What the Pets!?: Tips for Training Hamster!

Tips for Training Hamster!

Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006

So you wanna train your hamster? I have compiled some tips for you...

Buy a hamster between the ages of four and seven weeks. They are easier to train when you get them young.

If you just bought a hamster, leave the hamster alone for a few days so it can get used to its new habitat.

Think of a nice cuddly name for your hamster, you can try hamster name generator. Always say its name first before you give it food. Your hamster will get used to its name, and when you call it your hamster will respond to it.

Put some food next to your hand and let your hamster come and eat the food. Then, put the food on your hand and your hamster should come and eat out of your hand. This will let your hamster get used to you. Stroke her back while it is eating.

Be gentle with the hamster. Don't drop it or let it falls off of high furniture, tables or stairs. To be safe, keep your hamster not more than 8 inches from the ground.

Before you handle your hamster, always wash your hands. Hamsters have poor eyesight, and if your hands smell even the tiniest bit like food, the hamster might accidentally bite you. You can also rub your hands in the litter.

Hamsters are nocturnal animals who do not like to be disturbed during the day. They may bite if you wake them up. You hamster usually active during evening until early morning, you can play with them at that time.

If your hamster bites often, you should try wearing thick gloves or put a blanket around your hand. When the hamster tries to bite you, it will not hurt you, and it will learn that you trust it.

Some hamsters are more nervous than others and may take a little longer to adjust to being handled. Be patient and your hamster should become quite tame. Good luck and have a good time training your hamster.

[source: eHow]

Photo by Seattle Roll

238 comments:

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Anonymous said...: Some hamsters do enjoy being "disturbed" during the afternoon!! My hamster loves waking up because than she gets to try new foods and be around people. She is a very nice hamster and likes sleeping in my pocket, she even purrs like a cat, untill she met one...she exists no more.; May 23, 2007
Anonymous said...: hdude! Isn't that animal abuse??!!! that is cruel! hamsters are ment to be loved not aten by cats u mean jerk; May 23, 2007
Anonymous said...: Thanks for this awesome article. I am currently in the process of obtaining a new miniature companion and this will definitly help! Thanks again!; June 04, 2007
Anonymous said...: This article is very helpful and really works! Thanks! :); June 20, 2007
Gazard said...: You are welcome, and thanks for visiting! Please add your tips in the comment also.; June 20, 2007
Meg, age: 13 said...: My hamster is very attached to her "blanky" and a little teddy bear i put in the cage is this normal?; June 25, 2007
Gazard said...: meg: this is not only normal, it is too cute. I will be so happy if u can show us her photo.; June 25, 2007
Anonymous said...: aawwww, now I want to go get a small teddy bear for my hamster! =] that would be the cutest thing. (I just hope it wont chew on it) If she does then I'll just take it out. Anyways, the tips were pretty useful, thanks.

-ali; July 05, 2007
Gazard said...: Thanks for visiting, please make sure the teddy bear is safe for your hamster to chew on.; July 05, 2007
FRANK said...: Very useful and excellent information..

You may also find it useful to visit my website: http://www.petsmixonline.com; July 09, 2007
Gazard said...: Thanks FRANK! You have an informative site too.; July 09, 2007
Anonymous said...: That's cool! I was just researching hamsters and I found this page. Very interesting to know they can respond by name. I just got a teddy bear hamster 3 weeks old and I named her MooMoo due to very cow-like fur. When I first got her she ran the wheel all night with only small breaks for the first two nights. Now that she seems to be more used to the cage she gnaws on the bars, digs in the flooring and runs the wheel a lot less. Is there anything wrong with this behavior?; July 12, 2007
Gazard said...: MooMoo is such a cute name! ^_^

She is just finding more ways to have fun in the cage, you can put in some empty toilet paper rolls for her to play too.; July 12, 2007
Eskin said...: I recently got two baby teddy bear hamsters, I heard that having two can be bad, due to the fact that they should fight, but these two love each other, they were raised together, and when I first saw them at the store, they were running together in the same wheel. They havnt fought at all this whole time.. Their names are Pearl and Nexie. Pearl is much more active and shes always trying to escape, but I have a few cats so I cant let her get out of my sight. Nexie, is who worries me. She has passed out a few times, but she was never in a hot place, or out of water. I just squeeze her gently, and she wakes up... Is that bad for hamsters to pass out?; July 13, 2007
Anonymous said...: This is MooMoo's owner and I did the empty toilet paper roll thing. It worked great, she crawls through it all the time. She is growing now and maybe getting a little chubby, I think I need to feed her limited amounts of food instead of leaving a bowl inside the cage.; July 14, 2007
Gazard said...: eskin: Although Pearl and Nexie never fight now, but they may become aggressive to each other when they have grown up. That is their nature and you need to separate them later. Don't worry, hamster likes to stay alone. Also, you need to lock your hamster cage properly as it is quite dangerous when your hamsters escape.

MooMoo's owner: Balance hamster mix, less sunflower seeds, and more exercise will keep MooMoo fit in shape.; July 14, 2007
Anonymous said...: Cool, I think the name thing works. I started feeding MooMoo three times a day and now she seems to be evening out and also I repeat "MooMoo" like over and over when I give her food so I really think it's working. My friends are pretty amazed how trained a hamster can be. Are there any more ways for me to make my hamster smart and trained?

Thanks btw; July 16, 2007
Gazard said...: You should thanks eHow contributor actually, I got the tips there and tried it myself. My Kimichi will response when I call his name too. Hehe, very cute!; July 16, 2007
Anonymous said...: My Hamster Watches T.V. Is That Normal?; July 16, 2007
Anonymous said...: My Hamster Barfs On People Hands if his cheek pouchs are full; July 16, 2007
Anonymous said...: MooMoo's owner

Haha! I think thats really funny. One thing I noticed about hamsters is that they are really silly creatures. A cat always knows where its jumping climbing, landing, or what it's plotting, while a dog also knows where they are running or who they are barking at. Hamsters are silly and make mistakes. Like if I hold Moo with both hands and take one hand away she keeps her front right and back right paws on an invisible hand because sometimes she doesn't realize my hand isn't there anymore.; July 17, 2007
Gazard said...: I didn't know that hamsters watch TV too, because their eye sight is not that good.

MooMoo's owner: Hehe, how you come out with such idea to tease MooMoo?; July 17, 2007
Anonymous said...: My Hamster Name Is Badger Cause He Loves To Dig. He Watches People On The Computer Too. Badger Loves BLUEBERRIES! And I am NOT MooMoos Owner. Badger Sits Close To The T.V And Watches.; July 17, 2007
Anonymous said...: Badger watches T.V and people play on the computer. i know no hamster nameed moomoo. badger is a chinese dwarf.i have 3 cardboard boxes that i cut door holes 4 badger to crawel thru. i also put toilet paper rolls and put tennis balls on top. badger has a lot of fun crawel around and hes watch me type. his cage has 2 stories.; July 18, 2007
Gazard said...: Is your cage close to TV and computer? Else Badger might be curious about the noise. Cute Badger!; July 18, 2007
Anonymous said...: badgers owner

preety much. he love climbing and is very active. sometimes he even swims! he climb down ur shirt and climb up ur pants if u give him the chance. he eats alot of blueberries and apples and carrots. he will climb up ur leg or arm.; July 18, 2007
Gazard said...: Better don't let badger swim, that is dangerous!; July 20, 2007
Lil 10 said...: I don't know how old my is?; July 21, 2007
Carla said...: My friend want to know how old is her hamster; July 21, 2007
Gazard said...: carla: It is not possible to tell the age of your hamster. However, if your hamster is lively, and he's not bald then he will be quite young, usually less than one year old.

If you just got your hamster from the pet store, it is probably less than three month old. If you got it from elsewhere, remember to ask how old they are, so you will always know.; July 21, 2007
Anonymous said...: MooMoo is MY hamster lol =]. But no I
would never "tease" her. One day i was holding her with two hands and i needed the other one for my little brother so I moved it and then she still had her legs on the invisible air.

