Hamster recently started nibbling my fingers

[laurenashleigh]

My dwarf hamster is almost 4 months old and we have had her for almost 8 weeks. I feel like I have a good bond with her but recently she has started gently biting my fingers and it is gradually getting harder. They aren't sudden or drawing blood or anything like that, its almost as if she is sniffing me out and giving my fingers a (hard) nibble.

It doesn't seem to me like she is being defensive or aggressive but I could be wrong. She usually walks towards me when I open her enclosure and seems like she wants me to handle her / take her out so I place my hand out for her to walk onto - I never grab her to pick her up. She will also happily take treats from my hand and seems extremely comfortable with me now.

I do sometimes give her sunflower seeds from between my fingers, could this be why? Maybe she associates my fingers with her favourite treats?

I did place some whimzees in her enclosure that she didn't touch for weeks but has recently started going absolutely crazy on them! Could this just be a new behaviour that is developing or should I be more concerned? I heard hamsters may start to bite if they are experiencing pain.

She hasn't been a chewer/biter since I have had her so I'm slightly confused why it is happening now.

Also what is the best enrichment for chewing? As I said, she has whimzees as well as forage, sprays and chews around her enclosure.

[Aegis]

Because your hamster is only four months old, she is technically still a pup and it is normal for her to do this. If she ever bites too hard, definately scold her (gently of course) because you don't want her to develop a habit out of it.
This might not be the problem but it is important to make sure that your hamsters teeth are short, because their front teeth never stop growing. When they do get too long, this can lead to biting and it will draw blood. If they get too long, you can use a nail clipper to trim them (watch a Youtube video on how) or take her to the vet and they can do it there. Its not very hard, I've done it with one of my hamsters, but definately make sure you know how! To prevent it, chew toys like whimzees are a great idea!
I hope all goes well!
-Aegis

[SKB_Hamsters]

I think she may be thinking your finger is food and is doing an investigative bite. Even my most friendliest russians would do this. I would make sure you wash your hand before handling. As you hand feed her treats I would stop this until she stop biting as she may just associate your hand to give food.

My russians particularly enjoy chewing on cork. Not ideal really for their teeth as it softer wood but was the only items they every seemed interested in chewing. Dandelion roots are good too.

[SKB_Hamsters]

Originally Posted by Aegis

Because your hamster is only four months old, she is technically still a pup and it is normal for her to do this. If she ever bites too hard, definately scold her (gently of course) because you don't want her to develop a habit out of it.
This might not be the problem but it is important to make sure that your hamsters teeth are short, because their front teeth never stop growing. When they do get too long, this can lead to biting and it will draw blood. If they get too long, you can use a nail clipper to trim them (watch a Youtube video on how) or take her to the vet and they can do it there. Its not very hard, I've done it with one of my hamsters, but definately make sure you know how! To prevent it, chew toys like whimzees are a great idea!
I hope all goes well!
-Aegis

Please be careful recommending people trimming their hamster teeth themselves. And really should only be done by a vet under light anaesthetic and their will burr/file the teeth down which is safer. It only needs to be done if the teeth are misaligned or teeth are missing. If done incorrectly can damage the roots of the teeth or cause the teeth to splinter plus theirs a chance it can injure the hamster. Teeth that are too short can also cause difficulties eating. Any concerns with the teeth a vet advise should be sought