How To Hold A Hamster: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Hold a Hamster PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Acclimating Your Hamster To You 2 Picking Up Your Hamster 3 Taking Precautions When Holding Your Hamster Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: February 17, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 12 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 300,912 times.

Hamsters are cute and adorable animals that make great pets. They are quiet and gentle and are relatively low-maintenance. Holding your hamster can not only help you feel more bonded to him but can also help him become tamer. Being held is not natural for hamsters so you will need to make sure you know how to hold your hamster properly.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Acclimating Your Hamster To You

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  1. Hold a Hamster Step 1.jpeg 1 Do not handle them right away. If you just brought your hamster home, chances are they will need a little time to get used to you before they will enjoy being handled and held. Wait at least 12 to 24 hours before trying to hold them.
    • Crouch near your hamster's cage and speak to them in a soft, friendly voice.
    • You can also get them comfortable with your presence by simply reading a book or watching TV in the same room as them.
    • Make sure your hamster can see you and knows you are a friend, not a predator.
    • We'll cover picking up your hamster later.
  2. Hold a Hamster Step 2.jpeg 2 Place your hand in his cage. In the wild, hamsters are grabbed only by a predator, so your hamster will need to learn that you are not acting as a predator when you hold him. Start by placing your hand in their cage and leaving it there for them to investigate.
    • So as not to startle your hamster, hold your hand limply in their cage.
    • It would also be helpful to hold your hand as a clenched fist initially. You can unclench your fist, with your palm facing upward, as he becomes more comfortable with your hand.
    • Hamsters have a tendency to nibble as a way to test their environment. If your hamster starts to nibble at your hand, gently pull your hand away. Jerking your hand away will startle him and may make him more reluctant to approach your hand.
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  3. Hold a Hamster Step 3.jpeg 3 Entice your hamster with treats. Your hamster may be very wary of your hand. If this is the case, try placing treats in your hand to encourage him to approach you. When he is comfortable accepting treats from your hand, he will be more amenable to you picking him up.[1]
    • Ideal treats are those that your hamster would normally eat in the wild. For example, you can treat him with fresh, rinsed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, carrots) and fruits (e.g., bananas, berries).[2]
    • Make sure to chop the treats in small pieces before feeding them to your hamster.[3]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Picking Up Your Hamster

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  1. Hold a Hamster Step 4.jpeg 1 Wash your hands. Hamsters rely on their noses to navigate their environment, and strong smells can cause them distress. Washing your hands before handling your hamster will help him feel more comfortable. Use an unscented soap—a fruit-scented soap may make your hamster see your hand as food.
    • Washing your hands is especially important if you have more than one hamster. The scent of another hamster on your hands could make the hamster you are handling feel like he is being attacked.
  2. Hold a Hamster Step 5.jpeg 2 Let your hamster see your hand. In the wild, hamsters have few defenses other than running. Any sudden changes in your hamster's environment can be very alarming to him, so it is very important that he can see your hand approaching him.
    • When you place your hand in your hamster's cage, leave it there for at least a few seconds so that he can acclimate to it.
    • We'll cover more precautions when holding your hamster later.
  3. Hold a Hamster Step 6.jpeg 3 Cup your hamster in the palm of your hands. It is very important for your hamster to feel secure in your hands when you hold him. When he climbs into your hand, cup your hand under him to support him. Cup your other hand so that he can rest comfortably and securely in the palms of both of your hands.
    • If your hamster does not want to climb in your hands, consider using a scoop. Allow him to walk into the scoop before lifting him up. You can them transfer him from the scoop to your hand when you have him out of the cage.
    • You can also use a 1-liter plastic soda bottle, cut in half, like a scoop. Place the bottom half of the bottle in your hand, and let your hamster crawl into it. He will feel the warmth of your hand, but will not be able to bite your hand through the plastic.
    • Make sure the bottle's edges are smooth.
    • With time, your hamster will become more comfortable with being held and you will not need to lift him with a scoop.
  4. Hold a Hamster Step 7.jpeg 4 Lift your hamster out of his cage. Being lifted up can be very disorienting and frightening for your hamster. Before lifting him up, face him towards you in your hands. This will give him a frame of reference and will make him less likely to jump, as you lift him up. Lift him up slowly and gently.
    • Be aware that your hamster may start biting your hand as you lift him up. His bites will likely not be enough to break the skin but will serve as more of a warning signal that he is feeling alarmed.
    • If he starts to bite, gently blow a puff of air in his face. The hamster will take a step back and blink, wondering what he just smelled. This gives you time to free your hand from his grip.
  5. Hold a Hamster Step 8.jpeg 5 Hold your hamster in your lap or close to your chest. Keeping your hamster close to your body as you hold him will keep him safe. It will also prevent him from trying to run or jump away.
  6. Hold a Hamster Step 9.jpeg 6 Place your hamster back in his cage. Because your hamster is not used to being held, he will probably not want to be held for long periods of time. If he seems agitated or is trying to bite you, gently lower him back in his cage.
    • Gently lower your hamster back in his cage. Hamsters can easily injure themselves if they fall, so you should lower your hamster until he can easily walk out of your hands and onto the bottom of his cage.
    • You can spread out your palm and allow him to simply step off your hand.
    • Hold him for a short period of time initially (less than a minute), then work your way to longer stretches of time as he becomes more comfortable with being held.[4]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Taking Precautions When Holding Your Hamster

