these animals have is burrowing. If you want to get one of your own, make sure to learn how to pick them up without causing any harm.
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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