Help with new hamster

Olive_hamster · 09-26-2019, 01:33 PM

I recently bought a baby Syrian hamster from pets at home, he is around 8 weeks old. He seemed alright at first but a few days in he has become really skittish and jumpy. I have started to try and tame him but he keeps bitting us , my dad put his hand in and he bit him so hard that it is bruised really badly . I’m not sure how to continue taming him I am too scared to try and pick him up as I worried he may bite me and my hamster is too scared to want to be touched or picked up. I am wondering if anyone can give me advise on taming new hamsters.

Ria P · 09-26-2019, 05:18 PM

Maybe your hamster needs more time to settle in and get used to his new home. Also keep in mind that he's only a baby and probably scared and not very confident yet.

You could try and tempt him into a mug by putting a treat in it then lift him out rather than putting your hand in his cage to pick him up.

You could put him in a play pen or bath tub with some toys then sit in there with him. Let him run over your legs etc so he gets used to you and your smell but keep sessions short. If he gets really stressed and scared i'd put him back in his cage and try a couple of days layer. Once he's comfortable with you you could try stroking him gently with one finger at first. You can also wear gardening gloves at first so you won't feel scared yourself.
It can take weeks or months for a hamster to become tame and requires a lot of patience. Some hamsters, like my Syrian doesn't care much about human contact but has learned to tolerate it without biting.
My Robo i've had for nearly six weeks and i haven't handled him because he doesn't trust me yet. He takes linseeds off my hand now which is a huge step for him but i'm happy just to watch him.

You will get there but it can take time to tame your hamster.

keiraxblackburn · 09-28-2019, 02:31 PM

hello, it may need more time to settle in and you may if you haven't already want to put it in a quite space . also what kind of cage do you have because if its a small cage it may cause the hamster a lot of stress therefore meaning it may bight you. as well as this make sure your handling it towards night and not waking it up in the day as it will be grumpy, as you would be if someone came and woke you up In the middle of the night you wouldn't be to happy about it.