Should I Be Keeping Hamsters As I'm Scared Of Handling Without Gloves On?

**Freda** · 05-10-2012, 02:10 PM

I have always kept hamsters this past ten years but I have never handled any hamster without wearing gloves as i'm frightened of getting bitten again since i got bitten when i first kept hamsters.People have told me you should never wear gloves as its stressful for the hamster & makes them nervous,& they cant get to know your scent so easily,but i'm too scared of been bitten again as hamster bites are so painful so i will Never handle a hamster with bare hands,i've always got to wear gloves,does this matter,will it affect a hamster if its owner is frightened to handle it without gloves?

Should i really be a hamster owner if i'm frightened of been bitten so much that i wont handle them without gloves on.
Folks have said to me theres no point in having a pet hamster if you're so nervous of possibly been bitten that you will only handle the hamster with thick gardening gloves on.Are they correct in saying this,should i keep hamsters if i wont take the gloves off?

student1304 · 05-11-2012, 07:48 AM

Well I think you should take the gloves off, once your hammys are tame I doubt they'll bite. Just make sure you wash your hands first.
One bad experience shouldn't alter the way you handle your new hammys and may I add, if you don't test using your bare hands, you'll never know if they will bite or not.
Get back on that horse!! haha

But that said handling them with gloves in no way makes you a bad owner. If they are well loved and cared for then I don't see a problem. You certainly shouldn't be doubting owning hamsters. I've used wooly gloves to take my hammys out of the cage (I take them off once they're out) and it doesn't stress them out. In fact I think they like the wooly gloves more than my hand (it's something about fluffy items)

But certainly don't doubt that you're a good owner and good luck with handling in the future!

StarlightSerenity · 05-11-2012, 07:53 AM

The only I time I would stay don't wear gloves is if you plan on not wearing them at some point. If that makes sense - the hamster will associate the scent of the gloves as part of your personal scent and to be honest, they don't need their nose up against you to be able to smell you. It in no way makes you a bad owner.

I suggest finding a good breeder - I have a breeder ham and have never been bitten. They are much, much easier to tame (compared to pet store hams I mean, in most cases, some pet store hams can be lovely and tame from day one but IMO it's rare). The likelihood of you being bitten by a breeder ham is almost nothing and that in itself should help you calm your fears a bit.

samzyzg · 05-11-2012, 08:24 AM

Theres nothing wrong with wearing gloces, if you enjoy your hammies then don't stop keeping them. I think what star said abover, look into getting a breeder hamster to help show you a good experience. If a hamster wants to bite you they will still do it regardless if you have gloves on. I tend to have to do this with hammy to get him out of his cage as he does bite but once out of his cage i can take them off and he's fine.

Charley101 · 05-11-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

I suggest finding a good breeder - I have a breeder ham and have never been bitten. They are much, much easier to tame (compared to pet store hams I mean, in most cases, some pet store hams can be lovely and tame from day one but IMO it's rare). The likelihood of you being bitten by a breeder ham is almost nothing and that in itself should help you calm your fears a bit.

I agree. Getting a breeder ham may be the best answer.

However, saying that, my last 3 pet shop male syrians have been tame from day one. I was able to pick Harry, Riley and Mylo up on the first full day of owning them (i know that is not advised but i was confident and they seemed 'chilled'), and I was/have only ever been bitten once by Harry. I was stupid enough to poke my finger in his house when he was asleep. Completely my fault and not his.

I think it all depends on the ham to be honest

**kyrilliondaemon** · 05-11-2012, 10:16 AM

I'd say its entirely up to you. It might be worth trying to get over it, but if not then its not neccessarily a bad thing to be using the gloves.

Queen Of The High Teas · 05-14-2012, 02:12 PM

no it doesn't make you a 'bad' owner, but personally I wouldn't want a pet I was either afraid to hold, or unable to actually cuddle. Part of they enjoyment of having them is scooping them up, holding them, letting them run through your fingers and just feel a tiny furry warm little body sat on your hand. If you can't experience or enjoy that, them iIMHO there is very little point in having one, you might as well have a go-go hamster. Put it this way - if you bought a dog but was so afraid of being bitten you never petted him without gloves on, what would be the point in owning him in the first place? If you're really that afraid of being bitten you might be better off with gerbils, mice or rats as these generally don't bite and nip like hamsters can.