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  1. Hold a Hamster Step 10.jpeg 1 Do not hold your hamster when he is sleeping. Hamsters tend to sleep very deeply. In the wild, they will burrow deep into the ground where they can sleep relatively undisturbed. If you wake him up suddenly to hold him, he will likely interpret this as trouble (e.g., a predator) being nearby.
    • If you would like to wake him up, do so gently. For example, you can speak softly to him. You can also gently ruffle your hand in his bedding.
  2. Hold a Hamster Step 11.jpeg 2 Do not lift him up high up off the floor. Hamsters are very prone to injuries from falling, so you should keep your hamster fairly close to the ground when you are holding him. Do not lift him more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) off the floor.
    • If he tries to make a run for it, keeping him close to the floor lessens the likelihood of injuring himself if he jumps.
    • Consider holding him when you are lying back on the floor, which would keep him even closer to the ground.[5]
  3. Hold a Hamster Step 12.jpeg 3 Avoid making kissing noises when you are holding him. Talking to your hamster in a calm and soothing voice will help him feel more comfortable with being held. However, kissing noises can actually be frightening to him.
  4. Hold a Hamster Step 13.jpeg 4 Do not scruff your hamster or pick him up by an appendage. Scruffing your hamster to pick him up can put immense pressure on his head. This pressure may be enough to cause his eyes to prolapse.
    • You should also never pick up your hamster by one of his appendages. Not only would this likely injure your hamster, but he would also be even more disoriented by being lifted in the air by his legs.
  5. Hold a Hamster Step 14.jpeg 5 Do not punish your hamster. Hamsters do not know how to make an association between actions and consequences. Therefore, punishing him by yelling at him or physically punishing him will only lead to your hamster seeing you as the enemy.
    • A firm 'no' should be the strongest punishment you use.
    • Blowing in his face, particularly when he bites you, should be enough to deter him from doing the action again.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question I've been trying to hold my hamster for four months, but he still looks like he wants to bite me. What do I do? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer If he's still wants to bite, then he still doesn't fully trust you. Don't be discouraged, because it can take a long time with some hamsters. Be sure to practice several times a day, every day. Spend more time talking to him, without trying to touch him, and drop the occasional treat in through the bars, so he associates you with good things. Try leaving a T-shirt with your smell on it near his cage, so he can get used to your scent. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 112
  • Question Do hamsters answer to their names? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer A hamster may well respond to the sound of a familiar voice and come towards you. Some hamsters will respond to individual commands, as though they recognize the different sounds in a word. In theory, it is possible for a hamster to learn their name, although they are not as adept at this as rats or mice are. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 24 Helpful 88
  • Question How do I stop my hamster from nibbling my finger? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Washing your hands carefully before you hold your hamster to get rid of food smells. If your skin smells of food, the hamster may get confused and try nibbling a finger in the mistaken belief it is something to eat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 34
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Video

