Why does my syrian hamster bite me

Like This Unlike -- Hamstergirl 31 Mar I wouldn't worry too much about it, just remember to wash your hands before handling him. Like This Unlike hamstili 02 Apr The smell of soap can also cause biting.

I use unscented soap, sorry that I didn't mention that!. Like This Unlike flagrl 02 Apr thank you. Like This Unlike soupham 02 Apr If he latched on he was probably in a bad mood. Gaining their trust is the only real solution to this problem. For one thing, you need to persist. Irregular handling is one of the things that promotes biting in the first place.

Try to handle them regularly, despite them nibbling now and again. When they do bite, never punish the hamster. Screaming, dropping, or hitting them will just reiterate the fact that you are a threat. Be aware that returning them immediately after they bite will condition them to bite when they want to be put down rather than as a rare stress response.

Instead, try to train the hamster to come to you on their own accord. Always be quiet and slow. Never approach them when they are sleeping.

Start by just offering your hamster your hand to sniff from the other side of their cage and allow them to approach you. Once they seem comfortable doing that, try offering them treats. Start by handing them treats wherever they are, then try luring them out of their hiding hole.

Eventually, you should be able to lure them right onto your hand. After a while the will be safe to handle and happy to have you pet and hold them. Sadly, some hamsters -especially those who have never been handled as a baby- never seem to come around. In more extreme cases, you can encounter hamsters that are extremely aggressive. This is an individual difference that is unavoidable. In this situation, handling might be one of those things that are just not possible for you and your hamster.

Unless of course you are willing to take a nip or wear protective gloves. There are some ways to predict the chances of a hamster biting. Different breeds have individual differences. Some hamsters are naturally more friendly than others.

While this does not speak for every animal, learning the expected temperament of the breed can be a great advisory tool. And the trust building continues. I, for one, cannot think of a better way to build trust than by offering treats. Veggies, nuts, even cookies. Remember though, treats should be moderated.

Now comes the hard part… trying to handle your hamster without him biting you. This step is super important.

Never grab your hamster from the top… this puts unwanted and uncomfortable pressure on the back. Hold out your hand and let them climb onto you. If they do, start petting and playing with him. If your hamster starts to squirm, place them back into their cage. Would you want to be woken up from a deep sleep to play? Probably not. As humans, we need to respect that. Patience is the key to this technique, and eventually you should be able to sit on the couch or bed with your hamster and have him travel around and over you out of sheer curiosity and playfulness, with no impulse to bite or react to you in any particular way.

Of course, you may be having trouble simply removing your hamster from his home to put him on the bed. Remove the label, wash the bottle, and trim off the bottom so that it is mostly an open scoop shape. It may take several tries to get the shape just right. The cut plastic can have sharp edges, so cut it along round lines to eliminate sharp corners. When you place it before your hamster he will see your hand, feel its warmth, but there will be no direct contact, and no edges fingers to pick at.

Curiosity will likely bring the hamster inside it in short order. You can hold him in this scoop for some time to acclimate him to being held without consequence. As mentioned previously, dwarf hamsters have particular behavioral tendencies that are worth noting. Even more than typical Syrians they can be extremely territorial about their habitat. Extending a scoop of some kind instead of hands to lift them out may be all it takes to restore their sense of order in the world.

The most territorial of dwarf hamsters charge the cage bars or door when you approach, or dart to attack hands reaching in. For these hamsters, their stress can be greatly lessened by keeping your hands out of their homes while the hamster is in it.

Always show your hand to him from the front, while speaking to him gently.