How to accustom a hamster to your hands, taming Djungarian and Syrian hamsters

All hamsters are naturally cowardly. Domestic rodents are afraid of people and everything unfamiliar: new surroundings, sounds, smells. At first they are afraid of their owners. What to do if the fluffy runs into the house as soon as he senses the approach of a person? How to establish contact with a funny animal? We have collected useful recommendations for you, from which you will learn how to tame a hamster and become his friend.

Taming

The taming process must begin at the time of purchase of the animal.
Moving to a new place is a huge stress. Try to make transportation as comfortable as possible. For this:

• do not catch the animal with your hands, lure it with treats;
• place it in a box or special carrier;
• put some old sawdust and usual food there in advance;
• go home immediately.

Upon arrival, place the box with the animal in the cage. Make sure he has enough water and food for the next 24 hours. After that, leave him alone. The main taming process will begin the next day.

First days in a new house

First, let him wake up. Don't disturb him when he's sleeping. This will be perceived as a sign of aggression.

Place the cage on the floor in a quiet room. Fence off the surrounding area so that the animal cannot escape. Remove the lid from the cage (only the tray should remain). There is no point in opening the door; the rodent will not come into your arms.

Talk to your hamster in a quiet and gentle voice so that he gets used to your presence. Give him something tasty, such as a piece of carrot or apple. Hold the treat in your hand and wait for him to start eating. Try patting him on the back

Do this carefully and avoid sudden movements. It may take several days for him to stop being afraid.

• Stroke the hamster's back from the shoulders to the hind legs. Try not to touch his head.
• Don't point your fingers forward. The animal may mistake them for food and bite you.

How to hold a hamster in your arms

The next step is to try to pick up the rodent. When he is no longer afraid of you, place a tasty seed in your palm. Most likely, he will come to your arms himself

Now it's important not to scare him

• Cup your palms and hold the hamster with its muzzle facing you. Raise it slightly off the floor. You should not raise him more than 20 cm. If he falls from a higher level, he may get hurt.
• Cover it lightly with your palm and stroke the back.
• Let him run from palm to palm, rearranging them.
• If he starts running too fast, block his path with your palm.
• If he doesn't try to escape, sit him on your lap. He might want to climb on your shoulder.

Hold your pet firmly, but do not squeeze, otherwise he may bite.

Features of taming the Syrian hamster

Typically, Syrian hamsters are tamed fairly quickly, as this breed is naturally friendly and curious. To speed up the process, use treats and toys. Try to make communication interesting for the rodent.

The Syrian hamster is larger than other representatives of the species, so the process of taming it can be safely entrusted to a child

It is important not to allow excessive attention to the hamster in the first days of his stay at home

At this time, close attention from the child will be perceived negatively

How to tame a dzhungarika to your hands

Dzungarik is wilder and less amenable to taming. It may take several weeks for him to get used to his owner. Do not try to pick up your baby before he has adjusted to the new place. If you bought a hamster for a small child, make sure that he does not squeeze the animal, as they are very easy to injure.

If you want to hold the animal often, buy one hamster. It is known that animals living in pairs do not make good contact with humans.

We solve problems

How to stop a hamster from biting

Rodents bite in two cases: when they sense danger or mistake their fingers for food. To prevent him from biting:

• don't tease him
• do not put your fingers through the bars of the cage,
• don't pick him up if they smell like food,
• avoid sharp, sudden movements,
• Don't yell or punish him.

Doesn't drink from the drinking bowl

Usually hamsters that are ready for sale already know how to drink from a drinking bowl. If, after purchasing a pet, you notice that he does not drink from the water bowl for 24 hours, be sure to take action.

Gently pick him up. Hold his body with one hand, and take the drinking bowl with the other. Slowly bring it closer to the muzzle and press lightly at the end. Let a drop of water fall on the rodent. When he starts licking his lips, give him a drink.

You may have to repeat this several times. This way you can accustom your pet to drinking water.

Doesn't run in a wheel

Place the wheel in the cage. It is advisable to secure it so that the distance between it and the wall does not exceed 1 cm. Otherwise, the animal may get stuck and get injured.

Usually there is no need to teach a rodent to use a wheel. They are interested in all the new objects in the cage and climb into the wheel on their own.

Getting your hamster used to a wheel can be challenging because it may simply not like the wheel or it may not want to run. Then try buying another one or making it yourself. Never force him to play or run when he doesn't want to. This will ruin all your taming efforts.

Very afraid

By nature, hamsters are shy animals. If, despite your best efforts, he continues to be afraid of you, try leaving him alone for a few days. At the same time, continue to carefully care for him and give him sweets. Over time, he will probably get bored and want to explore the space outside the cage. So he will have to make contact. Follow all the tips from the article, and he will fall into your arms.

Escapes their cells

To prevent your hamster from escaping from the cage, always close it carefully. You should also be careful when cleaning. The problem may also be caused by too much distance between the rods. If it is more than 1 cm, it is recommended to replace the cage. Temporarily place the rodent in the jar.

If the hamster tries to escape from your hands, it is better to return it to the cage. This is a signal that he is not in the mood for communication. Try picking him up after a few hours.

If you treat your hamster kindly and patiently, very soon he will become completely tame. The sooner you start taming him, the easier it will be for him to get used to it. You can pick him up several times during the evening. But never hold him for more than 15 minutes at a time as he may get tired.

Djungarian hamster

Dzungarian (Russian dwarf) hamsters are tiny animals ranging from 7 to 9 centimeters long. The traditional color is shades of reddish-brown and almost black in the form of a bright stripe on the back. But, in addition to natural, there are three more decorative colors: pearl (white with a gray stripe on the back), tangerine (red) and sapphire (gray-white).

Djungarian hamsters are very social and when kept, they definitely need company. These small furry animals can exist with members of the same sex and the opposite sex. But with the latter, of course, they quickly begin to reproduce, starting from a very young age.

Another name for the Djungarian hamster is “white Russian dwarf hamster”, since it has the peculiarity of changing the color of its coat from gray-brown to white with the onset of winter. But when kept in captivity this happens extremely rarely. Life cycle - 2-2.5 years.

