He knows who I am

A special blip for Flashcube.

Modelled by Duncan :-)

When you first adopt your hamster, allow him to recognise your smell before attempting to handle him. Whisper loving things to him and he'll soon recognise you as a friend.

When stroking him, avoid the head and just stroke his back to start with (or he might perceive the head stroke as an act of aggression).

You should let him settle in his new home with lots of nice bedding and importantly soft nesting material for a couple of days before handling him. He must feel secure at all times and have a refuge.

Hamsters are very inquisitive, so you have to keep an eye on them when they are out of the cage. I put a hollowed out coconut at the end of my sofa for him to retreat to and groom (see extra).

Nail trimming is possibly the most difficult thing you will have to go for them. Their nails can curl over if they are too long. Extra of Duncan after a pedicure. So far (touch wood) he hasn't nipped me when I am doing it. They are much happier afterwards.