BTW I had an accident today. I was away from home since 4 pm yesturday and I came back around 9 pm today. I left Moo with plenty of food and water and I changed the water as soon as I got home and gave her more food. I opened the cage door as usual, and shortly after she climbed into my hands she jumped off and landed on my carpet 3 feet below and encountered a couple of my hands trying to catch her on the way down. She is not harmed telling by how she looks and runs on the wheel. I am wondering what could provoke her to be so scared of me she also was shaking when she got on my hand from the cage. I hold her and play with her every day and she is never shaking and never jumps usually she trusts me. If you have any ideas on how to keep taming her after this incident please post.; July 21, 2007
Gazard said...: Hamster has mood too, you won't know when will she jump again. As for my Kimichi, he will jump almost every time. I just have to keep him as low as possible, in case my hand can't catch.; July 26, 2007
Chelsea said...: I just got a Dwarf hamster named Ryan,cause when you look at his face he has a brown line on his head that looks like a hair line and his fur on his head spikes up like Ryan Cabrea's hair XD.I got him yesterday. First thing I noticed was he bites me if I put my hand in his cage. Are hamsters territorial? He's drawn blood twice! Mabye he was just mad. But at what? Also, is there anyway to say sorry to your hamster in a way they understand? Like when you drop them, or they fall? Last question... Ryan is very explorative, like all ham-hams, when I put him on the desk and begin typing this comment, he'll run up to me and if I put my hand on the edge of the desk, he'll run onto it and down my arm, does he like me or is he just using me as a bridge to the chair?; August 01, 2007
Gazard said...: chelsea, Ryan has not know you yet, you need to spend some time with him everyday. Talk to Ryan softly and he will get to know that you love him. Most of the hamsters are curious and like to explore, that make them cute too!; August 04, 2007
Anonymous said...: Chelsea, there are two possible reasons Ryan may be biting. One is that he is investigating an unfamiliar object. In this case, he will probably stop biting your hand once it's familiar to him. If he doesn't stop on his own, you can train him not to bite by blowing air at him and saying "no" when he bites. The second possible reason for biting is that some dwarf hamsters are instinctively territorial and will bite all trespassers, including your hand. They cannot be trained out of this. Instead of putting your hand in the cage, put a scoop or container in. He will climb in to check it out, and then you can lift him out of the cage. He'll learn this as a routine. Once he is out of the cage, he won't be territorial. If you need to do any maintenance inside his cage, take him out first.; August 07, 2007
Gazard said...: Thanks for your tips, which are very true. My hamster will bite sometimes when I put my hand in his cage, but he didn't bite hard, so I can actually lift him up to my palm, just like fishing! And he won't bite at all when out of his cage.; August 08, 2007
Anonymous said...: ummmm i think my hamster ( mr smokey ) hates me cuz even when i put food in my hand he'll run away and when i go to GENTLY pick him up or pet him he runs away and is terrified! what should i do?!?!?!?; August 14, 2007
Gazard said...: Is mr smokey new to you? Some hamster is just more timid than the others, however, if you spend some times everyday with him, slowly but surely he will get used to your scent and voice. And that is the time when he will welcome you.; August 14, 2007
rachel said...: hi, i have a dwarf hamster called rolly polly olly (rolly for short)he is really cute and likes to sleep in my hand and sometimes i put him on the table and cover him with my hand and after a while if i want to take it off he wakes up as if he isn't protected anymore or maybe he just feels cold?. why do you think he likes to sleep so much in my hand but wouldn't sleep in my mum's hand? i mean he is close to her aswell.; August 16, 2007
Anonymous said...: well rachel, maybe ur hamster is connected to u more than anyone else, u must take really good care of him but it seems like a natural reaction (what rolly did), and if someone put something over u and then took it off, then u might do the same thing, dont worry i think it is very normal =); August 16, 2007
Anonymous said...: hey, i just purchased my hamster two days ago. i named him sushi =]. the first day i got him, i brought him back to my friends house where he stayed the night. I kept him there because only my mom approves of sushi, my dad is clueless. i brought him to my house last night, but i'm worried all this movement will make him aggressive... What do you think?; August 17, 2007
Gazard said...: rachel, rolly is really bond with you. How happy I would if Kimichi ever sleep in my hands.

Sushi owner, changing of environment will stress him, however he won't be aggressive provided you give him some time to settle down.; August 18, 2007
MayMay said...: I got my new hamster around two weeks ago. He is doing very well in his new home, and is very good. He doesn't bite and gets along with me very well. He likes to play with me and be around me all the time. The only problem is every other weekend I have to go to my dad's house and no one will be home to take care of him. So I was going to take him with me in a portable cage that I got him, which he seems to like the cage and car rides very much. He likes to get out of his cage in the car and ride on my lap looking out the window. If I bring all his favorite toys do you think he will eventually get used to this transition every other weekend? And is it okay if he doesn't act nocturnal. He sleeps at night when I go to bed and he wakes up at the same time every morning. He doesn't seem to have a problem with this, because he started it on his own. Lastly is there such thing as spending too much time with you hamster? he is always with me inside or out. He has a harness and leash that he likes to wear when we take walks outside. And he always responds to his name. And when Im inside watching T.V or doing something around the house he either sits on my shoulder or sits in my pocket with his head sticking out. He either watches what Im doing or sleeps inside my pocket or on my shoulder. and when I try to put him back in his cage he cries, but eventually stops if I leave him alone for a while. Everyone says that hes like my litte dog, but I didn't know if this was okay for him to always be with me.; August 19, 2007
Anonymous said...: It's perfectly fine that you spend so much time with your hamster. It's better that he knows you rather than doesn't, I have a guinea pig and I don't have much time to spend with her so she's really shy, I'm going to try harder to spend time with her.; August 23, 2007
Lululemon*Gurl said...: Hi, I looking to get a hamster. I was wondering what type of species of hamster is the best to have. fun/active/cute/and don't always nibble? I don't want to get a lazy hamster that bites a lot. Do you have and ideals?; August 26, 2007
Gazard said...: Lululemon*Gurl, in term of fun, active and cute is mostly depend on your our preference. However, Winter white and Syrian hamster are less likely to nibble.; August 26, 2007
lululemon*gurl said...: Hey,I took your advice and im thinking of getting a winter white hamster. But I have never heard of them before are they expansive? Are they active? How often should I clean the tubes in the cage?; August 27, 2007
Gazard said...: lululemon*gurl, winter white hamster's price is not much different from other hamsters.

Normally you should clean the cage weekly if there are one of two hamsters.; August 27, 2007
Anonymous said...: Hi , Thank you for the help i am currently trying to breed my hamster i know the basic's it will be on season every 3 - 4 days ect

But i have never breed one myself
if it is ok can you email me or anyone eles with hamster help on how to breed one

my email adress is curtass@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you; August 29, 2007
Anonymous said...: Hi, my names Vincent, and well I have a dwarf hamster named clover. Shes very friendly. But she has an annoying habit of chewing her cage bars! Over and Over. This problem drives my family and I nuts. She chews it call night long and we can never sleep. Sometimes I allow it because it helps her teeth. The paint on some of the bars are scraped off! Is there a way to stop this habbit? Is it normal? What are some solutions.

I would love to see your thoughts on this.
thanks ~; August 30, 2007
Anonymous said...: Squishy and Missy's owner.

Vincent, this is completely normal for the hamster as their teeth never stop growing so they have to file them down. You could try putting a chewing toy in the cage and hope that she starts chewing on that instead.; August 31, 2007
Anonymous said...: Squishy and Missy's owner.