Djungarian hamster (Russian dwarf hamster). AlexEames

Hamster - gray barrel

Let's talk a little about Djungarian hamsters. These rodents, despite their small size, are very interesting creatures. And it doesn’t matter that the hamster weighs less than 50 grams and is not 10 cm tall—a brave and proud heart beats in his hamster chest. It will take time to tame the dwarf.

Hamsters of this breed are strikingly different from the representatives of the Syrian hamster delegation. Small, chipmunk-like in color, gray-brown, with dark stripes on the back, large round eyes and neat ears. But you should not draw the conclusion, looking at the appearance of your pet, that this is a cute and harmless baby. Nothing like that, the Dzungari are obstinate! And the teeth, sharp as needles, have not been canceled. In addition, dzhungarikas are mobile, so they need a spacious cage with a wheel inside. During the night, a baby can run up to 40 km.

Let's get to know each other better

The pet has gotten used to its new home, it’s time to get used to its owners. The time for getting to know each other must be considered, taking into account the daily activity of the animal. Djungarian and Syrian hamsters are crepuscular animals. Don't bother the fluffies during the day, it will only scare them

What can you do to prevent your hamster from being afraid of its owner? There are several points worth paying attention to

Master's voice

At the first stage of acquaintance, you should establish verbal contact with the hamster. He must remember the sound of your voice and get used to it. Talk to the homa calmly and affectionately. Choose a beautiful name and repeat it often

It is especially important to talk to a funny animal while feeding. Then he will begin to associate your voice with the pleasure he receives from goodies.

Tactile contact

Touch is very important in the friendship between owners and pets. Before you think about how to tame a dzhungarika, you need to establish basic body contact. This rule also applies to rodents of other breeds (Syrian, Caucasian, Angora). Hamsters are mistrustful animals; they won’t let just anyone pet them. You need to make sure that the animal trusts you.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. You can start by simply placing your hand in the cage. Khoma remembers that these hands usually bring him goodies, so he may become interested and come up to sniff. Let the animal walk around your hand and examine it. At this stage, he may even be tempted to lick his finger - this will be your small victory!
2. After some time, you can begin to move your hand in the cage. Bend, straighten your fingers, and turn your hand slowly and smoothly. This way the hamster will understand that you do not want to scare him or cause harm.
3. Once your furry dog ​​has become accustomed to feeling safe in your presence, try lightly petting the rodent with one finger. If the animal doesn’t mind, you can touch its nose. But you shouldn’t fiddle with your ears!

Tactile contact has been established, it’s time to think about how to tame a Djungarian or Syrian hamster.

Why does a hamster break out of your hands?

How to determine the gender of a hamster yourself, at home

Handling a hamster requires care and patience. You should not hope that your pet will immediately allow itself to be touched and will not run away. If the animal breaks out, it does not feel safe and is afraid that it will be harmed. When the owner does everything correctly and takes his time, the rodent gets used to his presence, first allows himself to be stroked, and only then sits calmly in his arms.

Important! There is no need to touch the hamster's head; you can gently run your finger along the back of the animal.

Advanced maneuvers

Weight lifting

Obviously, rodents should not lift heavy objects. But to create the effect of heaviness, you can make a barbell from foods that hamsters like to chew: carrots, cucumbers, apples, etc. A block is made from an oblong object; salty or sweet sticks can be used as this. Cookies can serve as mini pancakes for your attribute. When the pet sees the “barbell”, he will certainly want to chew on it, to do this he will lift it and a picture of an athlete with a lifted load will be created.

Pirate and parrot

To create the ambience of a pet sitting on the owner’s shoulder, follow the following instructions:

1. Place your pet in your palm.
2. Bend your elbow slightly and move it away from your body so that the rise is not too steep.
3. Lure your pet to your shoulder with sweets and let your hamster eat it.
4. Practice each step repeatedly with your pet.
5. When the animal understands what the point is, stop luring the hamster with goodies. Instead, just give him a sniff of the food and immediately place the treat on his shoulder.

Soon your little friend will begin to willingly come running on your shoulder even in the absence of sweets.

Jumping through a hoop

If you want to see your animal jump over obstacles, then use a small hoop for this. The diameter of the circle must be at least 7 cm so that the hamster does not get stuck in it.

1. Place the hoop between the animal and a piece of food.
2. Keep the circle not too high above the floor (about 1 cm), otherwise the pet will run under it.
3. Repeat the exercise several times until your pet can do it without a treat.

Barrier!

1. Make a simple design from two disposable cups and toothpicks.
2. Place a treat outside the barrier and say: “Barrier!”
3. To get a tasty morsel, the fluffy will have to overcome an obstacle.
4. After several strengthening of the skill, the animal will be able to jump over the barrier itself after a command.

Taming technique step by step

Adaptation period

As mentioned earlier, in the first week after purchase it is better not to touch the animal, but to let it get used to the new place. Regularly monitor the presence of fresh water in the drinking bowl and food in the feeder. When your hamster is eating, do not stand near the cage so that your pet can eat alone in peace.

Master's voice

From the first days, try to talk with your pet more often so that he gradually gets used to the sound of your voice. Talk about anything, but only in a gentle, quiet voice.

Treating yourself with a treat

Before touching your pet, try to appease it. To do this, take a piece of treat and bring it to the cage, pushing it through the bars. Do not try to hand feed your hamster right away! Just leave the food and wait for your pet to come to it. After repeating this procedure several times, you can start feeding the hamster through the half-open door.

Feeding outside the cage

As soon as your pet begins to approach the food you leave without fear, try feeding him by hand. Place the treat on your open palm so that the hamster cannot take the treat without stepping on it with his paws. Be patient, do not move your hand towards the pet - he should come on his own.

Pet in the owner's palm

At this stage, the treat should be given so that the hamster climbs completely into the palm of your hand.

After this, try to carefully raise your hand. Most likely, the animal will jump and run away, but over time it will begin to trust you and remain in the palm of your hand

When this happens, you need to cover the hamster on top with your second palm and carefully remove it from the cage. If the pet starts squeaking, you need to return the pet back to the house and try again later.

