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Cookiedoe
We managed to get cookie into his pen for the 1st time he hasn’t climbed onto my sons hand yet but was running around in there next to him while he was stroking him 
M
Member ID2
Aaw, that's nice that Cookie is so sociable already. Your son looks very pleased with his little furry friend.
As a side note: i think i spotted a hamster ball in the background and wanted to make you aware that hamster balls are not a good idea for a number of reasons.
thehamsterforum.com
As a side note: i think i spotted a hamster ball in the background and wanted to make you aware that hamster balls are not a good idea for a number of reasons.
Hamster Balls
Hamster balls are no longer considered safe or suitable for hamsters and shouldn't be used as a form of exercise or for out of cage time. Information from the main three pet charities in the Uk (The Blue Cross, the pdsa and the RSPCA) confirms...
thehamsterforum.com
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RainbowBrite
Aww, that is so cute! Your son looks so happy to be with little Cookie. 
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How lovely Cookie has come out for some free roam time and that your son has been able to stroke him whilst he’s out.
We use a similar enclosure for our Syrian. I’ve a collection of empty cereal boxes, pringle tubes, tissue boxes etc that we fill our play area with and he enjoys running through and hiding out in them when he comes out to play.
We use a similar enclosure for our Syrian. I’ve a collection of empty cereal boxes, pringle tubes, tissue boxes etc that we fill our play area with and he enjoys running through and hiding out in them when he comes out to play.
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Cookiedoe
He’s not managed to pick him up yet I think he’s scared … how do you pick them up ?
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Maybe start by having his hand flat on the floor, palm up, with some food on. As the hamster gets more confident he’ll put his paws on his hand while taking the food and then maybe even climb onto it.
Otherwise you just kind of use both hands around the side of the hamster and sort of cup/scoop them up that way but don’t try to hold him at first - just do the cupping/scooping and lift slightly but let him walk off again. After a few sessions of that you should be able to pick him up and him not resist. Then putting him on your knee while kneeling or in the crook of your arm (while sitting in the playpen) is a good way to let them get used to being on you for a stroke but still being able to walk off again when they’ve had enough.
Otherwise you just kind of use both hands around the side of the hamster and sort of cup/scoop them up that way but don’t try to hold him at first - just do the cupping/scooping and lift slightly but let him walk off again. After a few sessions of that you should be able to pick him up and him not resist. Then putting him on your knee while kneeling or in the crook of your arm (while sitting in the playpen) is a good way to let them get used to being on you for a stroke but still being able to walk off again when they’ve had enough.
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RainbowBrite
Once Cookie is more used to you then you coild use something such as a mug or tunnel. This is sometimes called a hamster taxi.
i think once Cookie is more settled then he will climb on your son in the playpen. It will be a lovely way for them to bond.
i think once Cookie is more settled then he will climb on your son in the playpen. It will be a lovely way for them to bond.
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I would say ditto to Maz's comments above. The first time our Syrian popped his front paws onto my hand to take a treat I was so excited then a few weeks later he started climbing on fully. I didn't try and pick him up at this point just let him climb on and off.
Then after a while I tried cupping him in my hands to lift him on my lap and he allowed it which was great. They get used to your scent over time and as your son can sit in the enclosure, I would say stay patient and in time Cookie will no doubt start exploring and climb over him.
Our hamster is not super keen on being handled, but if we offer him a fresh piece of veg or a treat he'll quite happily sit still for a lovely stroke. They are all so different