Curious biting?

[apteryx]

Hello,

I'm a new hamster owner and just got my little winter white (assumingly a hybrid) 3 days ago. She's super curious, energetic, and seems to be unafraid of anything, happily taking any food from my hands since she came home. She immediately runs towards my hand whenever I hand her a treat but will nibble my fingers pretty hard if she runs up and I don't have food, OR if she finishes all the food I give on the palm of my hand. I make sure to wash my hands very well with floral soap before I do this.

This makes me very wary to handle her without gloves fearing she might actually bite me. Does anyone have advice on how I can work around this when I attempt to have taming sessions outside of her cage?

Thanks!

[cypher]

It's very early days & they do often nibble to begin with but usually grow out of it, they're often less likely to nibble or bite out of the cage so you may find she stops when you start out of cage time.
Try not to react when she bites or nibbles, I know it can be hard sometimes but it can make things worse so it's best to just wait a moment then slowly & gently remove your hand, take a break for a while then try again.
When you first get them they sometimes just associate hands with treats & expect there to be more food but as you handle her more then she should stop soon enough.

[CMB]

Both my dwarf hybrids have been curious nibblers. As previously said. Try to ignore it and slowly move your hand away.

Your hamster is likely to stop as it gets used to handling etc.

[apteryx]

Originally Posted by cypher

It's very early days & they do often nibble to begin with but usually grow out of it, they're often less likely to nibble or bite out of the cage so you may find she stops when you start out of cage time.
Try not to react when she bites or nibbles, I know it can be hard sometimes but it can make things worse so it's best to just wait a moment then slowly & gently remove your hand, take a break for a while then try again.
When you first get them they sometimes just associate hands with treats & expect there to be more food but as you handle her more then she should stop soon enough.

Thank you! This makes me feel a lot better. I hope she grows out of it when she nears adult age.