How to train a Djungarian hamster

It is not easy to teach commands to such a restless animal. The intelligence of these rodents is so high that they are able to understand their owner at a glance. But the Dzungarians are so cowardly that training will require remarkable patience. And if the owner has enough strength, attention and patience, the hamster will amaze with its success.

There are both simple and complex commands for animals. You should start with the basic ones. As you achieve certain successes, you can move on to more complex tricks.

A command word during training helps to develop a conditioned reflex in the animal. Pieces of treats will help speed up the learning process. With them the effect will be more obvious. Reproducing the team in the future will not be difficult for Djungarik.

First, some simple tricks:

1. Knowing your own nickname. You need to repeat your pet's name clearly and dispassionately. At the same time, you should give him treats in small pieces. The animal should be called by its nickname during any close contact with it, and success should be fueled with treats. Over time, the dwarf will begin to respond to its name and quickly run for its favorite food.
2. Stand at attention". The baby needs to be seated on a flat surface and the treat raised a little higher than his head. At this time, say the command “stand.” It will take several days for the hamster to get up at this command without any treat. But from time to time it is better to encourage him.
3. Running in circles. The hamster should be placed on a surface with small sides and interested in a treat. As soon as he reaches for food, you need to clearly and loudly say the command “in a circle” and at the same time begin to move your hand with the tasty morsel in a circle. Dzungarik will give chase, and when he stops, he will receive a treat. Repeat the lesson from time to time until the hamster can instantly reproduce what you have learned.
4. Somersault. This task is more difficult. The animal should be placed on a flat surface, and the treat should be placed on its back. He will be able to get the desired treat only if he turns over. Once it has returned to its original position, the experiment can be repeated, but do not forget to repeat the command.

Now you can try a trick of increased difficulty. For example, teach your pet to climb onto your shoulder. To do this, you will need to wear a long-sleeved shirt and place the animal in your palm.

The hamster should see a treat that was placed on his shoulder before his eyes and at the same time a command was given. Several times the dzhungarik will climb up the sleeve onto the shoulder to eat a delicacy - this is how he will learn.

How to properly pick up such an animal

The animal must always understand that the owner is going to pick it up. This also applies to completely tame individuals. Indeed, if frightened, even they can bite a person severely or experience stress. However, you should not take it from above or below.

To prevent the animal from falling or getting scared, you need to pick it up with both hands. You can also substitute your own knees or soft objects so that if your baby falls, he will not suffer a serious blow. After all, this can lead to dangerous injury to the rodent. In addition, the owner always needs to be prepared for a fall or sudden jump.

If the animal has already studied the owner’s hands well enough and has completely ceased to be afraid of them, you can try to let him run around them. In this case, the owner should be as calm as possible so as not to irritate the baby with sudden movements. Sometimes you can cheer him up with his favorite treat. There is no need to worry if he refuses it, since at this moment the rodent can simply actively explore its owner and his hands. Whatever happens, do not scream, scare or irritate your funny little pet.

How to tame a Syrian hamster: step-by-step method

It is recommended to adapt your furry friend to a new home and family members in stages, always taking into account the mood and behavior of the animal. If the baby is restless and tries to sneak away, there is no need to restrain him. in this case, it is necessary to give the new family member some time to look around and get used to the situation

in this case, it is necessary to give the new family member some time to look around and get used to the situation.

Adaptation period

The very first point in the process of domesticating an animal is its adaptation, during which the pet must come to its senses and calm down, because moving to a new, unfamiliar place is a lot of stress even for people.

When feeding the animal in the first days, it is recommended to carefully place the food in a bowl and move away, giving the new friend the opportunity to eat alone in peace.

Master's voice

In order for the animal to get used to the owner’s voice, recognizing it, it is recommended to talk to the pet daily in a calm voice for 5 minutes. It is advisable to have such conversations several times a day, making sure that the conversation is not too long

You can sing pleasant songs quietly, paying attention to the baby’s behavior.

Hamsters should never be fed waffles.

Treating yourself with a treat

Regularly treating the pet with a tasty treat will create an association of the owner with something pleasant, which will allow the baby to quickly get used to the new home and stop being afraid of the owner.

At first, treats should simply be left in the cage, inserting pieces of fruit or vegetables between the bars. After a few days, you can try placing the treat closer to the exit of the cage, holding the food in your hands for a longer time so that the pet gets used to the owner’s smell.

Feeding outside the cage

When the animal stops showing anxiety and settles into its new home, you can try to feed it outside the cage. Before this, you need to help the animal make sure that no danger awaits it outside the cage. To do this, you need to stick your fingers into the cage, allowing the animal to sniff them. If the hamster becomes restless, it is better to postpone feeding outside the cage for a couple of days.

After carefully removing your furry friend from his house, he should be placed on a flat, not too cold and not too warm surface, and offered a treat. Pieces of non-acidic fruits and vegetables are suitable for treats, especially cauliflower and broccoli, as well as all kinds of nuts, raisins, rose hips and dried apples. Before serving, treats should be chopped to the required size so that the pet can hold each piece in its paws.

Pet in the owner's palm

The best way to accustom an animal to handling is with the help of treats. To do this, you need to pull the hamster out of the cage, first substituting one and then the second palm and, carefully moving the animal onto your hands, place it on the table. As a rule, the baby will try to immediately run away from your hands.

A piece of treat should be placed on an open hand, closer to the fingers. Fluffy will have to come closer and take the treat from his hands. After a while, you can try placing food in the center of your palm. At first, the gourmet may run away with a piece of treat and eat it a little further away. However, having gotten used to the smell and sight of the owner’s hands, the hamster will soon begin to trust so much that he will eat the treat right on the spot, from his hands.

When the animal begins to eat from your hands, you can try to lightly stroke it on the back with one finger, trying not to make sudden movements so as not to frighten the fluffy one. Soon the hamster will sit calmly in the palm of your hand even without a tasty treat, not objecting to gentle stroking.

The Syrian can bite!

How to properly pick up such an animal

The hamster should be picked up calmly and with both hands. No sudden movements or screams. A tamed rodent likes to run from hand to hand or sit on one palm when the second dome is located on top.

