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Old 05-23-2019, 05:06 AM   #1
beebee
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
Unhappy Nippy Hamster

Hello friends!
I recently got a new hamster and as of yesterday have officially had her a week. I waited four days to attempt to let her smell me and she seemed very curious at that point but each time I try, she gives me one sniff and then starts trying to nibble. I’ve tested and she just seems to want to nibble harder and harder if I leave my hand there so I haven’t tried to leave it for very long. The nibbles don’t hurt much but they kind of shock me, she’s only broken skin once but I think it was more from how I slid my finger out of her mouth. Do you guys recommend anything? I did try giving her a treat from my fingertips and then pet her and she took to that ok but still just wants to nip when I let her smell me. Do I continue until she stops trying to nip or try a different method? I also wash my hands every time I try and I just lay it in there, I don’t attempt to touch her at all.
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Old 05-23-2019, 05:11 PM   #2
Natasha95
Hamster Pup
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: New England (U.S.)
Posts: 140
Default Re: Nippy Hamster

You could try taming outside of her cage. That can help with hamsters who are territorial. You just need something safe (like a cup or bowl) to transfer her to a playpen, a bathtub, or a small, hamster-proof room. That can be a neutral location for you to try taming her. She can come to you at her own pace while you sit there with maybe some treats.
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Old 07-06-2019, 08:53 AM   #3
ToastieHammy
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 34
Default Re: Nippy Hamster

I agree with Natasha95, I spent months trying to socialise my ham and eventually realised she was cage aggressive, so focused more on interacting with her outside the cage. I also made the mistake in that time of completely associating my hand with food, so no matter what she would nip as she was expecting food to be there! I spent a while using gardening gloves as I would panic every time she sniffed my fingers so had to train myself not to be scared, and wouldn't give her any food from my hand but instead a little spoon. Now she ignores my hand almost completely and I'm attempting to get her used to being picked up, but it's a slow process! I would also strongly advice rubbing her bedding on your hands before interacting with her as she could be nipping just because you smell different. Hope this helps a little, but I am certainly not an expert as I'm going through the same process!!
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Old 07-07-2019, 12:03 PM   #4
beebee
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 5
Default Re: Nippy Hamster

Thank you guys so much! It has definitely been a slow process but I’m trying to let her take her time! I’m excited to work through with her and make her the most comfortable!
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harder, nibble, nip, leave, time, attempt, hamster, smell, don’t, recommend, skin, finger, slid, guys, mouth, wash, method, hands, touch, lay, stops, pet, fingertips, treat, broken

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