Thanks for the tips, especially the toilet tube one!
I went to stay with my bf for 3 months in the summer and REALLY wanted a hamster. So we bought a male Syrian and named him Squishy because you just want to SQUISH him being so cute and all! My bf spoils him rotten with tubes, look out towers, treats and fresh foods. When I came back to the UK I was feeling down so my bf recommended getting a hamster to cheer me up. So I did. The pet store didn't know what sex it was so I looked it up and am sure its female and named her Missy as she's a little bit naughty and bitey. I am training her not to bite by tapping her ear (it doesnt hurt her) and saying 'no Missy' which is really affective. I've only had her 6 days, she doesnt seem to chow down on brocolli and carrots like Squishy does, do you think she's too young to appreciate fresh foods? (I think shes between 5-8 weeks old). Also I read that it is best to get a male Syrian hamster if its your first as they are more even tempered, I was just curious if anyone knew what the differences were between male and female Syrian hamsters?; August 31, 2007
Gazard said...: Vincent, as Squishy and Missy's owner said, chewing toy or mineral block can help clover trim her teeth.

However, if she still keep biting the cage bars, then she might be bored. Play with her more often, give more toys, take her out and let her roam in hamster-safe area sometimes.

Squishy and Missy's owner, female syrian hamster will act quite aggressively during mating period.; August 31, 2007
Anonymous said...: I just got a dwarf hamster and but i got her from a friend that could not care for her any more. I was told that she was not very old maybe a few months. They also told me that she was tame, but when ever i put my hand in the cage or try to pet her she will bit me. Can i still train her not to or is she to old to try and train?; September 01, 2007
Gazard said...: Although it is easier to train hamster in its younger ages. However, with more patience you can still train your hamster, she bite because you are still a stranger to her.; September 02, 2007
Anonymous said...: hi my name is nadia i have a syrian hamster it so cute but sometimes it make s a little sound ..also how do i know if it trust me; September 03, 2007
Anonymous said...: I just got a hamster for my little sister and im trying to train it to not bite her or go crazy. As of now, the hamster(Happy my little sister decided) doesnt like people. Every chance he gets, he bites fingers. He's bitten me quite a few times now an no change. Everytime we attempt to hold him or just open his cage, he does some battle cry and leap everywhere, making it almost impossible to hold him. Any advice?; September 05, 2007
Gazard said...: Try to wear thick gloves when handling your hamster, she seem like not used to be handled yet. Also make sure you wash your hand before this.

Gradually she will adapt and familiar with you.

Nadia, if your hamster let you hold it on your palm he is most probably trust you. You can feel it.; September 07, 2007
Anonymous said...: I named my Panada Bear Hamster Bamboo. I just got it a couple days ago, and its very flinchy... Is that normal?; September 16, 2007
Gazard said...: Hi Bamboo's owner, that should because of your hamster is still unfamiliar with you and the new environment.; September 17, 2007
Anonymous said...: hi, we got 2 chinese dwarf hamsters for my son about a month ago. They have had their territorial disputes every once in a while, but I just noticed that one of the hamsters right eye is shut. It might be slightly swollen. It might be open a little. The pet shop said they could be together. Is there something I can get at a petstore or are we talking taking to a vet? I think it just happended. We should have done better homework, but our son fell in love with them. Thanks!!; September 23, 2007
Gazard said...: It might be injured during fight, I still recommend to separate them as hamsters are generally solitary. They prefer to stay alone.; September 26, 2007
Anonymous said...: my hamster mr.nibbles doesn't like to be in my palm he always rolls onto his back until you let him roam around on your body is that normal?; October 07, 2007
Gazard said...: mr.nibbles has his own personality, we can't say his behavior is abnormal. I think he is kind of cute actually!; October 07, 2007
Dale said...: Hi i have a Hamster called Magic hes only 6 weeks old ive had him over a week and hes still squeeling at me when i gentaly touch him hes so frightened of me i dont know what to do ive no clue ive had a hamster before and he was fine never had this problem im worried he wont ever let me hold him ive done what everyone has said but he seems not to adjust. i love him so much but im so worried when he squeels at me =( can anyone sujest anything?; October 12, 2007
Gazard said...: Dale, not all hamsters are same. Some will just never like to be handled, and their wishes should be respected.; October 13, 2007
Anonymous said...: Replying to Eskins comment about her 2 hamsters: I had 2 hamsters, one quieter than the other (my lively one tried to escape alllll the time too) and when i first got them they seemed like the best of friends, but soon did begin to fight, so i seperated them. Shortly after, the quieter one died, but that's a whole other story.. hope i helped :); October 14, 2007
Gazard said...: May the quieter hamster rest in peace.; October 15, 2007
Dale said...: aww Magic Will let me hold him for about 5 mins without making too much of a fuss got a small little nip form him the other day saying he had enough i love him sooooo much hes so cute; October 18, 2007
Gazard said...: Dale, I'm so glad to hear that. Your hamster Magic must be very cute.; October 18, 2007
Danielle said...: Hiya im off to get a hamster tomorrow iv seen a beautiful cage that im getting for it, its massive and like a huge maze im actually reali exited! how daft im 21 lol....x

i want to know good pottying tips as i dont want this hampster peeing everywhere!

also i had to syberian gerbils before i was told they were brothers and it would be nice to keep them togethee..... big mistake!

i had to sepeate them a few times as one was the bully brother, so one was skinny one was fat!
anyway one day i stayed out at my m8s come home the next day and thought my sister had let one of them escape as i couldnt see the skinny one..... next thing i knew the fat one had half eaten him and buried him,,, i was so sad i could hardly look at the fat one!!!

so its just one for me tomorrow!!; October 20, 2007
Gazard said...: Danielle, refer to toilet train hamster tips, as requested.

All the best to your new hamster!; October 21, 2007
Anonymous said...: my hamster i think might be sick this morning he wasn't awake i brought him into my room and he wouldn't movei picked him up and he barley moved hi head to look aroundnad went back to sleepso i put him back into his cage and he started shaking is he sick; October 22, 2007
Gazard said...: Firstly, check the room temperature, Syrian hamster can fall into hibernation when there is a sudden temperature drop.; October 23, 2007
Danielle and new addition elmo said...: just thought id quickly pop back to say how my new hampster is
.....
hes called elmo and hes a white winter male .....
hes a beautiful colour white with a grey stripe doen his back....
i chose him because he was getting bullied by the other hamps when i went into the shop they took a small chunk of his furr out by his nose bless him...
and despite all hes been through he is a very friendly and happy hampster he was a bit scared a first but now he is fine....
i cant be bothered with the toilet training havent really got time with a one yr old lol....
but one thing i wanted to ask is..?

i have a plastic cage with lots of tubes and the way its layout is is that hes wheel food and house is on the ground floor and hes water is at the top it cant be moved down but elmo wont go up or down the tubes hes 8 weeks old now do u think he will ever learn?

im having to hydrate him with water out of my hand but its not exctly ideal is it?

sorry for the long post thankyou xxxxxxxxxx; October 29, 2007
Gazard said...: Danielle, you love elmo so much, I can see that. :) Maybe you can get one water bottle and hang it at the ground floor.; October 29, 2007
NewRoboOwner said...: I just bought a Robo Hamster and he is so quick! Will they always be like this or can I train him to be tame so he just chills in my hand? And how would I do this? I can hardly even pick him up in his cage?; November 08, 2007
Gazard said...: NewRoboOwner, Robo hamsters are not usually cuddly, if you are lucky you may be able to find one that is tame enough to be handled. Else you have to live with his nature and personality.; November 08, 2007
Melgirl (email me melgirlandhamsters@hotmail.com said...: Hi!! I'm Melanie.

