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About Sheila Adby
Expertise
Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com

Experience
I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com

Publications
Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)

Education/Credentials
Educated to A Level standard in the UK.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Gerbils & Hamsters > Gentle hamster - now biting

Gerbils & Hamsters - Gentle hamster - now biting

Expert: Sheila Adby - 10/27/2009

Question
My daughter has had the sweetest little hamster for almost 2 months now. She has been so gentle with him and he really played nicely with her. They had a nice little relationship. Then out of the blue he started biting. First he bit me. The next day he bit her. Now she's afraid to hold him - and I can't say that I'm looking forward to it either.

We'd appreciate any advice you can give. It's so sad to see her just talking to him through the cage instead of having them sweetly playing and snuggling together.

He did just recently turn from grey to white, so I'm not sure if he's dealing with some issues on that end that are causing him to act out.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Amelia

I'm sorry you aren't getting on too well with your hamster right now. You haven't said what type it is, but I'm assuming it is a Winter White because of its coat changing colour??? In the wild Winter Whites would change their coat colour when winter was approaching so that they could camouflage themselves, although I've had several and none have actually done this.

If so, this type of change in behaviour isn't that common. If he is a Campbells, then it is more typical as once they reach adulthood (around 3 months of age) their personalities can change and it really is a case of starting over with taming them, I'm afraid.

When he bites is this when you actually handle him, or is it if you put your hand into the cage to drop in some food?

I'm afraid you might need to start from scratch with him. When you go to handle him rub some of his bedding into your hands so that his scent is on you. If you place a hand each side of him and quickly 'scoop' him up and immediately transfer him onto your clothing. It is best to sit down with him at this stage. Then let him explore you. If he wanders off gently slide a hand under him and bring him back - don't grab at him or hold him tightly. Also if he is walking on your hand, don't let him sniff you - you want him to keep moving.

I know it is frustrating but I think it would be worth a try to see if you can get the 'old' hamster back again. It isn't surprising that you and your daughter aren't as keen on him now because of the biting (I have had hamsters like this too and for a while I didn't particularly like them) but it is worth trying to turn the situation around. If your daughter doesn't want to handle him initially, do you have a pair of leather gloves she could wear - just to protect her while she gains confidence again with him - then at least if he tries to nip she won't get hurt.

I wish you well with this and hope you can turn the situation around.

Regards

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