How To Toilet Train a Hamster

If his droppings are spread across the cage it can be difficult to clean it.Many owners want to teach their hamsters to eliminate in a litter box.For hamsters, toilet training can be very easy.hamsters use their litter box without promptingPositive reinforcement and clicker training can be used to teach your hamster to use a litter box.

Step 1: A litter box is needed.

If you want to toilet train your hamster, you need a litter box.Purchase a litter box or own one.You can buy a "hamster potty" at a pet store.The plastic enclosures are placed in the corner of the hamster's cage.The scoop and bag of hamster-safe litter can be found in many store-bought litter boxes.You can make your own hamster potty at home.All you have to do is find a small plastic enclosure and cut a big hole in it to fit your hamster.The one downside to building your own enclosure is that it may not be resistant to urine and feces.If a homemade container leaves a smell, you might have to replace it.

Step 2: Take a look at where you usually eliminate hamster.

Hamsters are neat.The corner of your hamster's cage he likes to eliminate is already there.You will need to observe where he usually does his business in order to help him understand what his new box is for.Place his litter box in this area.

Step 3: The litter box needs to be set up.

Put the litter box up here if your hamster likes to use the bathroom.Remove any sand or chips from the area and place the box in this space.When your hamster is climbing in and out, make sure it is secure.hamsters eliminate in the corner of their cagesMost store-bought containers are triangular or square in shape, so they can be easily fitted into this corner.If you want to absorb excess urine, cover the bottom of the litter box.There is litter in the container.Put on gloves and move some of your hamster's droppings into the litter.He will be able to understand what the litter box is for.

Step 4: The hamster is near the litter.

Place your hamster near the new box once the litter box is set up.Allow him to see the new thing.If you've moved some of his droppings into the box, he'll understand what it's for.If you're lucky, you may not have to spend a lot of time training your hamster.

Step 5: Get a clicker.

If your hamster doesn't take to the litter box on instinct, you'll have to do some training.Like dogs and cats, hamsters and other smaller pets can be trained via clicker training.There is a small training clicker at the store.Clicker training helps a pet associate positive feelings with clicking noise.Each time the animal engages in the desired behavior, you press down on the clicker.

Step 6: There is a training area.

Training areas are areas of your home where you can keep an eye on your hamster.It's a good idea to use a safe, enclosed space.You can use a box with high sides.Training areas are usually used to teach tricks.It might help if your hamster is afraid of the litter box.After you've seen him drinking or eating, try to put him in a training area.If there's nothing else to eliminate, he may be encouraged to go in his box.

Step 7: A positive connection can be established with the clicking sound.

To associate a clicking sound with a positive experience, you will need to train your hamster.The clicker means the hamster is being rewarded, so you can use treats, praise, or petting.The click needs to be timed well.Give your hamster a treat.Click if his mouth is near a treat.Don't treat randomly.If you see a small indication of the desired behavior, click.Click and treat if you see your hamster near the litter box.Click and treat if the hamster eliminates near the box.

Step 8: Click only when your hamster uses his litter box.

When your hamster does the desired behavior, click and treat.Click and treat when your hamster uses the litter box.If he eliminates near the litter box, do not click and treat.

Step 9: Reinforce the behavior with something.

Work hard to reinforce the behavior of your hamster as you observe him.While you are at home, keep an eye on him.Tie your clicker on a string around your neck, or keep it in your pocket.Click if you see your hamster using the litter box.You don't have to use treats after a point.Your hamster learns to associate clicking with rewards and praise.

Step 10: As long as you can, be persistent.

It is not possible to observe your hamster 100% of the time.Work to be consistent.The litter box is where your hamster should be eliminated.This will make it easier to clean up.It is possible to move his droppings inside the litter box if he goes outside.He will associate the smell of feces and urine with his litter box.He might understand that he needs to eliminate in the box.

Step 11: It's a good idea to clean the litter.

Hamsters are neat.They won't like using a dirty litter box.Your hamster can eliminate outside of the box if it is not clean.When you clean your hamster's cage, make sure to scoop out the litter box at least once a day.

Step 12: It's a good idea to use caution when handling your hamster.

Handling or petting isn't the best form of reinforcement when training a hamster.If you want to use petting over treats, take precautions.It's important that your hamster is comfortable with you handling him.If you don't pick him up or pet him, take a few days to get used to him.Before you try to pet him or pick him up, place your hand in his box and let him sniff it.Give him a few minutes each day to get used to it.If you are using petting or handling as reinforcement, make sure your hamster enjoys it.These are the signs of anxiety if he is yawning, sneezing, or licking his lips.You should stop handling your hamster this way.You don't want your hamster to associate a negative experience with clicking.

Step 13: Try to make it through a trial and error.

Some hamsters may not like toilet training.Some hamsters may not work with clicker training.hamsters may not use their box instinctivelyChange things up if your hamster doesn't take to his litter box.Try a different type of box.It's a good idea to switch out a store-bought box for a homemade one.Your hamster might be resistant to his litter box because he dislikes the material you're using.Try a different type of litter.If your hamster doesn't like the litter you're using, swap it out for a different brand.Hamsters prefer sand as a form of litter, so look for a sand-based brand.The bedding and bottom of the cage are made from the same material as your litter.If your hamster's bedding is wood-based, you'll need to use a paper litter.Your hamster will not use the litter box if you don't.

Step 14: Cedar bedding is a form of litter.

cedar bedding can be used as litter or as a bed for a hamster.cedar bedding can cause respiratory problems in hamsters.You should only use litter marketed for hamsters.