Biter hammys

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-27-2017, 06:26 AM

I have a dwarf baby hamster that was free as it was an adoption. She was born with an agressive personality just like her three litter mates. I can't give them all a home so I just picked out one. I can feed her treats but as soon as the food is gone she likes to bite for blood.

I know she can't help this behavior, I haven't had her that long but from experience I know she won't ever be the type of hamster thar I can handle.

Does anybody else have biters that all you can do is watch them so you don't get bit? Do you get frustrated or are you just happy to give a hamster a home? Even if it's a biter?

cypher · 03-27-2017, 06:57 AM

Which species is she CB?
The only one I've had was Mickle who was very cage territorial but it wasn't too hard to break the habit & work with her to overcome it.
I don't think hams are born aggressive tbh, I think they can be fearful & or protective of what's theirs but that's different & something you can deal with over time.
If I did have one that I couldn't stop biting then I'd still be happy to give it a home!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-27-2017, 07:13 AM

Cypher, I've extended my hamily. Maybe I'll post pics of my new ones. I have two new hybrids, one that bites (Dakota), & a grey hybrid I named Lilyanna, who doesn't bite & Paris (maybe pregnant white robo). I'll introduce them soon.

I can't stop bring pets home that other people wouldn't want.

dreamtree1234 · 03-27-2017, 07:55 AM

I am so sorry to hear that your dwarf baby hamster is a biter. Hopefully, she will just need time to get used to being handled and interacted with. I know that it is quite concerning, but if it were mine I would still be happy to give it a home and try to ween it from this behavior as patiently and lovingly as possible. You have a tremendous heart, Cinnamon Bear, and I definitely believe that you will be able to make a huge difference in your new hamster's life. However, it is truly your decision because you are the only one who can know for sure if it is a right fit for you at this time in your life. Either way, I know that you will make the right decision and do what is best for both of you. Good luck with Dakota and all of your new hammie friends. I will definitely wish you the very best and would truly love to see any pics that you want to share. Take care, Cinnamon Bear.

cypher · 03-27-2017, 08:00 AM

If she's a hybrid she may be a bit territorial but you can work with that or maybe she hasn't had time to settle yet as she's so new, give her time & she'll probably come round.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-27-2017, 08:02 AM

I started a new thread on Dakota, by mistake. Maybe the mods can merge them?
Thank you Dreamtree and Cypher

I'm going to keep her

She's still a baby.

dreamtree1234 · 03-27-2017, 08:29 AM

I am so pleased to hear that you are going to keep her. I know that your love will make all the difference. She needs someone just like you to save her and show her the true meaning of love and security. Congrats on making a tremendous difference in the life of a baby.

Drago · 03-27-2017, 09:10 AM

Something I did to help my blood hungry hamster was association training. I would leave my hand in the cage and when she'd bite, she'd get no treats and my hand wouldn't leave. However, when she only sniffed my hand, she got a treat. Though you might be skeptical, this method actually works fairly well as hamsters are clever food driven little critters

She's also still young, so with time, I would expect her to settle in and learn her manners

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-27-2017, 09:15 AM

You know I did exactly that with Izzy, my Chinese last night. Or something similar anyways & she didn't bite on my attempt to train her. Even tho she is old

Good idea!

dreamtree1234 · 03-27-2017, 09:18 AM

Great idea, Drago! That method totally makes sense.