Bringing home a small, fragile animal like a hamster can be a bit nerve-wracking. Not only do you want to transport them safely, you want to make sure they stay 100% healthy and stress-free once you get them home. So what steps should you take to ensure a smooth transition from the pet store or breeder to your home?
Photo credit to Hamster Haven Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this awesome hamster rescue!
Photo credit to Hamster Haven Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this awesome hamster rescue!
Have Your Habitat Set Up: Make sure your new hamster's home is 100% set up. There should be food, water, bedding, hiding places, and all of the other necessary parts already set up. This will avoid you having to bother your hamster while they get accustomed to their new home.
Find A Reputable Seller: When looking for a place to buy your hamster- do your research. Look for shelters, breeders, and pet shops who have 'well handled' hamsters. This means they are used to hands and are less likely to bite. It also typically means they are healthier and come from a safe place.
Look For A Healthy Hamster: Because hamster's are nocturnal it can be kind of hard to find an alert looking animal. They are most active at night and typically sleep during the day. So when looking for a hamster, don't worry about their activity level. Rather look for a hamster that has clear eyes (not foggy looking). They're fur should be smooth, clean, and without any rubs or marks.
Bring A Travel Carrier: Bring a travel carrier and line it completely with a towel (this will absorb any 'accidents' that occur on the way home). Your pet shop may also supply you with a travel box to bring your new pet home in; this works just as well. Then fill the box with two to three inches of bedding. The bedding will help cushion your hamster and make it feel safe on the way home. Ask your supplier to place the hamster inside the box. The darkness will help keep them cool on the way home.
Keep In Safe Place On The Way Home: If you bring someone else with you have them place the box or carrier on their lap (it will help insulate bumps). If there is no one else bringing the hamster home, place the box on the floor where you can easily see it. Do not put it on a seat in case it falls when you hit a bump. Keep it away from any drafty spots where air conditioning or heat may come out. Also keep the box out of direct sunlight so your pet doesn't get overheated. Keep your car a relatively normal temperature. Not too hot or cold.
Set Box in Habitat: Place the box with the lid opened into your hamster's habitat. Allow them to come out on their own. This will avoid you having to handle them- as they are typically skittish after the ride home. It's easy to accidentally hurt a hamster, especially when they are nervous and antsy. Once your hamster has come out to explore, remove the box from their home.
Keep Habitat Secluded: To begin, keep your hamster's habitat in a shadowy secluded area. Keep it away from loud noises and a place where people will not be walking by often. The quick movements and constant talking may make your hamster even more nervous. A bedroom book shelf or corner of a dining room typically work very well to begin with.
Bring To Social Part of Home: After 48 hours of seclusion bring your hamster to a more social part of your home. Remember, hamster's are nocturnal. So keep them in a place where most of the activity occurs in the morning and evening. If your family settles in to watch TV after 6:00 PM, then a family room would be the perfect place for your hamster. If you like to read books in the evening, a bedroom may be a better spot. Pick a place that fits your hamster's sleeping schedule. Avoid places where lots of activity occur during bright hours (like a children's bedroom or play room).
Work with your Pet: Now you can begin to handle your pet! Remember to move slowly and have patience. Hamster's are harder to tame than other rodents, so they need a bit of extra care to warm up. But with some work and love, they'll be cuddling in no time.