I have 9 hamsters, Vertical, Horizontal, G-Force, George, Midnight, Rusty, Caspie, Romanji(Roma), and Kanji. They are so cute! Kanji is the mom she was from the petstore and after we got her a few days latter she had 8 babies. LOL
She is now 1 year and seven months old and still healthy. The babies are 1 year and 4 months old and healthy too!! They are all gentil and love to cuddle! I LOVE THEM!:); November 10, 2007
Gazard said...: Vetical? Horizontal? I can't imagine these names can be associated to hamsters, haha!; November 11, 2007
Anonymous said...: Dude this web site helped plenty and I now have seven hamsters and mated with each other and now I had to four cages And none of the hamsters died before I sold them. Thanx for the help.; November 25, 2007
Gazard said...: That is very nice of you. Thanks for dropping by! :); November 25, 2007
Anonymous said...: Hey. I need some advice on my hamster...
Tazo pees on me whenever I hold him and sometimes hisses at me. Also when he doesn't pee on me when I hold him, when I put him back in his cage he pees out of his cage like, through the bars. I'm not sure what to do. I love him and want to be able to hold him without him peeing all over me! What should I do? Nothing seems to work!
Thanks; December 12, 2007
Anonymous said...: my dwarf hamster just died in his sleep recently, but he was over 2 years old, and it was most likely of natural causes.
my question is that if it is normal for hamsters to sleep in your palm? it started during the last week or so of his life and happend quite frequently. once, my hand was at a bit of an angle, so he slipped off, only to climb back on a few seconds later. i just thought it was a bit strange since i had him for over 2 years and it started only a week before his death.; December 14, 2007
Gazard said...: My hamster has been pee on my palm before too when he is quite nervous. However, pee out of cage is quite strange, probably he wanna make sure his cage is clean.

Sorry to hear that. My hamster Kimichi passed away in his sleep too three weeks ago. I do notice that he is more calm then usual a week before that.; December 15, 2007
BeLL said...: my friend is just gave 2 cute winter white hamster today.. im so excited...!; December 18, 2007
casey said...: my hamster bites me. . .
i dont like it what to do so much advise so little time
any advise???; December 19, 2007
Gazard said...: casey, unfortunately you need to spend time in order to train your hamster to be confident of you.; December 19, 2007
Anonymous said...: my hamster doesnt like me picking her up i got her i think 2 days ago but when i pick her up she will jump it scares me that i will drop her someday how do you get them to stay in your hand and not jump???her name if fluffy. also i have a bowl of water in her cage she loves to climb on it im afraid that shes going to fall in!!; January 05, 2008
Anonymous said...: i just got my hamster and named him RIZZO and he has bitten me a few times, and now barricades himself in his wheel...is there anything i can do to stop this bad behavior; January 05, 2008
Kev said...: Hello, my daughter has just bought two Robo hamsters which are very sweet but I fear one of them might be bonkers! He constantly runs from one side of the cage to the other. Is this normal behaviour or could it be a sign of stress. The two of them were bought at the same time and were the only ones in the cage and were behaving very well at the time. Perhaps the guy in the pet shop switched it for the nutty one under the counter that nobody would buy?!

Cheers

Kevin; January 15, 2008
Anonymous said...: kevin,
your hamster is being normal, my hamster did the same thing for a week and then got used to her cage and stopped.:]; January 17, 2008
Gazard said...: Yes, no worry Kevin, your hamster just need some time to settle down.; January 17, 2008
kev said...: Cheers guys! It could have been worse when my daughter said she wanted a Robo Hamster I thought it might have been some half metal half hamster law enforcer!

Kevin; January 18, 2008
xoxberryblondxox said...: i have had my hamster for a few weeks, and i still cant pick him up...every time i try he jumps out of my hands. i have lost him 3 times becasue of this. He also bites me alot and runs when i go near his cadge...what can i do to make him a better pet???; January 19, 2008
Jesse said...: I just bought my new hamster hamlet a week agao and she never seems satisfied wherever she is. she tries to escape from her cage. I have a huge hamster fence for her to run around in and she still tries to escape.she won't even let me hold her. even when outside, she tries to run away, is this normal? what should i do? btw, I have had 2 hamster before hamlet
9hamtaro and hammer) and they both seemed content; January 20, 2008
Gazard said...: Jesse, I think hamlet is just a different child, that is her characteristic. There are nothing wrong with her.

My last hamster, Kimichi is just the opposite, he don't escape even though I accidentally let the cage open.

Btw, hammer is a very cool hamster's name haha!; January 20, 2008
Anonymous said...: Ok folks I have been reading your things...and I have a few questions.

I bought a hamster (Fletcher) in October...I bought him the starter cage (everythng included), I left him alone for the first 3 days, bought him chew toys, a house, fluff, treats, a glow in the dark ball.

He doesn't like me or anybody for that matter. He doesn't chew on his chew toy, he chews his cage, if he sees you he will run up to the cage and start gnawing, he hasn't ever run on his wheel, he gets mad often and throws his shavings around.

After about a month i put a toilet paper roll in his cage and he attacked it...squeaked at it and jumped on it and started biting it...so I took it out...I put another one back in a few days later and he did the same thing although i left it in and he is ok with it now.

I have only held him a couple of times...I washed my hands...held shavings, and he still bit me. When I open the cage door he charges me, if I try to get his food bowl he has to be away from it or he'll try to attack my hand.

I have somewhat trained him to go in and out of his ball but that's about it...and he'll take treats from my hands...other than that he is just not nice.

HOW DO I GET HIM TO BE A NICE HAMSTER???; January 23, 2008
Anonymous said...: I got a hamster the other day and ever since i have gotten him he's not been jumpy nor very wild. He's very nice, and i let him out all the time and put him on my bed and he just either sits there or will walk around and go under my pillow...It seems though if i dont wake him up all he does is sleep whether it is durign the day or the night... i have to actually wake him up which he doesnt really mind...i can leave his cage open and he doesnt try to get out...if he does want to get out he just waits and make a scratching noise on the bar and waits for me to get him....My mother said that hamsters are very active and like to jump...mine seems to not do any of these things...he seems very healthy though...are these things normal???; February 02, 2008
Gazard said...: You seem to have a very tame hamster, some hamsters are less active then the others, yours is one of them. Congratulation, you have a nice and cuddly hamster there!; February 02, 2008
Charlotte 1987 said...: I have just bought a hamster and he's my first one. i was going to get a hamster from a breeder but when i went to petsathome to buy a cage i ended up wanting to buy one to rescue it from there! so i did and he is very sweet and is obviously healthy- he's eating and drinking a lot etc and he seems very at home in his cage now too. he keeping running on his wheel and up and down the ladders and shuffling food from one house to another! sometimes when i get him out though he nips me, but its not a scared nip i dont think, its almost like he has thought about it and then decides to bite and goes for it! i have only had him for a week, but what can i do to stop him? i dont put him down when he bites me or flinch because i can tell when he is going to do it! i have tried washing me hands so they dont smell of food and rubbing his bedding into them before i pick him uo but he still does it! any help?! x x; February 08, 2008
Dannah said...: These tips seem really useful!
I bought my hamster only three days ago and she LOVES her exercise wheel!
One thing I was wondering though is that she seems to run a lot faster when I get close to the cage
I was wondering if this was because Moya (my hamster) is scared or if it's another reason
Thankyou for the great advice you've all been posting!; February 11, 2008
Gazard said...: Charlotte, be patient, one week might not be long enough to get your hamster to know you.

Dannah, Moya might think that you are a huge predator watching on her. She still new to you anyway.; February 16, 2008
Anonymous said...: hi!
I just got a Dwarf hammie a few days ago. She bites a lot, sleeps in the day and play @ night. It's hard for me to get close to her. When I tried to wake her up using a stick, she startled and bit the stick. Is there a way for me how to train her? By the way, she's about 2 months ago.
Please help!; February 21, 2008
Gazard said...: Please don't wake up your hamster while she is sleeping during the day time. They are only active during the night, early morning and late evening.; February 21, 2008
Anonymous said...: I just got a hamster, and I named him Bunster. He is very cute, and fluffy. I think that he is very scared because every time I refill his water or give him food he either runs away, tries to bite, or tries to escape. Hopefully these tips will help me to train him.; February 24, 2008
Anonymous said...: I just got a new "robo" hamster the other day I named her sushi. She is so cute. But I cant pick her up she runs away and she is really fast and can jump.So how can I pick her up and get her used to me?; March 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: I just got a new "robo" hamster the other day I named her sushi. She is so cute. But I cant pick her up she runs away and she is really fast and can jump.So how can I pick her up and get her used to me?; March 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: oops i sent that 2 times sorry i didnt meen to!!! But also sushi is really really calm when shes in her cage she just sits in one spot for like 20 minutes then fall asleep in the same spot and then wakes up and goes to a new spot, she does that all day.but then she starts to go crazy when i try to pick her up, i got her 3 or 4 days ago, do you think she will get over that after she gets used to her new home???thanks!!!; March 03, 2008
Gazard said...: Sushi must be really cute, I can see that from her name, I love sushi!

