Syrian (golden and teddybear) hamsters are solitary and unsociable with their own. The rule: One hamster = one cage. Do not house them together. Do not handle a Syrian hamster that has just been involved in an altercation with another hamster. Do not handle a hamster in one cage after just having handled another in another cage if you smell strongly of the other Syrian hamster.

Dwarf hamsters are more sociable with each other. If purchasing from a pet store, try to get two Dwarf hamsters from the same cage. Particularly if they are older, two hamsters of any species will often squabble or even fight. Even the more sociable Dwarf, if raised in solitary, may not readily accept a new friend into his cage.

During any period of introducton into a new environment or to new companions there are often lound and frightening altercations. It is best not to intervene in these squabbles unless there is actual injury, as the pecking order (heirarchy) is established this way. Once established who is boss, the fighting will end and a peaceful habitat will ensue. It is rare (but not unheard of) for an adult Dwarf hamster to refuse to accept a new companion.

If you raise the babies, you should begin touching your baby hamsters at 2-1/2 to 3 weeks of age. Socialization is very important. Do not touch them before, but after 3 weeks it is essential if you want them to be the best possible pets. With clean hands, gently scoop them up, pet with one finger, and talk to them, breathing on them slightly to get them used to human scent. Offer special treats by hand. Allow them to go to sleep in your relaxed hands. Don't turn them upside down on their backs at first, but that can also be accomplished by 4 weeks.

If you bring your hamster home from a pet store and it is older or less socialized, it may take some time for it to get used to you. Offer it treats by hand in the cage without touching for a few days or until it will come to your hands willingly. A hamster that lies on its back is frightened and may bite. A hamster that is approaching you willingly, stretches or yawns is feeling relaxed and social.

If your hamster is nervous, don't try to handle him without washing your hands if you have been handling food. Hamsters have bery poor eye sight and they rely on their sense of smell. If your hands smell strongly of apples or food in general, he may bite unintentionally, thinking your fingers are food.

Syrian hamsters are easiest to handle because they are slightly larger and less active than Dwarf hamsters and less likely to jump out of your hands.

Sit down, hold your hamster low over your lap facing toward you to help deter it from jumping. Allow it to explore your hands, then walk to your other hand. It will soon get used to being handled.

A little patience goes a long ways.