Tips On Hamster Training
If you have just gotten a hamster, you should learn all about hamster training. If you want the animal to get used to you and your family, you will have to learn its likes and dislikes and how to care for it properly. Hamster training isn’t difficult but there are ways to make the hamster more comfortable and happy so that it is more open to learning.
Before you buy your hamster you should have a cage prepared for it. You can either use a wire mesh cage or an aquarium. But it should have a snap on cover so that the hamster cannot escape. It’s a good idea to use a mesh cover for air flow and it should snap onto the top of the cage firmly.
Purchase bedding for the bottom of the cage. You can use most types of wood chips or you can purchase specific hamster bedding from the pet store. Hamsters also like a bit of privacy, so you can place a small cardboard box with an opening for the hamster to hide in. To make sure that the hamster gets enough exercise, you can place a hamster wheel inside of the cage. You won’t have to train the hamster to use this wheel. It can learn on its own.
When it comes to feeding the hamster you can purchase hamster pellets at the pet store. They do like treats but you will have to limit them to once or twice a week. Overfeeding a hamster can lead to health problems and illness and you should never give the animal foods that are loaded with sugar or salt. Natural treats like sunflower seeds and raisins are perfect treats. But only one of each is more than enough for a few days.
You cannot use a water dish for a hamster. They will only walk through the water and mess up the cage and you will have to clean it sooner. The pet store will have a water bottle that attaches on the side of the cage, specifically made for a hamster.
It is recommended that you purchase a young hamster for hamster training. When you get the hamster, place it in the cage and leave it alone for a day. Let it get used to its surroundings and place it in a quiet area.
You can start hamster training by choosing a name for it. Every time you feed the hamster or play with it, say the name clearly. Over time it will associate attention and food with the name and respond to it. Only handle the hamster when it appears friendly. If it is agitated or seems scared, put it back into the cage until it feels better and try again later. You will want to eventually get the animal used to being handled by you and your family.
To become closer and bond with the hamster you can hand feed it. Start with larger objects to avoid being bitten. Hamsters cannot see very well and if they smell food on your fingers, they will bite. So after feeding the hamster wash your hands thoroughly.
Hamsters usually will not bite unless they are scared or hungry. If you are bitten it is usually because the animal feels threatened or because it smelled food on your fingers. But it can become agitated if bothered by a family member or another animal. Make sure that whatever is offending the hamster is removed from the room. If you are bitten by the animal wash your hands and use antibiotic creme on the wound.
Hamster training is the easiest when you are patient and give the animal ample time to learn.
See Related: Buying a Hamster