Unfortunately, sushi is a robo, which is less cuddly then other breeds of hamsters. They are very active and faster, it is not impossible to train a robo to sit still on your palm but that isn't easy at all.; March 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: hi i have a hamster that my familly has had for about 1 1/2 and i do play with it a fiew times a week but i have a problem that it wont sit still in my hand and if i let it out of the cage it will escape and it avoids my hand. its a teddy hamster can you give me some tips to my email its wist1234@hotmail.com and i want to train it; March 08, 2008
<3 n i c o l l e said...: Hi, I have a Russian Winter White called Lollipop and I have had her since october. She is a lovely hamster but seems to be scared of men. Everyone loves her!
She is also very hyperactive. I was told that she would calm down eventually and become easy to handle, but she hasnt. My sister finds her too fast and continuously drops her so when I am not at home, my mum has to look after her. Have you got any tips on calming a hamster down? I dont want her to change dramatically, just enough to be not so much of a handful.

Thanks; March 16, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi <3nicolle, Lollipop might not familiar with your sister's hands yet. Train her more by letting her picking up food from hands. Lollipop will calm down only if she feels secure.; March 16, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hi, my hamster Hamtaro is a teddy bear hamster. Very cute indeed! But I'm a little afraid of him. He's bitten me once when I woke him up and I then realized never to wake a hamster up, wait until they are awake. But I'm a little scared that he may bite me again if I pick him up. He's pampered alot so I know he's not unhappy with his cage. What can I do?; March 29, 2008
Gazard said...: You can wear gloves when picking up Hamtaro if you are nervous. Until you have more confidence that he won't get upset.; March 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: hello!
did you know that in Hong Kong they sell things like hamster coke and hamster marshmellows?
Yes, my last hamster liked the coke very much!; April 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hi, my hamster Yo (male, sapphire, 1 year 8 months) recently moved a lot of the bedding in the bottom floor to the top floor where it normally pees. I gave it a little hamster house when it was young and it used that until now. Is this normal?
Also, while it was transferring hay between floors, some bedding was in his pouch and it pushed the bedding out. The bedding did come out, and I saw the inside of the food pouch, it was pink. Is it possible that some bedding could get stuck inside?

-Emmy; April 04, 2008
Cherry<3 said...: I just got 2 dwarf hamsters today. The one with the grayish whiteish fur is named Pepper, the other one which have a tanish,brownish, blondish, whitish color is named Biscuit. Both females. Pepper got used to me pretty quickly but im still afriad to hold it without my gloves but i still pet it and touch it and sometimes use one hand without the glove to touch it. But other then pepper, Biscuit is very aggressive, and aware of any movements. When i tried to pet it, it quickly turned it's head to my finger and pounce a bite on it. It does that repeatly. Will it ever stop even when i leave it alone for a few days to adapt? I was amazed how you people train your hamsters successfully. My teddy bear hamster named Panda passed away at the 3oth of last month. so i brought Pepper and Biscuit to keep my company. how do i try to keep Biscuit from biting me, and actually love and trust me? How do i know when Pepper is gonna bite me or not? Please answer me! ur answers is the most encouraging. THANKS!!!; April 05, 2008
Anonymous said...: hi i have a hamster named hampi and another named curly. hampi is really tame and cudly and frendly but curly sorta timid and i was wonderring if there were cool toys you can make at home.also hampi likes cool toys so i was wondering if you cud reply.

thanks
hamsterlover; April 07, 2008
Gazard said...: Emmy, bedding seldom get stuck in hamster cheek pouch, only sticky stuffs like gum and chocolate will.

cheery>3, do not worry too much. Be patient and keep taming Biscuit, he might change or he might not. No matter how he is still such a cute furball to look at.

hamsterlover, hampi is kind of cute name for hamster. You can check out some homemade hamster toys tips on my blog.; April 07, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hi,

I bought a russian hamster 3 or 4 days ago,i called him Nut's.
He's very cute but he doesn't like coming out of the cage.
The first day i got him,he nibbled on my hand (it didn't hurt) but i think its because he thought i was food at first but i took him out of the cage yesterday and he was running from one hand to the other and then,he bit me hard and it drew blood.Has anyone got any idea why he is doing this and any idea how to stop him..? Is there anyway to make him more cuddly or "sociable"..?; April 12, 2008
sunnypeaks said...: Hi,
I had gerbils that pretty much ate each other so we exchanged them in for a teddy bear hamster that we named Senior Sheldon. My boys and I love him. Can you take hamsters outside in the summer (in sectioned off area). Is there a maxminum amount of time they can be out of their cages? He watches tv with us all the time. We have him in a gerbil/hamster cage that has a climby thing but he never uses it. Do hamsters like those or can they go up slides? What can I put in their cage for fun besides the wheel?
Any responses would be so appreciated....thanks and hamsters rule!; April 25, 2008
Gazard said...: sunnypeaks, hamsters have no problem out of cage, but just don't expose them under direct sunlight, they could be easily overheated.

You can try empty toilet rolls, and cardboard boxes, hamsters like these.; April 25, 2008
sunnypeaks said...: Hey thanks so much Gazard!; April 29, 2008
hamsterlover said...: hi gazard
my hamsters a doin very well.i was wondering how you breed them cause both of my syrians(one male one female different cages:)dont fight alot.

thanks; April 29, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi hamsterlover, you should introduce your female hamster to your male hamster in his cage when you want them to breed. You can find out more tips from other sites, frankly I have not breed any hamster yet.; April 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hi Gazard

my friend has 2 golden hamsters.They fight Alot and theres alota blood.i told him to seperate them but he doesn't listen.wut shud i do!!!!!
help
Shbalabahamsta; May 05, 2008
Colby said...: Hi, i will be getting a hamster in about a week and i have been struggling with finding the right bedding or 'kind' of hamster. i would most definetely like a very friendly hamster. (one who doesn't bite often) and also one preferably larger but young. which one would you suggest?; May 05, 2008
Anonymous said...: BEDDING FOR RODENTS:
I've read that cedar or pine bedding is the cheapest to buy, but the worst for the health of your pet due to the dust, which is inhaled and bad for the lungs plus the oils are bad as well. I researched extensively and use CAREFRESH bedding, which is not made of pine or cedar.

DWARF OR TEDDY BEAR HAMSTER?
I bought a Syrian Hamster (Teddy Bear Hamster. The reason I like these hamsters is because once they grow to full adult size, they are quite large (like a medium size potato), run slower than the smaller hamsters, therefore easier to catch if they are running away from you (outside of the cage). The person at the pet store told me that the smaller hamsters in general, are the ones that are the most prone to biting (yes, I know...there are exceptions so small hamster owners, don't bother posting a defensive rebuttal...this is what the pet store person said, not what I think).

MAKING YOUR CHOICE:
Whenever I buy a hamster, I always employ the same technique: Go and find a pet store attendant that seems friendly & helpful (not all of them are). Then, ask them if they are scared to pick up hamsters (some are believe it or not). If not, then great. Tell them that you want to buy a hamster, but you want one that doesn't bite. They usually don't mind picking up each hamster and testing them this way. Notice which one seems to have the most calm temperment. Then, you have to hold the hamster in the store (this is to assure you that you are comfortable with your choice).