Before picking up a rodent of any kind, place your hand near its nose so it can sniff and make sure it is not in danger. Do not place your fingers, just an open palm. Then gently take it under your paws. Keep in mind that these creatures are very nimble, do not lift it high above the surface. Do not grab by the scruff of the neck or the skin on the back, it is unpleasant and will cause unpleasant associations in the future.

We accustom the fluffy to hands

It is very exciting and touching when a pet comes into your arms for the first time. It even brings tears to the eyes of the owners! Sometimes you come across amazingly sociable and friendly hamsters, who themselves jump on your palm on the very first day (they are more common among Syrian and Caucasian hamsters). But the vast majority of Djungarian hamsters remain wild for a long time.

Here are detailed instructions that will help you learn how to accustom your dzhungarik and other breeds of fluffies to your hands.

Treat your pet with something tasty

At first, this should be done when the animal is in a cage. Invite your furball to take treats from your hand on its own. Take a nut, dried fruit, or grain with your thumb and forefinger, and fold the rest into a fist. Put your hand into the cage slowly. If a treat smells good and is not part of your hamster's daily diet, he will be tempted and snatch the treat right from your fingers with his tiny paws!

This stage needs to be consolidated. You should offer your home goodies every day, preferably at the same time - this will make it easier to tame the animal. If the hamster quite willingly takes food from your hands, you can move on to the next stage of training.

Feed your hamster outside the cage

By the time it “goes out into the world” the hamster will already be convinced of the safety of its cage. But what awaits beyond its borders? Your task is to convince the pet that it is also calm outside, there are goodies and the gentle hands of the owner.

The homa should be removed from the cage carefully. At first, you can get the animal sitting in the house. This option is ideal for those who have a cage with only a top door. The main thing is to cover the entrance to the shelter and the windows so that the hamster does not jump out and hurt himself. Many owners are interested in the question: is it possible to grab a hamster by the scruff of the neck when taking it out of the cage? In fact, the tiny creature will not like such treatment; it will hurt him. He will squeak and try to bite the offender. It’s better to put your palms together into a boat and calmly get the animal.

To tame your hamster, stock up on treats. Ideal for:

• banana chips;
• biscuits and drying;
• nuts;
• dried apples;
• dog-rose fruit;
• raisin.

The treat must be divided into small pieces so that the animal can hold them in its tiny paws. You can train your hamster to take food from your hands in the following way: place your furry pet on a bed or table, and place your palm with a treat next to it. Since the animal is already accustomed to you, it will willingly take the treat and eat it.

Teach you to eat from your hand

At first, the homa will take food from his palm, walk away a little and eat. In this case, you need to increase the portion: the pet, knowing that the treat is still left, will soon eat near your hand. Therefore, the next stage in your relationship is complete taming.

To tame your hamster, place the treat not in the center of your hand, as before, but on the edge, which is further away from the fluffy one. The pet will have to climb into your palm to pick up the treat. At first, the funny animal will repeat the trick of running away. But then he realizes that the owner’s palm is a warm and safe place. As a result, he will start eating right from your hands!

Soon after this, you can hug your pet, lightly covering his back with your hand, gently stroking his fur. This manipulation must be carried out on a bed or while sitting at a table (the distance from the palm on which the animal is sitting to the floor or other surface should be minimal) - this is a kind of safety technique. To prevent the animal from getting scared, bring your covering hand from the back.

Over time, the fluffy will express a desire to sit on the handle even in the absence of treats. From this moment on, you can consider that you have tamed the hamster - and you can slowly begin training.

What to do if your hamster is not yet accustomed to being handled

Hand training a hamster is not a quick process. It will take you several weeks or even months, and the cage will need to be cleaned regularly. How to lure out the “tenant” without scaring him?

The easiest way is to place a glass jar or cardboard tube in the cage, closed on one side. Place food inside the trap. When the hamster comes inside, simply remove the temporary housing from the cage.

The second way is to place the cage with the door open in the bathtub. Close the drain hole first. A curious rodent will leave the cage, but will not be able to go further than the bath. You can safely clean the cage, then put some tasty treats in it. The hamster will go inside the washed “apartment”, all that remains is to remember to close the door securely.

As a last resort, you can use this option. Cover the rodent with a towel or put on gloves and remove it by hand. But it is not advisable to use this method. The hamster will get scared and nervous. It is possible that after this he will become aggressive, and your friendship will seriously suffer.

How to tame a hamster

You first need to monitor the pet’s behavior so that it is not in a stressful state, and if it is a female, then it should not be expecting babies or a young mother. To get a positive result, you need to follow the following recommendations:

You need to give the new pet time to get used to it so that it settles into its new home; during this period you only need to monitor it, especially when eating, drinking, playing, and even bowel movements. Near the cage you need to talk calmly and not loudly, and you can talk about anything, for example, about events throughout the day. Thanks to this, the pet will get used to your voice, and you will improve your psycho-emotional background. Place a cookie, dried fruit or seed on your palm. At first, there is no need to open the cage and forcefully approach the hamster; offer a treat through the cage, but you should not touch the animal. If he runs away, then there is no need to catch him and force him to take food too, you just need to wait. If he refuses to approach, then you should not be disappointed, you can try again after a while, eventually a positive result will appear, which will make it possible to move on to the next stage of training. However, you still shouldn’t pet the animal, as this may frighten it and all your efforts will be in vain. This is the final stage, you need to place the treat on your hand so that the baby can only pick it up if he climbs onto your hand

If he does this, then you can take him carefully; most likely, the animal will resist, but you need to be a little persistent, but at the same time careful. Over time, the pet will understand that your hands do not hide any danger or threat, so it will trust your actions.

The Djungarian hamster is a cute and quite playful animal that easily makes contact with its owner. However, you should follow some rules of “communication” with this pet. At first, the hamster will not show its best side. Because he will refuse to make contact and is constantly afraid. First of all, you need to consider the possible reasons for this behavior and eliminate them, then you need to create all the necessary conditions so that the pet feels comfortable, and after that you can move on to training.

