HANDLING AND RESTRAINT IN HAMSTERS  

Note:  Hamsters are nocturnal animals and startle very easily.  Make sure the animal is fully awake before attempting to restrain, or even a fairly docile hamster may bite.

Open the cage lid slowly and assess the attitude of the hamster.  If it rolls onto its back and vocalizes it is more likely to bite.  If it roams the cage and flattens itself when approached, it can usually be handled easily. 

Cupping:Place one hand (with the fingers close together) into the cage and scoop under the hamster’s abdomen and place the other hand over the top of the hamster; cup hands around it to move to another place. 

Use of container:Hamsters like dark, confined spaces and can usually be coaxed into a cup if it is placed in the cage. After it enters the cup, put one hand (or a cover) over the opening and transfer to another location. 

Cotton batting or towel:Use cotton or towel to grasp the hamster and keep it covered until it can be manipulated into a safe position for stronger restraint.  The batting can then be wrapped around the hamster to restrain further. 

Scruffing:The most effective means of restraint of the hamster is scruffing.  Flatten the hamster to the floor of the cage and gather up all of the abundant skin of the neck, shoulders, back and rump until the body wall is snug against your fingers.  The hamster will be immobile and will not be able to turn its head and bite.

 Updated 2/2008