How to Get Your Hamster Out of Its Cage

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Suppose you are the owner of one of these adorable little creatures; you either know or will quickly learn that they too have their little personalities and ways of doing things just like any other beings.

I discovered this by having had two hamsters before; one was a complete socialite, while the other would hide away and never wanted to come out. So how do we get our hamsters out of their cage?

To get your hamster out of its cage, use treats like grains, fruit, and veg. Make Sure that they have a quiet and tranquil environment where they do not feel threatened. Place an old garment of yours in the cage to get them used to your scent. Be sure to spend time with them and build rapport.

You may be a new hamster owner, but you will quickly learn that some hamsters take longer to warm to their human friends than others. This can be rather annoying if it progresses, and they tend to hide when you want to take them out of the cage.

But do not fret; there are ways (you will still need to exercise patience) that we will discuss to help you, so read on to find out more.

Ways of Getting Your Hamster Out of Its Cage

It is no secret that, at times, our dear little friends do not wish to leave the comfort and safety of their enclosures, and this can lead to tedious efforts of trying to retrieve them from the cage. Thankfully though, we have an outline of various things which you can try and implement to encourage them to come out; I recommend that you apply a few of these methods of these in conjunction with one another.

Use Treats to Entice Your Hamster Out of Its Cage

One thing you need to know about hamsters is that the way to their heart is through their stomach because they are highly motivated by food. Your best option would be to try various methods, which we shall discuss below. We suggest starting with the stronger smelling treats first as they are often more tempting.

• Hamster treats. Yes, this is a thing, and just like you would be able to get specialized treats for your dog or cat, you can also purchase treats specifically made with hamsters in mind.
• Grain. This is something that they will primarily eat in any case; however, you may learn that your hamster prefers some brands, and you can fill a fresh bowl at the times you want to coerce them out of hiding. An example of a “treat” grain would be sunflower seeds.
• Vegetables. These may need washing before giving them to your hamster, just as you would likely do before cooking them for yourself. Ones that are worth trying include carrots (mine were huge fans) and then green vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, spinach – if in doubt, test others out and see what works for your friend.
• Fruit. These must be given in moderation as they contain (natural) sugar that can lead to weight gain; however, your hamster is sure to be drawn out by the likes of strawberries, bananas, and apples.

Get Your Hamster Used to Your Scent to Lure Them Out

Like many other animals, your hamster is very sensitive to smell, and they associate particular scents with things. For example, once they have tried a specific food that they like, they are pretty well aware when it is placed in their cage again.

Another thing to note is that they can also associate particular smells with safety or danger. What you want to promote is for them to associate your scent with safety, security, and loving care.

A great way to promote this is to place something of yours, a piece of an old garment (make sure it smells like you, though, and not mothballs or washing detergent) and put it in the cage. They will sniff it, and as it poses no threat and is comfortable, they will likely even rest on it and begin to associate it with peace and comfortability.

Then you’ll want to, besides when you are feeding or changing their water, be around the cage or even go so far as to place your hand near the enclosure so that they can get a whiff of you. Eventually, the hamster should (especially if you have coerced them out with a treat) come and suss you out.

Taking Your Hamster Out of the Cage

Once it seems that they are comfortable with you, try dipping your hand into the cage and allow the hamster to come to you rather than you reaching for it. Please do not make any rapid or erratic movements or noises as this will frighten them.

As they tend to be curious creatures, they should take the bait and come to investigate you (consider holding a treat in your hand). Then, gently pick them up and lift them out of the enclosure.

You want to ensure a stress-free environment when you are interacting with them, but also just their surroundings in general. They should not be in a space that terrifies them, as you will then struggle significantly to get them to come out of hiding and be willing to be picked up.

Why Is Your Hamster Hiding and Unwilling to Come Out?

Hamsters are often timid and wary creatures, and they will usually hide if they sense any form of danger around them.

Like some other rodents, they also have tunnelling inclinations, so they like to bury themselves in things and are more likely to spend time hidden away unless there is cause for them to come out.

So as seen in the things mentioned above, be sure to try out different methods of luring them out, either with treats or the fact that they smell you nearby and, because you have built rapport with them, they will want to come and visit with you.

How to Entice Your Hamster Out of Hiding

Hamsters prefer spaces that are quiet and dimly lit. They also have sensitive noses and ears and would prefer if you smelled the same each time you try to handle them (as that is the scent they are used to), and don’t like loud noises.

Do not make fast, intimidating movements and instead allow the hamster to come out on its terms, rather than trying to force it out of hiding. Be sure to remain calm and do not get irritable or aggravated.

The best method is to excite them to come out by placing your hand slowly into the enclosure and holding a tasty treat in your palm for them to come and feast on. Once they have come out, you can gently, carefully, and slowly pick them up and remove them from the cage.

Is It a Wise to Take Your Hamster Out of Its Cage?

This is undoubtedly a good idea and is encouraged; however, it must be emphasized that hamsters first need to get used to their enclosure and general surroundings before feeling comfortable. So be patient with them and allow them to settle in first.

Once that phase is complete, then, by all means, build rapport with your darling creature and even consider taking them out daily or at least once per week. Investing in a playpen is a brilliant idea, but ensure that (if you take them outdoors) the ground is firm enough, and the encasing is heavy enough that they cannot burrow or squeeze out from underneath.

Allowing your hamster out of their cage regularly will get them more used to the idea, and they will associate it with playtime and an outing to explore a different environment. Hamsters allowed out of their cages frequently also tend to be happier and healthier.

Final Thoughts

Getting your hamster out of its cage can be a challenge at times, and if you need to clean the cage and are pressed for time, it can be highly annoying while you wait on them to come out. But it is wise to show patience and remain calm, as your hamster needs to feel comfortable and reassured that it is safe. Use treats when necessary, and be sure to spend time with them.

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