|
HANDLING |
||
|
Handling
|
|
|
| Dwarf hamsters can be scooped up in a plastic cup. If there is a dominant female in a cage of Campbells you may need to isolate her to be able to pick up any of the others. Never put your hand in a cage of Campbells and expect them to come and walk on it (unless you know them very well) as that is a sure way of getting bitten. Instead, put your hand lightly over a Campbell, their face towards your little finger and their rear towards your thumb. Gently close your hand around them. | ||
| Syrians can be tamed at food times - temping them onto a platform or out of their cage with treats. Be careful they don't sniff your hand and think it's food, though! They may prefer to step onto your sleeve rather than your hand initially. Alternatively gently place a plastic cup into their cage and let them walk into it or let them walk out into a hamster ball. | ||
| Remember that in the wild most predators would come from above, therefore hamsters can be startled if a hand suddenly appears above them. Be careful if they are sleeping, they may look peaceful, but if startled they could bite. Gently wake them up before putting your hand in the nest - tap on the cage, call their name, so they are expecting you. If they grind their teeth at your or let our a cry, they don't want to be disturbed! | ||
.jpg)