How to Play With a Hamster

Hamsters do not particularly enjoy being handled, especially for very long, but if you're careful, you can "play" with them, though to them it's really just taking away from their sleeping/eating.

Let him/her climb on you but be careful cause they have sharp nails. Have him/her climb on your hands by putting them one in front of the other. This is a good form of physical exercise especially when you have very limited room space.It will also help your hamster become tame.

Set up the cage. There are many different types of cages on the market. Some come pre-built with tunnels, running wheels, and homes which hamsters will love if filled with bedding (remember the good kind of bedding only please! No cedar or pine.)also, it will like the cage more if you put in some tunnels.

Give your hamster a lot of comfort by cuddling it gently. Do this everyday so that it will get used to human contact and won't bite! 

Make your hamster a maze, and guide it through with your hand or finger. Have a piece of fruit or vegetable treat to indicate that he has done a good job. Or each day move the treat a little further into the maze to train your hamster.

Treat your hamster. A perfect treat is cheese, most hamsters love it! Despite what some people say, my experience is that hamsters are not allergic to dairy products, (since my hamster's diet contains cheese and, so far, there have been no allergic reactions!).

Please remember that hamsters are nocturnal and do not take kindly to be woken up before 12pm. Your hamster will no longer be happy if it is awakened before being fully rested or has become exhausted from exercise, play, or too much handling.

Be ready for bites! A hamster may bite you unexpectedly sometimes when it is hurt, frightened, angry, sick or perhaps if it has been woken up really early. If it nips you, do not drop or throw the hamster even if you are startled! This would likely hurt your hamster. If the bite bleeds, calmly put your hamster in its cage, and carefully close the door. Wash the bite with soap, then put a bandage on it and you're good to go!

Help your hamster exercise. Hamster exercise balls are a perfect means of allowing hamsters and other small rodents to maintain their fitness. Put the ball (with the hamster in it) in a spacious room with no clutter. [Otherwise the hamster may become upset if it keeps bumping into objects.] Now your hamster can have fun rolling around without bothering people. Be mindful that your hamster's time in the ball is no more than 30 minutes maximum.

The kinder you are to your hamster the more respect and trust you earn. To be kind and caring is in your best interest.

A good toy for your hamster is to stick a toilet paper roll in his/her cage, or put a stick of apple wood in, your hamster will love to chew on it!