The Dos and Don’ts of Holding a Hamster with Gloves

Hey there, it’s your boy Matt again. So, I’ll never forget the time I tried to hold my hamster Jerry with gloves for the first time.

I was all like, “I’m a pro at this, no problem.” I put on a pair of gloves, reached into Jerry’s cage, and scooped him up.

Or at least, I tried to. Jerry was having none of it. He wriggled and squirmed, trying to escape from my grasp. I was holding on for dear life, trying not to drop him. And then it happened. Jerry peed all over my gloves.

I was like, “oh no, not the pee!” It was a total disaster. But don’t worry, I learned from my mistakes and now I know the proper technique for holding a hamster with gloves. Let’s dive in.

Why Wear Gloves?

You might be wondering, why on earth would anyone want to hold a hamster with gloves? Well, there are a few reasons you might want to consider wearing gloves when handling your hamster:

• To protect your hands from bites or scratches
• To prevent the spread of germs or diseases
• To protect your hamster’s delicate skin from oils and dirt on your hands

It’s important to note that gloves are not a substitute for proper handling techniques. You should still handle your hamster gently and with care, even if you’re wearing gloves. But gloves can be a helpful tool in certain situations.

Choosing the Right Gloves

Not all gloves are created equal when it comes to handling a hamster. It’s important to choose gloves that are:

• Thin and flexible: Thick or stiff gloves can make it difficult to hold your hamster gently and can obstruct your ability to feel what you’re doing. Look for gloves that are thin and flexible, so you can handle your hamster with precision.
• Non-toxic: Some gloves are made with materials that can be harmful to small animals if ingested. Look for gloves that are made from non-toxic materials and are safe for use with animals.
• Easy to clean: If you’re using gloves to prevent the spread of germs or diseases, it’s important to choose gloves that are easy to clean. Look for gloves that can be easily washed or disinfected between uses.

It’s also a good idea to do a test run with a pair of gloves before using them to handle your hamster.

This will help you get a feel for how the gloves fit and move, and ensure that they’re comfortable and easy to use.

Proper Handling Techniques

Now that you have the right gloves, it’s time to learn the proper handling techniques. Follow these steps to hold your hamster safely and securely with gloves:

1. Approach your hamster slowly and calmly. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these can startle your hamster and cause them to try to escape.
2. Place your hand gently over your hamster, with your thumb and fingers on either side of their body. Be sure to support their entire body, including their legs and tail.
3. Lift your hamster carefully, using a smooth and steady motion. Avoid jerking or shaking them, as this can cause them to feel stressed or frightened.
4. Once your hamster is securely in your hand, you can hold them close to your body or gently stroke their fur with your other hand. Just be sure to continue supporting their entire body and avoid squeezing them too tightly.

Remember, it’s important to handle your hamster gently and with care, even if you’re wearing gloves. They are small and delicate creatures, and rough handling can cause them stress or even injury. Take your time and be patient, and you’ll be a pro at holding your hamster with gloves in no time.

FAQ

My hamster keeps trying to escape when I try to hold them with gloves. What should I do?

If your hamster is constantly trying to escape when you try to hold them with gloves, it could be a sign that they are feeling stressed or frightened.

Make sure you are approaching them slowly and calmly, and try to use a gentle touch when handling them.

You may also want to try using gloves with a different fit or material to see if that helps. If your hamster continues to struggle, it may be best to hold them without gloves or seek advice from a veterinarian or a hamster behavior specialist.

My gloves are too big for my hamster. What should I do?

If your gloves are too big for your hamster, it can make it difficult to hold them securely and can even cause them to feel trapped or distressed.

In this case, it’s best to find a pair of gloves that fit more snugly or to hold your hamster without gloves.

Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your hamster to prevent the spread of germs or diseases.

Can I use gloves to handle my hamster all the time?

While gloves can be a helpful tool in certain situations, it’s not a good idea to use them all the time when handling your hamster.

It’s important for your hamster to have regular, direct contact with your bare skin, as this can help them feel bonded to you and can even have health benefits.

Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your hamster, and use gloves as needed for protection or to prevent the spread of germs or diseases.

Conclusion: Glove Love

Holding a hamster with gloves may seem intimidating at first, but with the right gloves and proper handling techniques, it can be a breeze.

Just remember to choose gloves that are thin, flexible, non-toxic, and easy to clean, and handle your hamster gently and with care. And most importantly, don’t stress too much. Your hamster will love you (or at least they’ll love your gloves) no matter what.