It is important to remember that punishing or forcing your pet to do something is strictly prohibited. These are quite shy and touchy animals; if he harbors a grudge, it will be very difficult to regain the rodent’s trust

If there are children living in the house, then you need to clearly tell them about the rules of behavior with the animal, since it is the kids who can harm the hamster. There have been situations when a child picks up a pet and squeezes it tightly; of course, the hamster will certainly not like such manipulations, to which he will react with a strong bite.

The result: a frightened child with a deep, lacerated wound, as well as a hamster in a stressed state and with injuries, because, probably, after the bite the child dropped it from his hands. If an animal falls from a height, it will certainly be injured, since their body is not adapted to such manipulations. This is why you need to talk to your children so that they treat the animal correctly, and if the child is small, then it is better to pet the animal only in the presence of adults in order to prevent emergency situations.

Is it possible to keep a couple of hamsters?

Of course, it is possible, but only if the owners decide to open a hamster farm. The female's pregnancy lasts from 28 to 35 days, and she is ready for fertilization 24 hours after birth. Do owners need such hamster happiness?

In fact, keeping dwarfs in pairs is a dangerous business. The male and female will begin to produce their own kind in geometric progression. Two males are capable of fighting to the death in the literal sense of the word. Two females can be planted together only if they were purchased together. If you add a younger female friend to an adult female, then they will not be able to form a friendship - the older female is quite capable of taking her neighbor’s life.

How to tame a dwarf

It's in hamsters' blood to run away at the first danger. And one should not be surprised at such a wary attitude towards the new owner and unfamiliar surroundings. You just need to be patient and do everything possible to earn the trust of the hamster, otherwise the hamster’s temperament will remain wild.

As soon as the animal believes that the person will take care of it, will never offend it and will definitely protect it, the dzhungarik will show all his good nature and goodwill.

Adaptation period

When a dwarf gets to a new home, he experiences stress. And this is not surprising:

• everything is foreign around;
• unfamiliar smells and sounds;
• the pet does not know the new owner;
• doesn’t understand why they are trying to touch him with their hands.

The Dzungarik needs time to get used to its new house and bedding, mark its territory, get comfortable and understand that there is no threat to its existence, and everyone is friendly towards it.

Adaptation can last 4–7 days or last for weeks if the animal experiences discomfort:

• the cell is in a place that is too lit;
• the house is noisy from loud music, screams and running of children;
• Household members continually try to touch the hamster, sticking their fingers between the bars of the cage.

It is enough to leave the dwarf alone for a while, then the animal will quickly relax, get comfortable and even allow itself to be touched.

Some tips on how to care for your Djungarian hamster in the first days of its stay in a new place:

1. An active dwarf must have room to move. Your pet should be provided with a large cage in which nothing will prevent him from running and playing.
2. It is advisable for the hamster to allocate a quiet place in the house so that it is not disturbed by noise sources (TV, games, music). This will help the baby quickly adapt to new conditions in the first few days.
3. There is no need to disturb the animal: pester it with games, squeeze it. The pet will definitely appreciate it if it is placed in a cage and left alone for a while.
4. The rodent should be fed at the same time every day. A constant diet is a guarantee that the Djungarian hamster will be healthy and happy. In addition, this way the pet will recognize the smell of its owner and associate it with something pleasant.

Dzhungarik, who is active in developing his territory, is an excellent result.

Master's voice

The period of adaptation will survive. It's time to accustom your pet to the owner's voice

And here it is important to remember: a loud, sharp noise at the moment of active communication between a person and an animal can cause the dzhungarik to reject all contacts with the outside world

You need to communicate with the animal constantly, but it is best to start with a whisper. Every time the hamster leaves the house, you can say something to him in a calm voice. Don't get too close or try to touch him. Gradually, over several days, the volume can be increased.

If the dwarf's cage is in the room where the family spends the most time, over time he will get used to the constant noise. At the same time, the animal will prepare for subsequent contact with the owner and get used to his smell and hands.

If the rodent eventually shows interest in the owner's hand, then it is time for the next step.

Treating yourself to a treat in the cage

A favorite treat from human hands is a manifestation of care and affection for a hamster. You can put some seeds, a piece of apple or other treat on the edge of your palm and place your hand in the cage

It is very important not to move while doing this

Hand feeding

Now you can offer your pet a treat in the middle of your palm (a seed or nut) outside the cage. You will have to wait until the hamster shows enough interest that he runs out of the house at the smell of his favorite treat, climbs onto your hand and grabs the food. Don't expect this to happen right away. You may have to wait 2-3 days, or even a week.

Perhaps he will grab the treat and run away. But the moment will come when the hamster will be able to eat right in the palm of his hand. Again, don’t rush and try to pet the animal. A new sudden movement will scare away the rodent.

If the dzhungarik believes that nothing threatens him, he will sit calmly on the owner’s hand, and you can even gently cover him with your palm. The hamster will love a house like this, from which he can look out and look around.

Hand training

You can’t rush when communicating with a dzhungarik. Forcibly grabbing an animal to tame a hamster is the wrong method. He must want to go to the owner himself. If the pet is ready to climb into the owner’s palm to taste the food offered there, success must be consolidated.

We can say that the owner is lucky if the baby is willing to remain in the palms of his hands for several minutes a day. The more time a person spends with it, talking, treating it, playing, the faster the animal will reciprocate and will go into your hands even without a treat.

The pet is outraged

How to tame a Djungarian hamster if it squeaks? Squeaking is a protective reaction of the body. The baby shows that he is unpleasant about the owner's intrusion into the cage; he tries to defend himself, scaring the stranger with a desperate squeak.

What to do in this case? Of course, you cannot grab the baby in your arms against his will. You should do this:

• A treat is placed on the palm, and the hand is carefully lowered to the bottom of the cage. As soon as the rodent becomes interested and approaches, you should not immediately cover it with your second hand. You need to give the pet time to get acquainted with the owner's palm. Dzungarik will sniff the hand and maybe taste it. You need to be prepared for this and try not to pull your fingers away at the most inopportune moment. If you're worried about getting hurt by your pet, consider a glove.
• After the baby sniffs the hand, he will take a treat from it. This is a small victory for the owner. And even if the hamster does not immediately climb into the palm of your hand, he will begin to get used to it - the owner’s hand will no longer frighten the baby.