I would go against buying a hamster based on looks...I always buy based on temperment.; May 06, 2008
Gazard said...: Thanks for the tips. I couldn't agree more on the importance of good temperament when choosing hamster.; May 06, 2008
Colby said...: hey thanks for the tips too. they work great. im getting a teddy bear hamster but i'm confused on something. well, i am now getting his new home together (in a 20x12 aquarium) and im putting a little bit of things in there for him to play with and crawl around in, but im not sure i can use most of the stuff around my house. can i use a metal, wood, plastic or popcicle sticks? i need to fill the huge amount of space in ther. what else around the house can i use to keep him acive? and also, i know we're suposed to buy chew toys for a hamster, but is there any safe objects around the house that i can use?; May 08, 2008
Gazard said...: Colby, you can try apple tree branch, or other wood which is dry, clean and not in any way rotting. Plastic and metal might be poisonous unless they are made for pet toys.; May 08, 2008
Anonymous said...: Colby, just a suggestion for you because I raised some mice in an aquarium.

When your pet urinates, the smell is very strong, and it will seep onto the bottom of your aquarium, even through all the woodchips you put down.

It's WAY TOO HARD to lift up an aquarium and wash it under the sink..just too heavy. You will have to wash it sometimes because the smell is powerful and the buildup is toxic to your pet, and the smell will be offensive to you.

My suggestion is to line the bottom of your tank with something , like a plastic tray from the dollar store, or a cut up garbage bag, and dump your woodchips on top of that. It makes for easier cleaning and your tank won't reek of urine.

As for chew sticks, I like the suggestion of branches from an apple tree. Any fruit tree branches should be fine.

I give my hamster a milkbone dog biscuit to knaw on to help file down her growing teeth.

Some hamsters are picky and may not chew on some things you give them.; May 09, 2008
Colby said...: Great tips thanks. i have a LOT of apple trees in my own backyard and i tested the branches on my new hamster. they work very good. my hamster loves these mini log / branch pyramid steps i made. and also i lined the bottom of the aquarium with a plastic tray and so far it doesn't smell yet. but i was wondering, since i only have one hamster, will the smell be bad? how often should i clean the tank?; May 09, 2008
Gazard said...: Glad to hear that your hamster like apple tree branch. My hamster loves to chew Royal Canin cat kibble.

As for the cleaning, I suggest weekly or more frequent. It might not smell bad for you but your hamster.; May 09, 2008
Anonymous said...: I agree, clean once a week at a minimum. Even if the cage doesn't smell bad to you, it isn't exactly a fun living environment for your hamster.

A good analogy would be to imagine if you lived in a condo, and you pooped and urinated all over the floor. It would not smell good in a week and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't even want to live there anymore :)

Besides, your hamster's fur will start to pick up the smell too.; May 10, 2008
Anonymous said...: I just got my first hampster about a week ago (JoJo). She is great, but she has a tendency to pee on me. one time she just walked up to my foot, squatted down, and peed on it. is there anything i can do to stop her from peeing on me or on my things?; May 14, 2008
Gazard said...: JoJo has a strange preference, usually hamsters will choose a place to pee that is away from their bed. I don't know why she thinks your foot makes a great toilet. Buy her a hamster litter box might help.; May 14, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hello Evryone :D
OMG! This site is one of the best out there! I go to hi-skool and i have to do mi community hours. I decided to do them at PET VALU. It is extremely fun!! I've been going there over 4monts. I have been cleaning hamster cages, feeding them and taking care of them in. Very fun. There was a mother and a father (mixed teddy and dwarf) they had babies constantly ^^! There was this hamster that no body would buy (i swear he was the cutest, most gentle, and pertiest of them all). I felt extremely sad for him cause all week he wuld stay ina corner, only getting uo for foodz & drinks, Until i come and feed him and clean his cage. Evrytime whn i left, i told my mom about tht hamster. I was collecting money for a cat.. which was $30.00. But i could not resist and i decided to buy tht hamster and free him instead <3. I took mi $50~ something dollars after skool and went to buy him! The owner gave me the hamster for free(YEY)! But i still had to buy a cage, food, bedding, and toys. So i did. The best ones. Now the hamster have been living with me for allready 3 days. My dream has come true!

Sorry If i Bored U wid mi life story...and ty for reading :):):)
(gazard u will probably read this :))
Bye Bye

P.S I wanna be a vet when i grow up! I LOVE ANIMALS; May 17, 2008
Anonymous said...: My hamster sleeps all day, till around 8 o'clock then i put him in a Ball to roll around. I take off the wheel in the morning for him to have more space (Eventhough he does not move) After reading this i have set up a toilet paper roll in his cage. I also remove all the poop all the time from the cage, to make it cleaner and not smell (is this okay)????

when ever i try to pick to pick him Up he runs away, and i have to forcefully do it (is this okay?) I don't want him to be scared of me. I always talk to him, and try to call him by his name as much as i can.

I seemed to have noticed that hamsters don't like when you touch them above their neck. I usually let him smell my hand before i touch him. I also let him around on mi bed( is this okay?) I feed him from my hands (after reading the article i know it is okay.)My hamster pees in his wheel .... i wipe it with a napkin after he does it, because it smells really bad.(is this okay?) I cut up an apple for him yesterday and try to make him get used to it, i want to make it a treat for him. I NAMED HIM P0okzy!! :)

P.S I;m the person who wrote the 3 hr comment be4 this one. 8D; May 17, 2008
Gazard said...: This is very nice, I love your story. May the force be with you, and never give up pursuing your dream. :); May 17, 2008
Gazard said...: Forcefully pick up hamster is not so okay, make sure you are not too rough and hurt him. The rest is okay, the only thing is hamster poops is not that smelly, weekly cleaning is good enough. Hamster pees is the smelly one.

P0okzy, how do you pronounce that? :P; May 17, 2008
Anonymous said...: poo-ck-zee

:D; May 19, 2008
Anonymous said...: my new hamster, BABY CINDY, is a pure angel. She is sent from above. She takes the garbage in, unloads the dishwasher, and even picks out the latest fashions! Is this normal?; May 19, 2008
George said...: o.o
Baby Cindy..? are u sure tht this is hamster? lawl and not ur mom

Um Gazrd this is the "life story" person from be4.

I have several questions... ok first..-I give my hamster all-bran cereal and he reli likes it, tell me if thts okay.
Second question is..sometimes my hamster just freezes, seems like hes afraid of something, whn i let him run around on mi bed yesterday, he hid into a "cave" in mi pillow. and jst stayed, whn be 4 he was running round from one corner to the other for like 10 mins.

Third: i gave him new food, then he stuffed his cheek and ran around the cage like mad (probably finding a place to put them. What should i do he ran for like 2-3 hours then i fell aslleep..maybe loner.

Oh and the last one, earlier today, he ate his own poop o.o
weird...HELP lawl

thnks; May 21, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi George, cereal is cool, my hamster like cereal too but I give him just for snack because it is not proper hamster main diet.

Yes, when hamsters scares they tend to freeze. Don't worry too much, your hamster might not feel comfortable on your bed that day.

If your hamster likes the new food so much you should be glad. He is probably find place to hide it.

Some hamsters do eat poo sometimes, it is not really too strange according to some websites. I never seen any hamster do this though.; May 21, 2008
Anonymous said...: i have a hamster called Honey she likes peanuts!; May 24, 2008
Anonymous said...: thanx i am tryin to tame my hamster so this helped alot thanx.

my hamster is called bramble and he smells like hamster.; May 31, 2008
nia said...: thanks for the tips, they're very useful=] my hamster (Cuppy her name)is such a whory hamster! lol, she has given birth three times and shes only 8months old!! she has this affectn for a particular hamster (Trails) who is my next door neigbors hamster. whenever they see each other and he spends the night over, they play hide and seek. it is pretty unbelieveable to see them. it has to be dark and you have to be very silent while theyplay. i guess you can say they are pretty smart=] he has gotten her pregnat two times already, and he just spent the weeken over. i guess that means more babies!!; June 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: thanks so much for the tips! i'm planning on getting a teddy bear hamster really soon and i wanna learn as much as possible.; June 14, 2008
Anonymous said...: ^^^^ thats me i am planning on calling her bella =]; June 14, 2008
bella said...: ^^^^^^ hi thats me again my name is now bella i got her yippeeee!!!! she's sooo cute. i have a question, how do you pick them up from their cage? i've rubbed my hands with the shavings thing and let her smell my hand and gone really slowly, but she keeps on running away. i've had her for over a day. one more- is four months okay to get them? or is it too old?; June 16, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi bella, maybe you can try letting your hamster pick up food from your hand first. Four-month old hamster is not old.; June 16, 2008
Anonymous said...: i just bought a robo dwarf hamster named snatch today i just wanted to know what are some good ways to spend time with him to get him used to me?; June 19, 2008
bella said...: thanks gazard! i have hand given her with yogurt yoggies and she isn't running away anymore. she is finally getting used to my touch.; June 19, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi bella, glad to hear that.

