Below is a scientific guide to training hamsters, compiled from various breeding practices:
I. Building Basic Trust
Environmental Acclimation Period
Newly arrived hamsters need 3 days of quiet rest. Provide a hiding house and thick bedding, and avoid direct contact during this time.
During this period, you can help them remember their name by calling it softly at a fixed time each day.
Familiarizing with Scents
Wash your hands before feeding to keep your scent consistent, then offer food (such as sunflower seeds or mealworms) by hand.
Initially, place the food on the edge of your palm, gradually moving it toward the center.
II. Techniques for Hand-Taming
Gradual Contact
First, gently touch their body with a pen to desensitize them, then transition to stroking their back with your finger.
Once the hamster can stably eat food from your palm, try lifting it gently by supporting its hips.
Anti-Biting Strategies
Wear gloves when handling aggressive individuals, and avoid sudden movements with your fingers.
If bitten, do not pull your hand away—blow gently at the hamster (they dislike air currents) to stop the behavior.
III. Advanced Skill Training
Conditioned Reflex Training
Call training: Use a shaking food can as a signal; consistency for 3 days will help form a reflex.
Paw-shake training: Lure them to touch your palm with their front paws using melon seeds, and reinforce the behavior with verbal commands.
Behavior Correction
Litter training: Mark the litter sand with their urine; if they urinate elsewhere, use a tissue to absorb the scent and place it back in the litter area.
Preventing picky eating: Transition by mixing old and new food, feeding staple food first before offering treats.
IV. Key Notes
Time Control
Train young hamsters for ≤5 minutes daily, with the best time being 1 hour before meals.
Safety Taboos
Never force them to spin in circles or stand upside down (this can easily injure their spine).
Avoid teasing with laser pointers (may trigger seizures).
Mood Recognition
If their ears are upright or whiskers are twitching, you can continue training.
If they start frantically washing their face or turn their back to you, stop immediately.
With the above methods, most hamsters can reach a basic level of obedience within 2–4 weeks. Note that individual differences exist—some timid hamsters may need 6–8 weeks.