My hamster likes to lick...?

[hetigima2]

It's only happened a few times, but sometimes when I put my hand inside mocha's cage to pet her or give her a treat she will lick my finger. I know it's not because of the smell of food because I always wash my hands before handling her. Could it possibly be that she likes the scent of my soap? Or like a dog, licking the salt off a hand?

[FluffNoodle]

probably licking the salt off you jabs does this too once in a while

ooooorrrrr shes tasting you to eat you later

[vanilla-yazoo]

I have two licky boys, they normally do it because they accociate my smell with that of my females, i make sure they all reconise eachothers scents so if i do pick up one after the other they dont think i am a hamster. fred gets quite into it and even grooms my skin with his teeth and licking like i have fur.
bon is the second, he only dose it after the girls, but is a laid back boy anyway XD

[Angelhamster]

My Syrians (when I was younger and had two at a time - don't panic - not living together!) did that sometimes. I think it was mainly when I hadn't washed my hands after handling one of them. It seemed as though the other was licking me to claim me as his or something! It seems very affectionate but I'm sure there's a logical reason for then doing it!

[hetigima2]

Thanks guys! I didn't think it was a bad thing, but I was curious as to see why she does it. I don't have multiple hamsters so that's not the cause. Maybe its her polite way of tasting my hand!

[pixachu]

Until I became allergic to hamsters, I would give our little ww some philadelphia cream cheese off my finger. He was really good and never tried to bite. So then, sometimes he would lick to see if there was something nice there, lol.
It was so cute to watch his little tongue - now my OH does the same and Saffy loves it.

[Lynternette]

My Juno would lick and groom my fingers. It felt like a special bond.