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Old 04-28-2022, 01:17 PM   #1
ilguy
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Default Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

Hey guys, I recently picked up a winter white hamster and am on day 4 of having her. She's flat out amazing, super friendly & curious. She's also very gentle with exploring my hand, just the tiniest nibbles and licks.

The only thing, is she just doesn't like my thumb. I'm not sure what it is about it, but she's bitten it twice. The second time she did latch onto it, and I blew gently to get her to detach.

I'm sure I'm doing something wrong, and wonder if anyone has advice? Or is this just normal during taming? It just seems odd because otherwise she is so sweet.

Here's the whole interaction, that bit at the end where I turned the phone was the bite: https://streamable.com/b50l5n
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Old 04-28-2022, 01:30 PM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

Your little hamster is supercute!!

I think that she's just exploring and checking if your thumb is edible. She's very young and finding her way in her big new world.
You could bury your thumb in the substrate and just leave your palm exposed until she gets to know you.
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Old 04-28-2022, 01:35 PM   #3
ilguy
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

Oooh, I will give that a try next time! Thanks a ton for the idea
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Old 04-28-2022, 02:19 PM   #4
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

i think they think it is something to eat sometimes, I have to be careful with my syrian hamster that she doesn't t try to nibble my thumb, even though she is super tame. sometimes i just have to tuck it under or in next to the rest of my hand. you have had her only 4 days so it is really early days for her to work out what everything is and omgoodness she is super adorable.
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Old 04-28-2022, 04:04 PM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

I just wanted to add, I wouldn't blow on her. It's a bit of a hostile thing to a hamster. Just tell her gently that was naughty and don't do it again. They respond much better to tone of voice, when they get familiar with a voice.

Also make sure you haven't handled food first! Wash your hands before handling her (if you don't already) but use really plain soap - nothing honey scented or flowery scented or you will be smelled as edible!
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Old 04-28-2022, 06:26 PM   #6
ilguy
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

Thanks a bunch for all the tips guys. Serendipity, I'm not sure I understand what you mean for me to do, if she latches on with a bite like that. Tell her off firmly, and let her detach on her own?
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Old 04-29-2022, 12:21 AM   #7
Lilafernim
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

I have a similar problem with my Syrian, I sometimes present her more my fist than my flat out hand because sometimes she inhales my fingertips too deeply and goes in for a nibble lol. I think it’s sometimes just because it sticks out the don’t realise it’s all part of you, as Ria said with the scent idea I think that’s a good idea.

Also it is only day 4 so I’d be carefully handling her too much at this stage, try transporting her in a tub or something if she is coming out the cage and get her used to running near you and on you. Just sometimes I’ve had hamsters I thought were completely tame and picked them out the cage, and they have one scare, jump aimlessly and your back at square one. So thought I’d add this so you don’t accidentally startle them.
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Old 04-29-2022, 07:11 AM   #8
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

I didn't realise it was only day 4! I wouldn't be trying to handle her yet either. Maybe be getting her out of the cage in a tube into a bathtub or playpen area and giving her the odd stroke on the back. It's not till they've been with you about two weeks that taming gets easier.

Until that two week period she could see a hand in her cage as a scary invasion and see it off! I see what you mean about how to get her to detach. But blowing on them generally could make her more aggressive and do the opposite of helping with bonding.

I'd just say "No" quite firmly and see if you can detach her. If it takes shaking her off then sobeit but try and make sure she doesn't fly too far and hurt herself. And then talk to her and say "No!".

I think she is basically saying - I do not like you putting your thumb in my cage! Or she thinks it's edible.
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Old 04-29-2022, 07:21 AM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

I've watched the video all the way through now. She's gorgeous and it's really positive that she is actually sitting on your hand and not running away from it. She is clearly exploring it and doing what hamsters do - testing things out to see if they are edible. It's noticeable your thumb protrudes separately and she found the end of it under the substrate so had a bite!

They do learn words and tone of voice like other pets. So they do learn "No". Not said in an angry way but a kind of friendly stern way.

To be honest I'm amazed she tolerated a hand in her cage so long. They can be very territorial about their cage but behave completely differently out of the cage. I'd suggest getting her to walk into a tube, lifting her out that way, with your hands over the end of the tube (wear gloves if you worry she might bite because if it makes you jump you could drop the tube). Put the tube down in a kind of taming box or something or a box to transport her to a taming area like a playpen or the bathtub.

You are doing really well with her for such early days. My Syrian bit me last night as well when I tried to pick him up. Because he isn't tame yet and not fully familiar with me - that is all it is. Once they are tame and familiar with you, they will only ever give a nip if you're a) hurting them b)holding them up in the air too long and they don't like it (ie carrying them which is not a good idea anyway as they can jump and fall, even when tame - always carry them in something secure) or c) they are frightened. Or d) you taste or smell of food!

They have incredibly poor eyesight and test things out via smell and taste.
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Old 04-29-2022, 11:23 AM   #10
ilguy
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Default Re: Hamster Doesn't Like Thumb

Thanks a ton for the tips guys, and she is just an absolute blessing. I gave her another treat today before reading these, and your tips worked great. Telling her a firm "hey!" when she was testing another finger just a bit too hard worked like a charm.

She was interacting with me for a good 10 minutes, and really likes climbing up my arm. I went away to make some coffee, and saw her searching for me where I put my hand down for treats. I'm going to try some out of bin time like you suggest in a couple of days or so, she does seem like a bit of an explorer.

I guess I have one more question, what are some signs that hamsters are done playing/interacting? I try to follow her cues as best as I can, and slowly pull my hand out when she heads away from it. Sometimes she just comes right back, and seems to want more time with my hand.
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