Why won't my new hamster let me hold or pet him? How can I earn trust?

I am sorry to hear about your frustration with your hamster! I Am sure you want to be able to tame him. Many hamsters can be tamed but it can require time and patience. The older a hamster is, the more difficult it may be to train them as they are already used to not having humans handle them. Try to only interact with your hamster when he is already awake. This may mean the night time since usually they are sleeping during the day time. If you wake him he is going to be upset already! Don't bother him if he is eating or drinking. Start off by just placing some treats into his cage and then setting your hand inside the cage, a little ways from the treats, so the hamster can get to the treats but doesn't have to touch you to do so. Leave your hand there for several minutes without moving it. Repeat this daily, until the hamster is coming and eating the treats. Once he is comfortable enough to eat the treats with your hand in the cage, start placing the treats on the tips of your fingers as you lay your hand flat in the cage, palm side up. Continue this daily, and hopefully with time he will take the treat from your hand, and if he does this consistently you can move the treat to the center of your palm. Once he will sit on your hand and take the treat, you can try gently picking him up. This may take quite some time, especially if he is older and not used to people. Best of luck to you!

It sounds like you are doing a great job with Bear so far. Continue interacting with her like you are as often as possible because this will help you gain her trust. If you want to try and hold her, try placing your hand open in her enclosure (palm up) with a small treat inside. Allow her to slowly come to you and walk into the palm of your hand. After she does this a few times then you can gently close your hand and lift her out of the enclosure. The first few times you hold her only do it for a short period of time so she doesn’t become to stressed. I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hamsters natural inclination being a small rodent is to be afraid/hide. Some patience and treats may help earn your hamsters trust. First try spending some time each day just sitting quietly outside your hamsters cage. You can read a book or something that doesn't require movement, just be near the cage. Once your hamster doesn't run away while you are quietly sitting you can start just placing your hand in the cage without trying to pick her up. Placing a tasty treat near your hand to entice her to come near. If you do this every day, eventually she will hopefully come to find you less scary and allow you to interact with her more!

Congratulations on your new hamster. I am linking an article here which gives an in depth discussion on methods to try to tame your hamster: http://www.yourpethamster.com/care/taming The key is having patience and persistence. Working at this several times a day and taking it slow to build up your hamster's trust in you. Best of luck to you and Charlie!

Hello, and thank you for your question. Guinea pigs can become very social and loving pets, but it will take some time. I would start by offering her treats from your hand. Speak softly to her while doing so, so she gets used to your voice. Eventually let her come to you for the treat. You can also try putting the treat further back on your hand to encourage her to put her front paws on you. Continue to offer her treats and allow her to put her paws on your hand, until she allows you to pet her gently. Eventually, she may accept holding as well, but start by holding her while you are sitting down on the floor, in case she spooks and tries to jump out. You can also try wrapping her loosely in a towel before holding her, which will provide extra support. Appropriate treats for guinea pigs include apples, pears, oranges, green peppers, lettuce, celery, or commercial guinea pig treats. If you continue to interact with her like this, she may become comfortable with you within a matter of a few weeks! I hope this helps! Enjoy your new pig!

This is my favorite article on taming hamsters. http://www.yourpethamster.com/care/taming If you have already tried these tactics then please post again and give us more information on exactly what you have tried already so we can maybe help you better. Using treats is going to be the best way to accomplish your goal. You also have to be VERY consistent. Any deviation can cause a major setback. Many times owners are just too impatient and want a quick fix so they force the issue instead of taking it slowly. Hope this helps. Best wishes and please post again if needed.

Hamsters definitely love to run on wheels. This does not necessarily mean they are not interested in human interaction. Potko may just be a little apprehensive about his new relationship with his owner, in this case, you. Even if he resists, I would suggest taking him out of the cage a little bit every day and handling him. Offer him treats and toys to play with so that he associates you with something positive. Eventually, he will understand that you are a friend. I would increase interaction with him little by little every day. Do not start with hours of interaction immediately. This will shock Potko a little too much.