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Old 01-07-2015, 04:49 PM   #1
thorhamsterson
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Question Syrian hamster biting?

I have recently got a Syrian hamster, named Tyler, and he is absolutely lovely. The only issue is that he bites. Hard. I put my hand into the cage (I washed them beforehand) to let him smell me, he did, and then he bit my finger extremely hard. Is there any way that I can teach him not to bite? I haven't ever really had a hamster that has bitten me so hard.
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Old 01-08-2015, 12:53 PM   #2
Angie B
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

Oh that's a shame. How long have you had him? If it's not been for long then he could be scared - you have a big hand compared to his tiny face and body. Just put your hand in his cage but not near him for a few seconds and then take it out. Do that a few times maybe. Or/and offer him a treat each time you put your hand in (don't overdo the treats though!) and then he'll learn that "the hand" is his friend rather than something to be frightened of. When we first got Skittle we didn't put our hand into his cage for 2 full days and then started only briefly. Let him have a sniff and then removed it; wasn't there long enough for him to take a bite. You could also get some of his bedding and rub your hands in it, transferring his smell to your hand (he may not like the scent of your soap) and therefore it appears more friendly that way because it smells of himself.

Good luck!
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Old 01-08-2015, 12:59 PM   #3
POLAR WHITES
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

I find it easier to let your hamster smell the back of your hand that way he cant bite any fingers, I wouldn't wash your hands before you put your hand into the cage as this will erase your smell and make your hand smell of something else. also I would rip some tissue up place it next to your skin for a while couple of hours then place it into the cage
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Old 01-08-2015, 03:36 PM   #4
thorhamsterson
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Angie B View Post
Oh that's a shame. How long have you had him? If it's not been for long then he could be scared - you have a big hand compared to his tiny face and body. Just put your hand in his cage but not near him for a few seconds and then take it out. Do that a few times maybe. Or/and offer him a treat each time you put your hand in (don't overdo the treats though!) and then he'll learn that "the hand" is his friend rather than something to be frightened of. When we first got Skittle we didn't put our hand into his cage for 2 full days and then started only briefly. Let him have a sniff and then removed it; wasn't there long enough for him to take a bite. You could also get some of his bedding and rub your hands in it, transferring his smell to your hand (he may not like the scent of your soap) and therefore it appears more friendly that way because it smells of himself.

Good luck!
I've had him for about three days or so now. Before he bit me, he hopped straight onto my hand and sat before biting me. I will definitely gradually introduce myself so I can avoid him biting my younger brother when he touches him. Thank you for the feedback, it was really helpful.
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Old 01-08-2015, 03:51 PM   #5
Erin.R
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

I have had hamsters that are new to me bite me not out of fear or aggravation but I think they are just curious. When they do this it is not a quick sudden bite, they open their mouth slightly and move in real slow and lightly put their teeth on my finger then they chomp down. One hamster just did this to my son last night, he said I thought she was just going to nibble me, that's what it felt like, then she bit down hard. This may be what your hammy is doing. I would be surprised if he got in your hands happily, on his own, then bit you out of fear or aggression
I am with Polar white on the not offering a finger to then to smell. I always close my finger and let them smell my knuckle area so if they do bite it does not hurt as bad.
Be careful if your brother is young, if you tame your hamster and he is perfectly comfortable with you that doesn't mean he won't be fearful of other people. I have a very tame boy that today started chattering and shaking because my oldest son started talking to him and he didn't know my son that well and was scared and I have no doubt would have bit him even though he is very comfortable with me.
Good luck, it sounds like he will be tamed for you in no time
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Old 01-08-2015, 03:59 PM   #6
thorhamsterson
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

I'll do that. Hopefully this works and he stops biting soon! Thank you.
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Old 01-08-2015, 04:23 PM   #7
thorhamsterson
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

Ah okay, thank you for this. I do hope he stops biting soon. My brother is 10, but I think he just wants to hold him and cuddle him, but he has to be working towards that I guess.
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Old 01-09-2015, 12:14 AM   #8
DanniDorrito
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

Taming/Handling Tips:

Stuff their nesting material/bedding into your clothes before you place it in their cage. They will connect your smell to a safe and warm place which should help make taming and handling quicker and easier!

Once they have had 24hrs to settle down into their new home, you can start with hand feeding treats on a daily basis. I use sunflower seeds and Rice Krispies for daily treats, and fresh fruit & veg every couple of days. Talk to them slowly and quietly to begin with while they eat. This will get them used to your hand and voice, they will realize the hand is a good thing which will bring them nice things to eat! They should start to approach your hand! You can let your hammy sniff your fingers, if you have a nibbler like mine it's best to avoid fingers near their face to unless you have food. Show them the back of your hand to sniff instead!

Try gently stroking their back as they eat once they have gotten used to you, get them used to contact. If they are ok around your hand and approaching for treats you can guide them onto your hand using a treat!

Scoop your hamster up with both hands while inside the cage. Let them climb down when they want to! Do this regularly to get them used to being picked up, they know they can leave at any time so will feel comfortable and will start to trust you.

Once your hammy is comfortable with in-cage handling you can start cupping your hands around them, get them used to being held and not being able to climb away immediately. Once they are used to this you can start bringing them out of the cage for short periods on your lap or in a bathtub with you (No water!). Start with very short trips out and slowly increase it. It won't be long before your hamster will be begin to come out and play with you!

This is just a way which worked for me and taming my timid/nervous hamster, there are other methods so you might need to try a few ways before you get the right one. Every hamster is different and unique in their own way. I hope this will help you!
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Old 01-09-2015, 09:35 AM   #9
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

Some hamsters need longer than 3 days to settle into it's new home and surroundings.
I'd give him some more time to settle.
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Old 01-10-2015, 10:05 AM   #10
Baby Grrr
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Default Re: Syrian hamster biting?

Quote:
Originally Posted by aspenthehamster View Post
I have recently got a Syrian hamster, named Tyler, and he is absolutely lovely. The only issue is that he bites. Hard. I put my hand into the cage (I washed them beforehand) to let him smell me, he did, and then he bit my finger extremely hard. Is there any way that I can teach him not to bite? I haven't ever really had a hamster that has bitten me so hard.
Does he trust you? Does he know You a lot?
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