Biting hamster

Maz · 06-14-2018, 04:17 PM

Hi all.
As some of you maybe aware my teenage son got a hamster about 3weeks ago and everything was going well but in the past week he's biting my son when he either goes to pick him up or letting him crawl into his hands. Course this is now making my son feel rejected and upset. Last week i thought it was because my son smelt of food but still the same tonight even though he'd washed his hand before

cypher · 06-14-2018, 11:27 PM

Is this inside or out of the cage? Some hams don't really like hands in the cage so it's better to get them to climb into something like a tube (one hand over the other end!) or box whatever they're happy to climb into that you can safely transport them in really then carry them to the playpen or whatever you use for out of cage time & keep interacting & handling for out of the cage, once they get used to hands while outside the cage they do become less inclined to bite when in the cage.

Maz · 06-15-2018, 03:03 AM

This is outside the cage when my son has him in the bath for the hamsters playtime. He can stroke him but when he puts his hand out for him to climb on he bites and quite hard too.

Razor · 06-15-2018, 07:16 AM

Give him time. 3 weeks is still too early for some hamsters to be fully tame. I would avoid stroking him until the hamster completely trusts your son. Often when we stroke hamsters, we tend to approach from the top, which gives the impression of a predator (think eagle's claws). At this stage, I would only wait for your hamster to climb on your hands, maybe allow him to move from hand to hand. When he gains enough trust to stroke him, you will know it. Also, some hamster do not like being stroked, it's part of their personality, you know, just like how some people like hugs while others don't?

Also, do not try to pick up the hamster. Allow him to walk into your hand at his own time. If you need to take him out of the cage, use a cup or a small box. And when inside the bath, allow the hamster to explore you and your scent on it's own time. When he feels you're not a threat, he will make an effort to climb on you or sniff you more. Place your palm flat for him to climb onto it. He will do that when he has gained enough trust. When he is comfortable being with you, you will notice he's a lot less jumpy and more calm and relaxed. Sometimes, they might even groom themselves perched on your palm!

cypher · 06-15-2018, 08:22 AM

It can take a while for some hams to get used to hands but three weeks isn't that long so it may be that you need to go slowly.
Sometimes it can help to let them climb into a tube so they can then just walk over your hand when they come out rather than just putting a hand in front of him, burying your fingers in substrate or under something & laying a treat on your palm can sometimes work to & help them get used to hands.
I think you just have to take your time with him & find what works best.
Sorry if that's not too much help but they are all different & the same techniques don't always work for every ham.
Someone else may have more suggestions for you.