Biting Hamster Available For Adoption

Cotton · 06-28-2019, 10:09 PM

An abandoned Syrian hamster found as a stray is available for adoption at a local shelter. He bites...not a gentle nibble. When staff tried to pick him up, he bit hard enough that the employee's thumb bled in a couple ares.

I suspect the hamster is scared, annoyed at being disturbed and bored from being in a small cage.

I want to adopt him and give him a fantastic home where he feels safe and comfortable. If he becomes tame that will be great, but the reality is that he may always bite.

Can you think of anything I need to be considering in preparation for adopting a hamster that bites and may always bite? (He will not be in contact with children)

Thank you.

Ria P · 06-28-2019, 10:58 PM

He probably takes longer than most to settle and trust you. Who knows what he's gone through in the past. Get a pair of gardening gloves is all i can suggest to avoid getting bitten until he gets used to you. Who knows, this hamster may well bond with you big time eventually and appreciate his new home. I feel quite positive about it. Please keep us updated and post a picture some time.

Schwartzie · 06-29-2019, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

He probably takes longer than most to settle and trust you. Who knows what he's gone through in the past. Get a pair of gardening gloves is all i can suggest to avoid getting bitten until he gets used to you. Who knows, this hamster may well bond with you big time eventually and appreciate his new home. I feel quite positive about it. Please keep us updated and post a picture some time.

Totally agree...

If you provide a stimulating cage setup that is big enough and filled with exciting adventures for your hamster you will find that alone will go a long way in settling your hamster and creating a happy hamster environment. Im new to hamsters but not animals. I've found that if they are settled and you have a routine going...feed same time, handle same time of the day and allow time for that hamster to find itself you will begin to bond. Ria has a good idea...use gloves and go to that thread about how to hold a Syrian. Souffle has an amazing method of taming. That hamster will be so grateful.

alpacassei · 06-29-2019, 10:09 AM

One of my current rescues is like that, though he’s a russian dwarf. As others have said, as long as you set up a stimulating and enriching enough habitat then he’ll be okay. My male Syrians are tame but still prefer to be left alone so I only usually interact with them when I’m doing helf checks.

Some scared, anxious, or aggressive hamsters also prefer a smaller environment and it helps them feel safer. The Prevue/Alaska is a good option for a male Syrian.

Pebbles82 · 06-29-2019, 11:31 AM

Go for it

I have heard stories like this where the hamster is lovely and happy to be handled once in a safe settled environment with a good cage - but also with a gentle caring owner they learn to trust. He has probably had some bad treatment in the past.

Vierville · 07-15-2019, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Go for it

I have heard stories like this where the hamster is lovely and happy to be handled once in a safe settled environment with a good cage - but also with a gentle caring owner they learn to trust. He has probably had some bad treatment in the past.

I wouldn't worry about him biting. If you are OK with it, and if you understand why he's biting (more than likely it is fear) then there is no problem. He needs a home and you're willing to provide one...there's your answer!

My one little rescue is a male who was abandoned and he's been a biter since day one. I love him with all my heart despite his tendency to bite. He has brought me such a lot of joy. Just go for it.