Basic rules of training

When answering the question of how to train a Syrian or Djungarian hamster at home, experts ask to take into account a number of factors.

Physical condition of the animal

If the hamster has health problems that cause discomfort to the animal, then the exercises are likely to end in failure. Also, learning abilities decrease during estrus or mating of animals.

Times of Day

Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so the best time for training is in the evening. As soon as the pet begins to crawl out of its bed and lazily stroll around the enclosure, you can safely start working with it.

Satiety

Before training, make sure that the hamster is not hungry, otherwise foreign odors will distract him. Beware of overfeeding, because as you know, “a full belly is deaf to learning!”

Confidence

If the hamster has only recently come into the family and is not yet accustomed to the hands and new owners, then attempts to teach it new commands will be in vain. Before the training process, you need to build a trusting relationship with the animal and educate it. Contact is best established through hand feeding.

Age

The appropriate age for training a hamster is considered to be 1 - 3 months, because a young animal learns and retains information better than an adult.

Keeping hamsters at home

Hamsters are freely sold in pet stores, markets, and forums. There are no problems with houses for funny creatures; there are many options for how to independently equip a cage for a new pet. Under normal conditions, he will live next to his owners for several years, turning into a small member of the family. Before studying the question of how to keep a hamster at home, it is advisable to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of bringing this original pet into your apartment.

Pros of raising hamsters in an apartment:

1. These are extremely quiet animals, which do not disturb at all their screams or squeaks to their home inhabitants and neighbors.
2. The hamster is a non-aggressive and unforgiving creature.
3. If desired, rodents of any kind can be easily propagated at home.
4. A cage or other device for an animal to live in does not take up much space.
5. Hamsters are easy to care for and maintain at home; novice hobbyists will not have to study special, complex literature before purchasing pets.
6. Children who look after furry creatures develop faster and become independent.

The main difficulties in the question of how to keep hamsters at home:

1. To maintain cleanliness and eliminate sources of unpleasant odors, constant cleaning of the cells is necessary.
2. Free-living rodents often damage furniture legs, wires, shoes, and other items. Hamsters require care and maintenance at home in cages or terrariums.
3. Even timid pets can bite if treated incorrectly.
4. Hamsters are capable of hibernating during the winter months.

Keeping a hamster at home in a cage

Glass jars or aquariums are suitable for animals as temporary shelter. If you decide to keep a hamster at home, then it is best to buy a comfortable and inexpensive cage for it. Experienced hobbyists recommend purchasing metal structures with horizontal bars and minimum dimensions of 50x30 cm. You cannot purchase cages with large lattice cells; tiny animals can easily escape into the gap between the wires. “Hamsters - care and maintenance at home” is a serious topic that requires a systematic approach.

How to set up a hamster cage:

1. Rodents need two feeders for dry and wet food at the same time.
2. Be sure to install a comfortable drinking bowl for your little pets.
3. Hamsters require a mineral stone to regularly sharpen their sharp teeth.
4. The animals are happy to use their activity on a durable and beautiful running wheel.
5. Make entertainment equipment strong and safe, with a solid surface, to avoid unwanted injuries to pets.
6. Sawdust, granular or pressed filler, helps get rid of odors.

House for a hamster at home

It is best to care for and breed hamsters at home in cages equipped with cozy houses. This device plays the role of decoration and a convenient shelter for timid pets. You can make it yourself or purchase it ready-made from retail chains; you can order a miniature apartment from hobbyists who make artificial housing for rodents from various materials.

Types of houses for hamsters:

1. Outdated large ceramic dishes or new ceramic items are well suited as an original house; this material washes well and is difficult to spoil with teeth.
2. Houses made from LEGO construction kits are easy to make even for a child; the bright buildings can be easily changed at will, making the fairytale castle unique.
3. Many craftsmen build miniature huts or mansions from scraps of wood.
4. Corner or square buildings can be made from plywood; for this purpose you need a little sheet material and the simplest tools.
5. Real ready-made universal amusement parks for hamsters are available in a wide range in pet stores.
6. Any strong and easy-to-process material, such as coconut, is suitable for making a house.
7. Hamsters are cheerful and cheerful animals; care and maintenance at home is rarely complete without active games and fun. Even from simple cardboard or paper boxes, your children can build not just a house, but a large walking labyrinth.

Training rules

Training hamsters takes time and to do it right, you need to know a few basic rules. The first and most important rule is to never put a collar or leash on an animal. A few basic rules that must be followed during training are presented below.

1. Rodents hate noise, which is why it must be avoided completely. The learning process itself should be calm and quiet, but sharp sounds will frighten him and then the animal will not want to work with you.
2. Of course, if the hamster does not lend itself to training, but under no circumstances should he be punished. Firstly, you may accidentally harm the rodent, and secondly, it may be very offended and then even a tasty treat will not save the situation.
3. Also, training hamsters requires patience. You can't force an animal if it doesn't want to. When the hamster resists, there is no need to push him or force him to do something. He, just like you, may feel bad, so if an animal says “no” with its behavior, it means no.
4. When you are working with an animal, no one should be around. If you work out with him, then all training and activities should be only one on one. And also, only one person should work with the animal; under no circumstances should the “trainer” change. The only one who can be around is your child, but you must ask him to be quiet.

These are just the basic rules that must be followed. But there are other training recommendations that should also be followed.

Start of preparation

Before you start working with an animal, you must understand that you cannot expect quick results. Therefore, there is no point in demanding great results from the hamster even after several weeks of training. When you teach him, always call him by his name and only that.

When you teach an animal some tricks, you need to say the name of the trick several times. If it’s “give me a paw,” then before teaching the animal you will need to say it 4 times.

It is necessary to speak quietly and gently so that the rodent does not get scared. You need to train every day so that the animal does not forget anything. You only have 6-8 weeks for training, then it will be difficult to teach the animal anything. There should always be a treat and remember that you can’t teach your hamster hard tricks right away, everything should be done gradually, from small to large.

Is it possible to pick up an untamed animal and how to do it correctly?

If the breeder did not particularly pamper the hamster with affection, then you need to handle it with extreme caution. It is better to give him time to get used to the new environment, then begin taming. Do not grab your pet and try to pet it. In his eyes, this situation will look like an attack, and he may bite.

