I'm scared to pet or pick up my new hamster. How can I safely do it?

Question

It’s been a week since I’ve got my hamster and I’ve been waiting to pet it or pick it up but I’m kinda scared can I feel like if I try it will get scared. She comes up to my hand if I have food there and if she wiggle my fingers a little bit while she’s on them she doesn’t care/notice. I’ve also brushed her back and again she hasn’t noticed but I’m scared of like petting her and grabbing her. Tips? Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female

Lauren Kennedy, DVM · Accepted Answer

It sounds like you are doing a great job with Bear so far. Continue interacting with her like you are as often as possible because this will help you gain her trust. If you want to try and hold her, try placing your hand open in her enclosure (palm up) with a small treat inside. Allow her to slowly come to you and walk into the palm of your hand. After she does this a few times then you can gently close your hand and lift her out of the enclosure. The first few times you hold her only do it for a short period of time so she doesn’t become to stressed. I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm scared to pet or pick up my new hamster. How can I safely do it?

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