How To Properly Hold Hamsters (a Step-by-Step Guide)

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Are you the proud new owner of a fluffy little hamster but have no idea how to handle them properly? 

Don’t worry; you’re not alone! 

Many new pet owners struggle with figuring out the best way to hold and interact with their small, delicate creatures. But fear not because we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide on how to hold your hamster properly. 

Whether a seasoned pet owner or a beginner, this guide will help you learn the correct techniques for holding and interacting with your beloved hamster. 

So let’s get started!

Importance of Holding Hamsters

Properly holding your hamster is important for their safety and your own. Hamsters are delicate creatures, and it’s easy to hurt them if you accidentally don’t handle them correctly.

In addition, if your hamster feels threatened or uncomfortable while being held, it may bite or scratch as a defense mechanism. Learning the proper techniques for holding and interacting with your hamster can help ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your pet. 

But it’s not just about preventing accidents or injuries – holding your hamster can also be a great bonding experience for you and your pet. So let’s dive into the steps to properly hold your hamster and start building that special bond today!

How to Properly Hold Your Hamster

Person Holding Small Hamsters in hands

Holding your hamster correctly is about being gentle, calm, and patient. It’s also important to ensure your hands are clean and free of any strong scents that might bother your hamster. With these principles in mind, let’s go through the steps to hold your hamster properly:

Step 1: Prepare to hold your hamster. Before you pick up your hamster, make sure you have a clear, flat surface to place them on once you’re finished holding them. This will give them a safe place to land and explore once you’re done interacting with them.

Step 2: Pick up your hamster. Gently scoop your hamster up with both hands, one hand supporting its bottom and the other supporting its chest and back legs. Avoid picking them up by their tail, as this can hurt them.

Step 3: Hold your hamster. Once you have your hamster securely in your hands, hold them close to your body to provide security. Keep a good grip on them, but don’t squeeze too tightly. It’s also a good idea to support their back legs with your hand to help them feel secure.

Step 4: Put your hamster down. To put your hamster back in its cage or on a flat surface, gently lower them down and let them explore on its own. Avoid just dropping them or placing them roughly on a surface.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to holding and interacting with your hamster safely and gently.

Remember, it may take some time for your hamster to get used to being held, so be patient and go at their pace. With a bit of practice, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a well-held hamster in no time!

Tips for Interacting With Your Hamster While Holding Them

Close Up Photo of Cute Fluffy Hamster

Now that you’ve learned how to pick up and hold your hamster properly, it’s important to remember a few key tips for interacting with them while they’re in your hands. 

Once you have your hamster securely in your hands, it’s important to interact with them in a way that is both safe and enjoyable for both of you. Here are some tips for interacting with your hamster while holding them:

  1. Speak softly and calmly to your hamster. Hamsters are sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements, so it’s important to approach them gently and reassuringly.
  2. Let your hamster sniff your hand. Hamsters have a strong sense of smell and will often use this sense to explore their surroundings and get to know you.
  3. Offer your hamster a treat. Hamsters love treats and offering them one while holding them can be a great way to bond and show them that you’re a trustworthy food source. Just be sure only to offer them small, healthy treats in moderation.
  4. Let your hamster crawl on you. Hamsters are naturally curious creatures and often want to explore while being held. Allowing them to crawl on your clothing or body can be a great way to interact with them and let them get to know you better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Holding Hamsters

Close Up of Woman Holding a Hamster

While holding your hamster can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can harm or stress your pet. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while holding your hamster:

1. Picking them up by their tail. 

2. Squeezing them too tightly.

3. Holding them for too long. 

4. Not paying attention to their body language

Final Remarks

By learning how to take care of your hamster and being mindful of your pet’s needs and boundaries, you can enjoy all the joys of hamster ownership. With a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to build a strong bond with your pet.

Jim Nero

Jim Nero

As a child, my parents got me a hamster cage and I loved my furry little friends.
So obviously when my kids were old enough I got them a pet hamster to care for.

About Me

As a child, my parents got me a hamster cage and I loved my furry little friends.
So obviously when my kids were old enough I got them a pet hamster to care for.

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