You can put the cage in a large cardboard box. Open the exit and, when the hamster comes out, try to gently stroke it. The hand may scare him at first, but he will soon get used to it. Talk quietly and calmly to the hamster, so he will get used not only to your smell, but also to your voice. You need to pick up a rodent only after getting to know it. In extreme cases, you can use a towel.

It doesn’t matter what size or what type of animal. Proper care and patience will help you make friends faster.

It takes some time for a hamster to get used to a person, the amount of which depends on the nature of the animal. He must get used to his owner and home. To do this, he should carefully arrange the house. In addition, the baby must be accustomed to the smell of the owner’s hands.

It's no secret that many children, and sometimes adults, simply love to pick up these small and funny rodents. But it is important to know that your pet may not always like this. Therefore, this can only be done with completely tamed and calm animals. Indeed, in some cases they can bite even a small child. Therefore, you should first accustom the animals to yourself and always before picking them up, observe whether they are too tired or irritated.

Why do hamsters bite and run away?

Before you tame a Djungarian hamster, you should determine the reasons why it might bite or show aggression.

It is important to remember that there is no need to panic and hit the hamster in response, and if a wound appears after the bite, then it needs to be treated with peroxide to prevent the penetration of harmful microorganisms

The Dzhungarik may bite out of curiosity or simply defend its territory.

Possible causes of aggressive behavior in hamsters include the following factors:

1. Curiosity. No matter how strange it may sound, this is the very first and fundamental reason for this behavior. The fact is that hamsters are deprived of the ability to probe objects, so they try everything by tooth. Such actions allow you to better understand the environment, so the rodent may bite your finger, as it does with fruits and vegetables. Young hamsters have increased curiosity; this reason for bites is completely natural; the main thing is not to be offended by the animal and take it for granted.
2. The smell of hands. An animal can bite your fingers and hands for the simple reason that they smell good. For example, before this you cut something tasty, due to its good sense of smell, the rodent will hear this smell and decide to taste the delicacy, but it turned out to be just your fingers. You should take into account the fact that the fluffy will not be able to distinguish the smell of fruits or soap with such a scent.
3. Defending your territory. Rodents are quite sensitive to the boundaries of their territory, so you shouldn’t behave too imposingly in a cage. A kind and sweet animal can change its appearance to an aggressive and biting one, especially if the hamster is not yet accustomed to its new owner. When a breeder tries to get a pet out of a cage, the latter may perceive this as a direct attempt on his life, so he will defend himself by any means. This behavior is also typical of those animals that were previously tormented by children.
4. Experience. Animals often experience unjustified anxiety; only zoologists can logically explain the situation on an individual basis. They have devoted their whole lives to studying the life of the animal, but the average user is not always able to sensibly assess the condition of the pet. Rodents are highly susceptible to the influence of everything unknown; they can be excited for a long time by the smell, sound or new object. The hamster begins to behave aggressively, while he jumps, runs and bites. Sometimes the pet wants to play, for this he shows his teeth, while the bites become light and do not even damage the skin.
5. Pregnancy. Females of any animal are accustomed to protecting themselves and their offspring at an increased rate. Even during pregnancy, the individual begins to behave aggressively, this largely depends on the fact that it does not trust its owner. However, hormonal changes also have a huge impact. It is best to limit contact with the animal during this period, so as not to unnecessarily irritate the female; you need to conduct a conversation through the cage, and be sure to keep your voice calm.

All these reasons are the main reasons why the rodent bites and its users do not know how to tame a Syrian hamster. There are other factors that lead to this result, for example, if you squeeze your pet tightly, then, of course, he will not like it, and he will show it in every possible way.

Subtleties of the process of raising a dzhungarik and unpleasant moments

What to do if the hamster is not yet accustomed to being handled - where to start?

Training a hamster takes time and patience. Don't rush or skip any stages of getting to know your pet. The most important thing is to earn the animal’s trust and not give it reasons to be afraid of you.

If you need to pick up an untrained rodent, for example, to clean the cage, then you can use a bowl or pipe, closed on one side, which is placed in front of the hamster and the animal is driven into it. Out of curiosity, he may climb into it himself.

If this method does not work or the hamster bites very hard, use gloves or a towel. It is necessary to act very carefully, since this method can cause severe stress in the rodent and make it difficult to further habituate it.

ADVICE! If you need to clean the cage or just want to let your untrained hamster out for a walk, you can use a bathtub. When doing this, make sure that the drain hole, the door to the room and the toilet lid are closed. Place the cage on the bottom of the bathtub and open the door and let your pet climb out on its own. You can use a treat to lure him out. When the hamster gets out, remove the cage, and after cleaning, return it to the bath with the door open and lure the pet back with a treat.

What to do if the animal bites

There are several reasons why a hamster might bite you:

1. Excessive curiosity. The rodent simply explores everything around and tastes it, and your fingers can also be studied in a similar way.
2. Foreign odors coming from hands. If your fingers smell like dried apricots or nuts, your pet can easily confuse them with a treat.
3. Perception of you as an aggressor. If you force him out of the cage and chase him with your hand, the hamster will be afraid of you, and biting will be his defensive reaction.

IMPORTANT! The nature of the bites can be different. If they are sharp and strong, then the animal is worried and afraid. If he bites gently and lightly, it means he is inviting you to play.

Djungarian hamsters are small in size and have poor eyesight and rely mainly on smells and your voice. That is why before interacting with your pet, you must thoroughly wash your hands with soap to get rid of excess odors. Otherwise, the hamster may bite you by mistake.

Another reason why a rodent may bite concerns pregnant and lactating females. During this period, they experience a hormonal change and begin to protect their offspring. Therefore, it is better to stop physical contact with the female at this time, but at the same time you must constantly talk to her affectionately and calmly.

Pay attention to your hamster's behavior and try to figure out why he is biting. This will allow you to avoid similar situations in the future.

How to properly pick up a dzhungarika?

The Djungarian hamster is very small, so it should be handled with caution. The best way to pick up a hamster is to wrap your palms around it on both sides so that it cannot jump. This way, you will protect the rodent from possible injury. At first, hold the hamster above a soft surface or not at all high from the floor.

