My Hamster is hyper!

[HoneyMouse]

I didn't know until a month after i got my hamster that i wasn' t suposed to hold or play with him until 3 days after i got him. I've never had a hamster before only mice. I feel bad now cause he is always hyper and if i try to pic him up he squirms greatly and runs around his cage. My friend said he is going to act like this for the rest of his life and he's only three months :( . It makes me sad to think about it. Is there anything i can do?

[Aurecus]

My opinion would be to get the hamster used to you. If he/she freaks out whenever you try and pick it up, you might be moving to fast. First you should just put your hand in the cage and allow it to get used to that. Then once its used to that you should start lightly petting it, if it freaks out you should go back to leaving your hand in the cage until it settles down and then try petting again. Once your hamster is used to you being around and touching it, you can try and pick it up. These things take time, but im sure you will succeed :)

[jostring]

Be patient!
Don't give up on the little guy already.
He is new to you and his surroundings.
If you picked him up straight the way and he didn't bite then that's a good sign.
maybe you could just leave him for a day to get used to his surroundings and then the following day put your hand in the cage with a treat - like a piece of cheese or a veggie and see what he does.
Then leave him again the following day - he needs to establish his territory.
Take your time with him and don't chase him round the cage - let him set the rules.
If you talk to him softly as well when you greet him - and feed and water him at the same time every evening - he'll get used to the routine which will make him feel better and used to the sound of you.
When you do pick him up and he is still hyper - well that's normal - once they get used to you and confident they will want to climb all over you and get away and adventure around.
Have you a ball for him??
Our hamsters look forward to going in their ball every night - something for them to look forward to - might make him want to be picked up eventualy.
Just remember safety - don't push him around in it - let him get on with it - make sure other pets are not around and if upstairs block the top of the stairs off - you don't want him falling down the stairs and being injured or worse killed!
Anyway, like I say he's only a little fella and he needs to adjust to your lifestyle - I hope that helps!
Let us know how you get on!
Jo
xx

[HoneyMouse]

Thanks for your opinions I'll try both. :) I'm also thinking about getting a mousey! I love mice they're are sooo cute, but i'm not going to give up on my hammy. Oh yeah i do have a ball for him. How often should i let him run around in it?
Thanks again!

[jostring]

we put our hammies in their ball every night if we can - for about half an hour - good exercise.

Jo
xx