Biting

[Blandest]

I have a Russian Dwarf hamster who didn't bite at first, but then, maybe 6 months in, started biting, and hasn't really stopped. I've try to positively associate my hand by giving of food and treats daily. I spend lots of time around him. I interact with him inside and outside of his cage. But despite some reprieve from the biting, he always seems to go back to it. I have to wear gloves at times.

Anyone faced this situation before and found a way to address it?

 

[RIPbuddy12]

This may not be helpful as I have experience with a Syrian but when I held him I would have him in one hand and treats in the other and put him down just before he finished the treats.

 

[Socks' Mum]

@Doodleham has experience with a bitey dwarf hamster and needing to use gloves I think once the adult hormones set in at about six months, some dwarfies might start to bite, bug why they bite is hard to explain. It might be over stimulation (not intentional) by the electricity in your skin or the pulse of blood in your veins. Hamsters hunt by feel and their whiskers are very sensitive. But it could be for a great many reasons. @ilguy 's hammy, Henry, was very affectionate but would not accept handling very often. He loved to come out for adventures and was very communicative when wanting to come out of his cage to free roam If your hammy is used to travelling in a mug or jug, it should be possible to carry him safely if necessary and put him into a carrier if needed. Hand feeding is great. I hope he gets less bitey

 

[ilguy]

Socksmum's suggestion with the mug is an A+ idea. Some other possibilities

If he's biting you in his enclosure that's not abnormal, not all hamsters accept hands in their territory and they are territorial by nature. On the plus side, he fully considers it his which is great.

If it's when being handled it's likely from a bad experience with humans early on, usually at the pet store or breeder. It can take a long time for hams to get over that, or they may never as they're prey animals.

Maybe your hand smells like food or even another animal. Wash your hands with unscented soap before handling.

They could also be stressed. Make sure to interact once they're awake on their own schedule, and try to see if they actually want out. The hamster taxi is great for this, once they understand it (usually they learn very quickly) it's a clear sign "I want an adventure". They're nocturnal, and should have their enclosure in a quiet location so they can sleep well during the day.

One last thing: the biting doesn't necessarily mean they dislike you as weird as it sounds. They can show affection in different ways, some hams like to stop by you for a short break of around 15 seconds or so, showing you they feel safe around you and want to spend a full attention span near you. Emptying their pouches near you can also mean they feel safe enough to do that by you. Asking for adventures and coming out with you around is also a good sign, some get very excited for breakfast time. My late buddy considered breakfast time super important, and it was great to know early if he wanted out or an alone day.

If none of this helps, I would make sure the enclosure is large enough and suitable. They could lack enrichment in there as well. Look for context and cues to their biting, and let us know more details.

 

[Blandest]

@Doodleham has experience with a bitey dwarf hamster and needing to use gloves I think once the adult hormones set in at about six months, some dwarfies might start to bite, bug why they bite is hard to explain. It might be over stimulation (not intentional) by the electricity in your skin or the pulse of blood in your veins. Hamsters hunt by feel and their whiskers are very sensitive. But it could be for a great many reasons. @ilguy 's hammy, Henry, was very affectionate but would not accept handling very often. He loved to come out for adventures and was very communicative when wanting to come out of his cage to free roam If your hammy is used to travelling in a mug or jug, it should be possible to carry him safely if necessary and put him into a carrier if needed. Hand feeding is great. I hope he gets less bitey

mug or jug, that's a great idea. Much thanks for the reply

 

[Blandest]

Socksmum's suggestion with the mug is an A+ idea. Some other possibilities

If he's biting you in his enclosure that's not abnormal, not all hamsters accept hands in their territory and they are territorial by nature. On the plus side, he fully considers it his which is great.

If it's when being handled it's likely from a bad experience with humans early on, usually at the pet store or breeder. It can take a long time for hams to get over that, or they may never as they're prey animals.

Maybe your hand smells like food or even another animal. Wash your hands with unscented soap before handling.

They could also be stressed. Make sure to interact once they're awake on their own schedule, and try to see if they actually want out. The hamster taxi is great for this, once they understand it (usually they learn very quickly) it's a clear sign "I want an adventure". They're nocturnal, and should have their enclosure in a quiet location so they can sleep well during the day.

One last thing: the biting doesn't necessarily mean they dislike you as weird as it sounds. They can show affection in different ways, some hams like to stop by you for a short break of around 15 seconds or so, showing you they feel safe around you and want to spend a full attention span near you. Emptying their pouches near you can also mean they feel safe enough to do that by you. Asking for adventures and coming out with you around is also a good sign, some get very excited for breakfast time. My late buddy considered breakfast time super important, and it was great to know early if he wanted out or an alone day.

If none of this helps, I would make sure the enclosure is large enough and suitable. They could lack enrichment in there as well. Look for context and cues to their biting, and let us know more details.

Will try more handling outside of the cage to see if that changes things up. Thanks for sharing all that you did!