Question about Nip/Biting

Mawuu · 05-30-2018, 03:14 PM

Been giving Luna play time on my work table (hammy proof and cleaned before playtime). Also feel its easier on her as she wasn't okay with big places and this is a medium size table with lots of things to sniff, climb and play.

Biggest issue with Luna is her nipping. Considering it's apart of her personality since she does this in and out of her cage. Don't want to say its fear/aggression because she does seem like she enjoys my company and seems to recognize my voice, face, scent but I could be wrong. Tried the toilet paper trick/rubbing hands in the substrate/washing my hands ,still bites.

Also on topic of nipping/biting I think she's honestly not trying to hurt me? Luna's nips break the skin sometimes and a tiny prick size of blood comes out but never anything harsh. What counts as a "bite" from a hamster?

hellobg · 05-30-2018, 04:42 PM

Hmm, are you sure she's really not cage aggressive? I haven't had an experience with a nippy hamster before and the closest to that being Franc's very "feelful" bite.

You had the bin cage right? The one with two connected?

Mawuu · 05-30-2018, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellobg

Hmm, are you sure she's really not cage aggressive? I haven't had an experience with a nippy hamster before and the closest to that being Franc's very "feelful" bite.

You had the bin cage right? The one with two connected?

I'm honestly not sure if she's cage aggressive maybe? probably? She doesn't charge at me and if I offer my hands without food she wont bite most of the time. Even when she's out she'll still bite but its more like an accident if anything. An yes I have a double bin cage, I know people would rather I not have it and I would like to get a 40 gal tank when I can afford one.

hellobg · 05-30-2018, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mawuu

I'm honestly not sure if she's cage aggressive maybe? probably? She doesn't charge at me and if I offer my hands without food she wont bite most of the time. Even when she's out she'll still bite but its more like an accident if anything. An yes I have a double bin cage, I know people would rather I not have it and I would like to get a 40 gal tank when I can afford one.

Well, there is always an alternative for cages, but enough about that. Is there any other behavior she does that makes her nip? Did you adopt her or bought her?

quisp65 · 05-30-2018, 05:31 PM

I've had my hamster over 3 months and mine is still biting me but I'm not trying hard to tame or get it to change. I use gloves when I need to handle. I think some do have more nippy personalities. If I take mine out of the cage it goes around and bites everything it runs into. I think this is how they explore and not sure how I could get my hamster to stop what comes so natural to it. So the need for the gloves.

Mawuu · 05-30-2018, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quisp65

I've had my hamster over 3 months and mine is still biting me but I'm not trying hard to tame or get it to change. I use gloves when I need to handle. I think some do have more nippy personalities. If I take mine out of the cage it goes around and bites everything it runs into. I think this is how they explore and not sure how I could get my hamster to stop what comes so natural to it. So the need for the gloves.

Im not all that worried about being bit and personally find using gloves will take long with Luna. Though my hammy does that as well, bites everything she comes into contact with lol. Ive had her less then yours as well so it could just be she might grow out of it, glad its not abnormal behavior tho ; w ;