As for roborovski hamsters, you can talk slowly and hand feed them. Unfortunately they are quick and not as cuddly as other dwarf hamsters.; June 20, 2008
Anonymous said...: Thanks i wish they would have told me that when i got him though he may be really skidish he is fun to watch last night he ran in his wheel and stopped and flew off; June 21, 2008
Anonymous said...: What kind of food is better for a teddy bear hamster? Would you name a brand? My teddy bear hamster is 4 months old but for me is not big compare to others hamsters.; June 24, 2008
Gazard said...: I would recommend Prestige Hamster Mix. Also, give your hamster some fresh food everyday. Here is a list of food for hamsters.; June 24, 2008
kitty said...: hi,
i have two teddy bear hammys. one male one female, i want to breed them but every time i put them together they act the way they should but ive put them together about 12 times now but its like he doesnt know where to put it :( they r both about 5 or 6 mths old. well i am wondering what i might be doin wrong. i do kno that i am putting them together at the right time but i dont know whats goin on.
plz hlp me
kitty; July 26, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi kitty, I did not breed hamsters before. However, I do know that Syrian hamster can only mate when the female hamster is in season. The tell-tale sign that she is in season is that when you stroke her back towards her tail, she will freeze on the spot, flatten out and lift her tail.

More info on hamsters breeding; July 27, 2008
Anonymous said...: I'm new to the site and have a question: My daughter just adopted a hamster who is a full-grown miniature. They said at the store that it was "young". We have had "Nibbles" for only 4 days, but he bites when we try to pick him up. My daughter is very discouraged, and we are considering giving him back to the store and purchasing a baby. Do you have any opinions about whether or not it is possible to train an older hamster? He has drawn blood with his bite, and my daughter is now afraid to try picking him up. Any help would be great!; July 29, 2008
Gazard said...: For your young daughter, I suggest to get a younger hamster that is not biting. You can actually try to pick up the hamster in the store, if the hamster bite then choose another one.; July 30, 2008
Anonymous said...: I have a hamster named Minou that I absolutly LOVE!! I've had him for about a year, so he's full grown. My friend just got a baby guinea pig name Pricilla. We both would like our pets to have a playmate but we don't know if it's ok for them to hang out. Is it ok for Minou and Prisilla to play together?; August 01, 2008
Gazard said...: I don't think so, because hamster is actually solitary. While guinea pig is sociable with other guinea pigs but not hamsters.; August 02, 2008
Anonymous said...: i got a hamster named robo
i got my hamster about 2 days ago. i bought pine bedding and i didn't know it was bad for my hamster so i took the bedding off. my sister was going to take me to buy some better bedding. but im wondering. what difference does it make if i have bedding or not? and is it ok if i use something else until i get the bedding; August 05, 2008
Anonymous said...: I have a Syrivain hamster and brought it yesterday 4th of august 2008. Its a male and i called it Fergus. He's so cute and he is really friendly and settled in really well hes so at home. Ive even brought him a play pen and hes so cute. He loves carrot :D he lets me hold him and even walks onto my hand and ive only had him a day.; August 06, 2008
Anonymous said...: OK its me again
i'm the owner of robo
i got a story, and a problem.

OK so i went and bought some bedding one of those little travel balls and some tubes to connect to the cage. everything was going great until now. its 1:23 right now. a few minutes ago i was sitting on my chair playing with my computer. i was staring off but i could definitely see what robo was doing. she was running on her wheel and in an instant she quickly ran away from from the wheel she was in the corner. it was a bit unusual so a few seconds later the wheel starts turning by itself. my room is not windy. i was a bit shocked. well what can it be. well i'm pretty sure of what it was. its a ghost. dunnnn dunnnn dunnnn. theres bin many experiences before.

the thing is
my hamster wont get out of the tube
ive took her out the room. im still in the room. but. i feel bad for my hamster. its not going to the cage and it wont get out the tube. ill check tomorrow. ill see if she improves. but if she continues im not sure wat to do.
got any hints for this one
XDD; August 06, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hii! I have a hamster named Buttons and I've had her for quite some time. I haven't really had the chance to play with her/train her. I'm trying to play with her now that school's out. Except she's really scared and not used to me really. How do I train her if she bites often?

Send me an email to caitlyn.xo-@hotmail.com. please and thank you. =D; August 07, 2008
Melanie said...: Hi, i used to have hamsters and now recently i just got a new 1 month plus old hamster name peanuts. we always bring him out whenever we can and sometimes peanuts stays at his place, certain times my place is it okay?; August 07, 2008
Melanie said...: we as in me and my boy.; August 07, 2008
Gazard said...: Bedding is mean to absorb hamster's pee and also as the nesting material.

The wheel turning by itself? Mmh, that is... weird.; August 07, 2008
darest said...: im the owner of robo

my name is darest
XD

i thought the bedding was to keep warm.
thanks for clearing that up.

i had to remove the tubing because i wouldnt leave it and it would take her food and just sleep in her tubing. so i took it off now shes sleeping in her nest.; August 08, 2008
Breann said...: Hi, i have a chinesse dwarf named cocoa and i want her to run on the floor and on my bed but my mom wont let me because she thinks she will run away.Do you have any suggestions how to get my mom to let me put her on my bed.
And what if she does run away, what should i do?
Cocoa always stuffs her house with bedding is that normal, and y do they do that?
Please help!!!!; August 09, 2008
Anonymous said...: ok so i got a new dwarf hamster 3 days ago. i picked it up on the first day and i know i shouldnt have but i did and it bit me twice. it didnt hurt but im scared to pick maxi up now because he always seems very nervous. i talk to him a lot and i offer him food but he just sniffs it. how can i make myself not scared to pick him up. help me thanks!!!; August 10, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi darest, you are right actually because the bedding also help to keep warm and soft for hamsters to sleep and walk on it.

Breann, you may get a hamster playpen and put in on the bed or floor. Then your mom will not worry Cocoa runs away. Stuff house with bedding is absolutely normal for hamsters.

Put on glove, you will be less nervous to pick up your hamsters.; August 10, 2008
Anonymous said...: hi...i was researching bout hamster training, nd i'm lucky enough 2 found this site...i do have this school problem bout animal training...i don't know when and how 2 train an animal...it is a school project and i don't really have any ideas on how to start this certain project...another thing is, i don't hate them, but i'm afraid of these animals...what should i do?please help....; August 13, 2008
Gazard said...: Thinks about it, you are like a giant to these little hamsters. They should be more afraid of you. :); August 13, 2008
Breann said...: Hi its breann again and i was wondering why cocoa is sleeping in a corner instead of her house?
Also what is a good playpen for a chinese dwarf hamster and how much does it cost?; August 13, 2008
Gazard said...: Don't worry breann, hamsters can sleep in wherever that they find comfortable. They can be keep changing sleeping spots in a same day. A hamster playpen generally costs around USD $10 - $30, available from Amazon and various pet shops.; August 14, 2008
darest said...: well hello again
i have been a bit sic for a while
but yeah

i have been trying to train my little robo. but its a bit too scared. im thinking of getting another hamster to keep it company.

