Campbells...

[sammys/mum]

I got two campbells last week. One seems completely fine and sniffs me and generally is 'nicer' the other must have some sort of problem as he has bitten me a few times now. I've never tried to pick him up. He bights me when I'm doing odd bits and bobs around the cage! Do I have a nasty Campbell?

[souffle]

I think you have a hamster with cage aggression or 'cage rage'. These hams are very territorial and do not like a stranger in or near the cage. Warn everyone not to put their hands near him or in the cage. What you must do is always remove him using a box, ball or cardboard tube. Offer this into the cage and he will likely climb in. Take him well away from the cage and proceed with normal taming. They are normally quite fine away from the cage. Try and handle both together to keep the scent in the cage the same on both.

[sammys/mum]

I just tried to stroke him outside the cage in the playpen and he was fine. (unlike in the cage when he nearly bit my finger off)!
Thanks
Beccy