Nice hams turned nasty.

[Noodle]

I've had my cambells about 7 months now, and they're both fully tame. However, a couple of weeks ago my hamster Milbert was biting non stop very hard which lasted around a week. He's now just as he was before, gentle and cuddley. Today, my other hamster Muphy has started the same thing. It really hurts! He still wants to come out and play, but whenever I get him, *BITE*.

Does anyone know of a cycle they might be in?!

Oh and I haven't changed handwash, and do make sure my hands are washed before handling.

[Gillzy]

Might just be cage rage. Do they bite when out of the cage?

My Doc was awful for anyone putting there hands in his cage. But if I put a tube in, he'd climb straight in and come out for a play. Happy as anything.

[Noodle]

Yeah, it's only when they're out. I have them out around 2 hours a day with me or in their pen. They seem like they want to come out, but are very nasty once out! It's just so out of character for both of them

[fluffymunchkins]

hmmm...it does seem strange, I would assume maybe illness or in pain for such a sudden change of behaviour?

They sound a bit like Squirt, a couple of months ago he started biting me if I hold him for too long. Otherwise hes perfectly fine though, I just have to catch him in the right mood before I pick him up.

How do you react when they bite?

[SnickersTheFirst]

Oscar randomly developed cage aggression and he'll also nip if I hold him for too long. No idea why, but the key is to not let them know it affects you. It's hard but try not to flinch or remove your hand as they'll realise that if they bite, they'll get what they want.

[Noodle]

I hope it's not illness They do both have diabetes, but I'm treating them for it and they seem to be getting better. Well, their wee samples are anyway. I'm thinking it's a mood thing, but I don't understand why.

When they do bite me I gently blow on them, they then stop, but seconds later start again so I put them back.

With Milbert he bit me within a minute of picking him up. Now with Murphy, I can hold him for 5 mins and then *BITE* hehe.

Originally Posted by SnickersTheFirst

It's hard but try not to flinch or remove your hand as they'll realise that if they bite, they'll get what they want.

What exactly do they want? When I put them back, they just want to come out again lol. Confuzzled lil hammies!!

[SnickersTheFirst]

Usually when they bite/nip they either want to be put down or for you to move out of their way.

[Noodle]

Hehe mine must be crazy. When I put him back in his pen, he jumps up at the sides for me to get him again. They've got so many toys, space... can't think what else to do! Spoilt hammies I reckon.