Generally, you can expect to easily handle a hamster. The animals can be scooped up but may often walk directly into familiar hands without needing to be trapped. However, if a hamster darts quickly around a cage, put the palms of your hands together to create a wall, and the hamster will run into the wall, allowing you to close your hands around its body. You can also pick up hamsters by the scruff of the neck, but you should support larger hamsters with the palm of your other hand.

Do not expect an active hamster to obediently stay in cupped in your hands for long or to stay on a countertop or other high surface. These little fellows, when not sleeping, are like wind-up toys and will quickly scurry to investigate any place they can squeeze into. Anytime your hamster is out of its cage, it needs your constant supervision.

As is the case with most small animals, handling your hamster will become easier as the animal becomes better acquainted with you and your family. Repeated handling will also make the process easier.

Author(s): Romina Vitols

Critters Home Page: Critter Library: Handling

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