nibbling or biting?

[Bandit0212]

Hi I got a hamster about a week ago now and I have been putting my fingers in the cage and letting him smell them as people have told me to. Recently he has started opening his mouth and looking like he is going to bite me and I don't know if he's going to just nibble me or he is going to try and bite me as I know they only bite when threatened and I always have him come to my hand and never the other way around. I would appreciate and advice on the situation on whether he is nibbling or biting and if so should I let him do it or should I pull my hand away when he tries thank you for all the help.

[Teddy001]

If his mouth is open, and he’s in defensive stance, that’s signs of going to bite. I’d not place your hands near his face/mouth. Use a cup or tunnel to remove him if that’s what you’re wanting to do? Hamsters are territorial naturally, placing your hands near him in his cage (territory) he’s defending his space, can bite and often does. Hamsters do not know what fingers/hands are to them it could be a predator wanting to eat him. Why are you told to place your fingers near his face?

[Jeir]

Rather than being defensive, it's more likely he's curious. You're a 'new' smell, and he doesn't know if you're food or not yet. Move your hand away if he opens his mouth, as he likely is going for a bite.
Also, instead of putting your hand in the cage for him to investigate, it would be better to do the 'tissue trick', where you put a tissue against your body somewhere to pick up your scent (such as your sleeve, although I also put some in my bed during the day), and then put the tissue in the cage for the hamster to get used to the smell. You can still put your hand in the cage, but limit it to things like spot cleaning and refilling the food bowl/water bottle. If you're brave, you can try offering treats to get your hammy used to the idea that your hand gives treats, but isn't one, but still be aware of his body language.