New hamster biting

nandhu716 · 09-25-2016, 06:41 AM

Hi, I am new to having Hamster and to this forum.

I have a Syrian.

He does not seem like afraid of me. But every time I try to tame him by presenting him food, he takes a friendly bite on my hand.
Now I am afraid of handling him as he has drawn blood twice.
Please help me.

What should I do?

It has been 2 days since I brought him home.

Winterjay · 09-28-2016, 05:11 AM

Hi. When you bring a new hamster home (or any animal really) its a good idea to give them some space for a few days to adjust to their new home. I know its hard to do that, but it'll help them from getting stressed. So i would give him another day or two break and see if its just a stress thing.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your hamster will try to 'taste' you to get to know you, but if he's drawing blood then this may not be the case. But keep in mind that you may get the occasional nibble.

Also if you're presenting food to him then you're hands smell like food! He may not understand that your hand isn't for eating. This is why some hamster enthusiast suggest not taming with food. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But you don't want to encourage the habit of biting. Because by giving him food when he's biting you is just rewarding him for the behavior. You need to be careful with scents especially if you wear lotion or perfume. You can get him used to your scent by stuffing a tissue in your shirt or sleeve for a few hours and then placing it in his cage.

To tame, start by washing your hands thoroughly with a non-scented soap and just place your in the cage without trying to pick up or grab him. Allow him to explore your hand. If he bites hard (something other than a curious nibble) GENTLY blow on him and say 'no'. Don't jerk your hand away because it could scare him or turn it into a game. I know they're not dogs, but this has worked for me and now all I have to do is say 'no'. Do this for a few days and when he starts to climb in your hand and sits there lift your hand slightly while still in the cage. Eventually he should let you take him out and hold him.

Sorry for the long post. Hope it was somewhat helpful. Remember to be
patient and good luck!

Juliebrei · 09-28-2016, 05:44 AM

That's good advice, also if you're really scared of him biting you again, use gardening gloves in the beginning, to built up your own confidence, when handling him. Keep in mind though that they do have to come off at some point for you to truly bond with him

pinkneon · 09-28-2016, 05:49 AM

Another thing you can do I'd put some toilet paper up your sleeve for a few hours. Then put it in his cage. He will probably use it for nesting material, but it will have your scent on so he will be able to know you're not a threat to him

Winterjay · 09-28-2016, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkneon

Another thing you can do I'd put some toilet paper up your sleeve for a few hours. Then put it in his cage. He will probably use it for nesting material, but it will have your scent on so he will be able to know you're not a threat to him

Yes. Defiantly do this more than once and maybe make a habit of doing it once in awhile after he's tame. Especially if you're gone all day at school or work.

cypher · 09-28-2016, 07:58 AM

It does sound as though you've gone too fast, as the others said give your ham some time to settle in, do the tissue trick daily for a while & just begin by talking to your ham when you're around the cage.
It may be that the biting will stop once he's settled, most hams don't bite although they may have a little nibble while they figure out what's food & what's not!
I wouldn't blow on your ham, try not to make any sudden moves around him, even if he does give you a bit of a nip, just carry on talking to him & gently & slowly move your hand away, sudden movements or sounds can frighten him & make the problem worse, they can also learn that they will get that reaction.
I know it may seem hard after being bitten but try to be relaxed around him, go nice & slow & when you do reintroduce your hand to him let him come to you.
Once he's settled you can try taking him out of the cage by letting him climb into a tube, ball or something he can't escape from, carry him to the bath (dry, plug blocked!) or a safe escape proof play area & let him run around on you rather than trying to start with hands & picking him up.
Some people do use gloves if necessary but personally I see that as a last resort as they still don't get used to hands that way.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 09-28-2016, 11:14 AM

I agree with the above posts that say you are taking things too fast. In the beginning people don't know to leave them alone for a few days because the pet stores don't tell people to do that. I give my hamsters up to 2 weeks or however long it takes until they feel comfortable and ready for interaction. Koala didn't come out for 17 days, but when they are ready to interact you'll know it. I'm not in any hurry to tame them. Just let them lead you as Cypher was saying.