A food dish is recommended, however, the hamster will just remove the food and stash it in another location. A water bottle, and a small box or house should also be in their habitat. Also, a hamster exercise wheel is almost a necessity in order to meet the high energy level of this nocturnally active pet. As with all animals, a nervous handler will communicate this to the hamster. All handling should be done as gently and as quietly as possible.
Hamsters have a loose skin and can easily slip out of inexperienced hands.
Scoop the hamster up from underneath and hold it gently but firmly. Sleeping hamsters may be defensive if awakened suddenly. It is a good practice to allow the hamster time to fully awake before handling. All rodents have incisor teeth that grow constantly. If not maintained, these teeth can grow to lengths that make it difficult for the animal to eat.