what you think; August 21, 2008
Anonymous said...: i think everyone needs a friend when they are lonely and my little hamster (Peanut) and her friend (Jill) love eachother sooo much and they are never bored even when i leave the house for almost the whole day.; August 23, 2008
Gazard said...: Hamsters are a little bit different from humans, they are less social and can live perfectly alone. You can introduce friend in the same breed to your hamster, but once they fight you gotta separate them.; August 23, 2008
Rachel<3 said...: Hi im Rachel

I would love 2 have a hamster but my parents just dont want 1. they dont think im responsible even tho every day my parents say 'o ure so grown up and responsible' but whenever i mention a pet, they say no ure not ready. i have this obsession w/ cats, idk y. i hjave wanted a cat all my life buthave not yet gooten 1. i need some help w/ how 2 convince my parents. i also am thinking about what type of hamster 2 get. i love anything tht is tiny, so i would like a roborovski hamster becaus they r really small. but i read tht they r hard 2 train. i would like 2 b able 2 train it, so i want 2 no if there r any tricks. also, r there any specific toys tht a roborovski hamster needs, and if they r very expensive. i would like 2 show my mom tht i am responsible by showing her i am serious and really looking at the options.
i have one last question: i want 2 get a hamster from a shelter, not a breeder or store. i heard tht some poor shelters kill animals, so would get a baby from some poor shelter. but i just wanted 2 know if this would b a good idea, or if the hamster would probably b aggressive or unhealthy.

Thank you; August 27, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi Rachel, roborovski hamsters are nice to watch but hard to tame. They are quicker and more timid than other hamsters.

Getting hamster from shelter should not be a problem as long as you try to interact with the hamster to check whether they are too aggressive or not before adopting.; August 29, 2008
Anonymous said...: I bought a robo female yesterday, and she had put her teeth on me in the store when I held her, but she didn't bite. The clerk told me that she was bred to be less nippy because dwarfs are known for that. This morning I put a piece of apple in my hand for her but she didn't want it she just bit my finger, it wasn't hard, but I'm worried she won't tame ...I wish I had gone with a different kind :( Does anyone know of a very tame friendly robo? She's got some albino in her, so I'm wondering if that will make any difference.; September 03, 2008
Anonymous said...: Best training for a WARHAMSTA ! Rofl!; September 11, 2008
Jamie said...: my hamster this little mushroom deck (from Habitrail mini) i put fluff in it and he didnt want to get out, only by pulling all te fluff out and leaving it somewere else he came out

any other suggestions cuz hes pulling it up back to stay or any good ways to care and train a hamster plz send to jamiespiegelman@hotmail.com

Jamie; September 16, 2008
Anonymous said...: We have a syrian hamster he makes a great pet he is very lively and friendly to our son .He does not bite and enjoys being handled .When we bought him we bought a plastic excercise ball which he loves .He spends two or three hours a night running round the flat in it sometimes we let him run free to explore .In the wild they are very active and can travel upto 8 miles a night so it seems they need the exercise to keep happy a small wheel can hurt their backs it should be 8 inch wide our hamster is called Tommy Little and we all love him .; September 18, 2008
Shana said...: We recently got 2 "fancy" hamsters for our kids. They were raised together, but we seperated them once we got them home. The female seems content and is active at night. However the male, seems to want to sleep during the night. Is this common? We are worried that he might be sick or missing his sister (they are from the same litter). They are under a yr old according to the person we got them from. But their exact age is unknown. I've been doing research and everything points to the hamsters needing to be alone and that they are more active at night. But why is the male wanting to sleep more than the female and at night when he should be more active? Also, the female seems to always be cleaning herself is this common? Sorry we are first time hamster owners and though we did alot of research there are still things that we have not been able to learn when it comes to these cute animals.; September 21, 2008
Gazard said...: Hi Shana, hamsters like to clean themselves so this is nothing to worry about. About your male hamster that sleep at night, are you sure he is not running on the wheel in the middle of the night? Is he active during day time? If so, it just means that he has a different living routine from the rest.; September 21, 2008
Shana said...: Thank you Gazard for your help. Our kids were gone over night last night. But my husband and I stayed up til 1 am. The male hamster just slept, not sure what he did after we went to bed. At 8 am today when I got up he was wide awake and playing in his tunnels. He slept some during the day (maybe a couple of hours overall). Not sure if its normal or what. As for the wheel. I am not sure about that as he seems to just go in the wheel to sniff around and hasnt learned exactly how to run in it. Same for the female. Though she tends to avoid it for the most part. I am not sure if this is due to age or what. But its their first time being around such a thing.

BTW: The kids have officially named the hamsters. The male belongs to our son and his name is Speedy and the girl, which belongs to our daughter is named Bella.; September 22, 2008
Anonymous said...: My bf and I have 3 teddy bear hamsters and we love them to death. The oldest hamster tater we got is almost 3 months old and she is adorable she comes to the call of her name even when she is in the ball. she will follow you around the house also she will run into your feet cause she wants you to hold her. She LOVES cheerios tater will kill for one. The other day my bf had cherry the 2 oldest hamster out on the floor playin with her and tater was in the ball. tater while my bf was playin with cherry tater came over and ran cherry over in the ball she did it a couple of times. tater also learned how to opened her cage so we had to tape it closed cause on night i woke up and heard a noise and it was tater in our room in a cup of pennies. I donno y but tater and cherry love hangin out in the bathroom. We just got our 3rd hamster peanut today. they are so fun to play with. I want to learn how to train them to do tricks anyone have any ideas?; September 28, 2008
Anonymous said...: hey my hamter is a teddy bear hamster and i just got him yesterday. my hamsters name is teddy and he is a very loving,and furry hamster. but he is also very curious and loves to sleep. but he is not very acive he runs on the wheel once in a while but he is to curious and is to curious about things around him. also he does not really eat much and drink much. he will nibble on cornales or somthing hard like seeds 3 or 4 times a day but he is very curious. but also very cute, but as scared he might be somtimes he never bit me but i am scared to let him wonder around because he is always trying to run away. what should i do? is it maybe because he not really settled and needs more time?; October 01, 2008
Anonymous said...: It's fine that he sleeps alot. hamsters sleep during the day. and it takes a couple of days for the hamsters to get used to you. He will only bite you if you wake him up when he doesnt wanna be or if you have the smell of food on your hands. the more you hold your hamster the more he will get used to you. And its good to let your hamster out of the cage just make sure your there watching him. Also get him a ball they love it. i have 3 hamsters and they run around in the balls for hours. when my bf and i go to take them out of them they dont want out of the balls. I hope that help you and teddy.; October 03, 2008
izzi said...: hey! i messaged you about 6 months ago and i still have my hamster!!!! her name is marshmallow and is absolutely adorable!!! i have trained her in many ways nobody thought possible. nieghther did i! i have taught her to come to a series of cliking noises with my tounge. she is able to jump though a hoop three times in row, and then i give her a treat of course!!! also, i trained her to pee in a litter box (so very easy by the way)! lastly she can walk the length of a thumb circumference 3 foot suspended rope. she also has NEVER biten me. my family just adores her and i let her run in my room too!it's very exciting to have this pet for even a teenager like me!so i recommend it to anybody!!!; October 07, 2008
Anonymous said...: my hamster is a teen but i can still tech it the basics right? shes responding really well to her training.; October 11, 2008
Anonymous said...: My hamster's name is Inky. Sometimes we call her Stinky Inky. Anyways.... uhhh... I was supposed to keep her in her cage for a few days but i took her out the minute i got her :p
She bites like crazy and people said to hold her more but what do i do.; October 13, 2008
Anonymous said...: hiya i have just got a hamster named darcy and have been trying to hold him for a week now but he seems to be more nervous evreytime i try and hold him am i doing anything wrong. Penny; October 14, 2008
Anonymous said...: Hi I have had dwarf hamsters for two years now, and my current one is named terry and is about three months old. I have always wanted to take my hammies to a pet store (on a leash and in my arms) but have always worried about the smells and sounds in there and if they would frighten them. Has anyone ever taken their hamster to a pet store(as you'd take a dog) with sucess? Thanks!; October 20, 2008

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