Tips

  • Do not put your finger near his/her face. He/she will most likely bite you. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 5
  • Secure your hamster's cage and check all areas where it could potentially escape. This will help prevent your hamster from getting loose. Thanks Helpful 28 Not Helpful 4
  • If your hamster resists being picked up, do not make him do it. Wait until another time when he seems more open to being picked up. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 7
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Do not use cedar or pine bedding, as the smell and texture can irritate a hamster's skin. Cedar and pine shavings can also be choking hazards if the hamster eats them.
  • Get to know your specific hamster's personality before trying to hold it! Some breeds like Roborovskis may never enjoy being handled much. Respect their space.
  • Sit on the floor when you first hold your hamster, keeping it very low to the ground. This prevents injury if it squirms or jumps from your hands.
  • Never yell at or punish your hamster. This will make it fearful of you. A firm "no" and blowing in its face is the strongest discipline you need.
  • Scoop up dwarf hamsters carefully, as they are incredibly quick. Use both hands cupped together to catch them before lifting up.
  • Pet your hamster gently while holding it, and speak softly. This bonding time will help it become comfortable with you.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Scruffing your hamster or holding him by an appendage can seriously injure him. Thanks Helpful 56 Not Helpful 10
  • Citrus fruits are not good for hamsters. Avoid feeding your hamster such citrus fruits as lemons and grapefruit.[6] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/hamster-care
  2. ↑ http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/all-pet-health/small-animal-health-care/top-10-ways-keep-your-hamster-healthy
  3. ↑ http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/all-pet-health/small-animal-health-care/top-10-ways-keep-your-hamster-healthy
  4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/hamster-care
  5. ↑ https://animals.mom.com/hamsters-like-play-with-2550.html
  6. ↑ http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/all-pet-health/small-animal-health-care/top-10-ways-keep-your-hamster-healthy

About This Article

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 300,912 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 71 Updated: February 17, 2025 Views: 300,912 Categories: Hamsters Article SummaryX

Before holding a hamster, make sure to wash your hands well with unscented soap, since strong smells can cause a hamster distress. Then, slowly put your hand into the hamster’s cage and leave it there for a few seconds so it can get used to it. Next, allow the hamster to climb into you hand, then cup both your hands around it for support. Once it’s in your hands, lift the hamster slowly and gently out of its cage and bring it to your chest to prevent it from jumping or trying to run away. For tips from our Veterinary reviewer on how to get your hamster acclimated to being held, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Natalie ROBERTS

    Natalie ROBERTS

    Dec 12, 2020

    "My dwarf hampster Mia, I put my hand in her cage almost every day and cleaned her cage almost every day too. And..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian 4 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 71 Updated: February 17, 2025 Views: 300,912 Natalie ROBERTS

Natalie ROBERTS

Dec 12, 2020

"My dwarf hampster Mia, I put my hand in her cage almost every day and cleaned her cage almost every day too. And..." more Amelia Scott

Amelia Scott

Apr 20, 2017

"I have been wanting a pet hamster for about 3-4 years now and my mother has always said no. Now I have over $50.00..." more Chenoa Rosario

Chenoa Rosario

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"I like the animations, they really helped with understanding the process! Normally I'm a visual learner, so..." more Jorge Enrique Snchez Rueda

Jorge Enrique Snchez Rueda

Aug 12, 2016

"There are important facts about caring for hamsters me and my kids did not know, so now we can take care of our..." more Colton Richardson

Colton Richardson

Oct 28, 2016

"I was learning about how to hold a hamster correctly and now I set my palm in the cage so the hamster will walk..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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