Never lift your hamster from behind or from above. He must see you and understand that they are about to take him in your arms. Otherwise, he may get scared and even bite.

The animal should feel safe while in your hands. Therefore, give him a little shelter by placing him on one arm and covering him slightly with the other. In such a house he will feel calmer.

What do you need to know before training a hamster?

Wash your hands with an unscented product and dry thoroughly. There should be no dirt or foreign street odors on your fingers and palms. Remember that in the first days the rodent may bite you. Don't get angry or raise your voice. Protect your pet from contact with children to avoid additional problems. Explain to your child that an animal is not a toy, but a family member with its own interests and character. Let children feed your pet only after it has become comfortable in the hands of an adult.

A pet hamster can be made tame and not shy; for this it needs to be carefully and persistently trained

Hamsters and children

If there are children in the family, then the animal will have to be tamed to them. It is important to explain to the children all the rules and teach them a lesson in how to politely treat a tiny creature. The child must learn the following points:

1. At first, you can pick up the homa only in the presence of adults.
2. Do not squeeze the hamster in your arms, it will hurt the animal.
3. Do not make sudden movements.
4. If your hamster suddenly starts biting, under no circumstances should you scream or physically punish your pet. It's better to put him back in the cage to calm him down.

These simple tips will help children and animals become best friends!

Taming a hamster is a long and difficult process. It requires patience, politeness and lots of goodies. If in the first month of your pet’s stay in the house it was not possible to tame it, do not despair, continue to establish contact. Sooner or later, Homa will meet you and become not just an animal, but a member of the family!

How to take care of a Djungarian hamster at first

1. The dzhungarik should have enough space. Despite their modest size, active rodents need a lot of space to move. Buy a large cage for your dwarf, in which he can run and play;
2. Find a quiet place for your pet. Djungarian hamsters have sensitive ears, so they are more comfortable in a quiet place where there are no sources of noise (TV, games, music). This is important especially in the first few days, so that the dzhungarik adapts to new conditions as quickly as possible;
3. Do not disturb the Djungarian hamster. When you bring your new pet home, do not pester him with games or cuddle him, just silently place the rodent in the cage. Let your dzhungarik spend a little time alone - this will help him get used to his new home;
4. Feed your pet at the same time every day: Regular feeding will help your Djungarian hamster stay healthy and happy. If you feed your dwarf regularly, he will begin to associate your smell with something pleasant.

Caring for a Syrian hamster at home

“Syrians” become unpretentious animals at home. All they need is a nutritious diet and constant care. Taking care of Syrian animals is quite simple. The main responsibilities of the owner: clean the cage in a timely manner, supply clean drinking water and food once a day. Sometimes an animal can be let out of its house to run around the apartment, but only if it is accustomed to being handled and is not afraid of people. If you follow all the rules, your pet will not cause much trouble.

What to feed a hamster?

Nutrition is the main basis for caring for animals. The diet should be fortified and complete. The Syrian hamster can eat:

• food consisting of grains, pressed grass and a small amount of dried fruits and seeds. It is worth pouring 1-2 tablespoons into a plate every day;
• fresh vegetables and fruits are included in the daily diet, you only need to add a little - 10-20 grams. Syrian hamsters love apples, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, cabbage, grapes and other berries. A large amount of these products can ruin digestion and cause discomfort in the animal;
• Give your pet 1 teaspoon of yogurt or milk daily as a source of calcium and protein.

The owner of the animal should know the list of products that are strictly prohibited from giving to a hamster:

• chocolate and other products with sugar;
• oranges, tangerines, grapefruits;
• melon:
• green leaf salad;
• onion and garlic;
• eggs, meat products;
• fish fat;
• salty foods: chips, snacks and more.

It is important to establish a feeding schedule

How many times a day should I feed?

As a rule, hamsters are nocturnal and sleep during the day. That is why it is better to give all measles in the evening and in the morning. In the evening hours, feed should be given many times more than the morning portion.

In order to decide how many times to fill your animal’s bowl with food and in what quantity, you should adhere to the schedule described above and look at the pet’s behavior. Feeding at regular intervals promotes excellent digestion for the animal. After some time, he will get used to this regime and will look forward to the portion allotted to him.

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Cage or labyrinth?

The Syrian hamster's home should be spacious. There are two options where an animal can live: a cage and a labyrinth. The most common and simple house for rodents is a cage. The minimum acceptable cage size is 30 by 40 cm, but if possible, it is worth taking a larger house. The distance between the rods should be no more than 1 cm, otherwise the pet will run away

For the comfort of the rodent, it is important that the home has at least 2 floors: on the first floor there is a dining room and a playroom, and on the second floor there is a bedroom.

You can also buy a labyrinth for your hamster - a house with a large number of rooms on different floors, connected by pipes. The labyrinth is a bit like a hole, so the animal will definitely like it.

Which house to choose for the animal? Buy according to your capabilities, the main thing is that the hamster feels comfortable and spacious in it.

Cage equipment

In the home of a “Syrian” there must be:

• a sleeping house made of wood or plastic;
• a bowl made of clay or steel so that the pet cannot turn it over;
• the drinking bowl should be in the form of hanging droppers;
• a wheel is necessary if the animal does not have enough space to run;
• small toys.

Cleaning

Hamsters have a very specific smell, so you need to constantly clean his cage. Change the filler 2-3 times a week. The process itself will not take much time, but there will be no unpleasant odor in the home of the animal and the owner.

A hamster can produce up to 4 litters in a year.

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Creating comfortable conditions for the hamster

The hamster should be placed in a spacious separate cage. It is advisable to cover the floor of the home with an absorbent substrate, since the animal relieves itself on the floor. The litter should be changed weekly. It is important to provide your pet with constant access to fresh water.

Rodents eat vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, but it is better to give them special food. This way your pet will receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals. An animal needs 20 g of food per day, which must be divided into 2 doses. You can pamper your hamster once a week with a piece of apple, carrot, broccoli, peach, banana, or cauliflower.

Important! Citrus fruits and onions are prohibited. These products can cause diarrhea, dehydration and, as a result, death of the rodent.