AboutSheila 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.
Question QUESTION: My hamster was fine when i left for school in the morning.But when i came back and wanted to touch it,it bit me when i didn't eat anything or smell of food.I have two hamsters and only one of them is like that.Even after i washed my hands with soap,it didn't stop the biting.Its still like this after a few days.I feed him regularly but i feed him a vegetables for now because we haven't bought their food as we can't find a pet shop.But we are going to find one soon.He bites onto my fingers for a long time and doeson't let go so it becomes very painful.He used to be very cute and doeson't bite often.Is this normal?Can you tell me how to make him stop biting?Thanks ;D
ANSWER: Hi Cassidy
Sorry to hear your hamster is biting. What type of hamster is this? Is he a dwarf hamster or Syrian? If he is a dwarf, is he a Campbell? How old is he? If he is a dwarf hamster, is he living with the other one? If so are they getting along OK or do they fight? Has anything happened that might have triggered this behavior?
Sorry for all the questions - I'm just trying to get a better picture. Campbells are known to be a bit temperamental and when they reach adulthood they can start to be more aggressive. In this case it really is a matter of starting over to try and snap them out of this.
If you want to get back to me with some more details I might be able to suggest some ideas about handling.
Regards
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QUESTION: Its a Campbell hamster.He's living with another female.My female was fine.Only the male was affected.
They used to fight often in the beginning,but only seldom nowadays.They only fight about snatching the food most of the time.
Its better this days though.His bites aren't so painful anymore.
They are about 3 months old.How do we snap them out of this?Please reply.Thanks :D
Answer Hi Cassidy
I suspected they were Campbells as this is not unusual behavior, unfortunately. When they reach about this age their personality can sometimes change. It really is a matter of starting over with winning their confidence and trying to stop the biting.
Talking to them a lot can help so that they recognize your voice. You could also feed them treats but be careful. Hamsters' eyesight is very bad and they rely heavily on their sense of smell. Therefore if they smell something that resembles food they will bite it. By feeding treats and talking to them they should start to associate you with something nice.
When you go to handle your hamster how are you picking him up? The best way I have found is to rub some of the hamster's bedding onto my hands as this puts their scent on me. Then I place a hand each side of them and very quickly 'scoop' them up. Another way of picking up a dwarf hamster is to 'snatch' them from above. Alternatively you could try and get him to walk into a cup. Don't ever put your hand out for him to sniff - it is a natural human instinct to let an animal sniff them, but this is the last thing you want to do with a hamster. Some hamsters don't like to walk on skin and therefore the best thing is to immediately transfer them onto clothing. If you allow him to explore you - if he starts to wander off slide a hand under him and bring him back. Keep talking to him all the time. This process is much easier with a Syrian because of their size (and they are slower than dwarf hamsters) but it can be done with the dwarf varieties.
There is no quick and easy way of taming him and you may not get him back to exactly how he was when you first got him. However, it is definitely worth persevering with him.
I note that you are keeping him in with a female - presumably you are planning on breeding them? Be careful that they will mate again the day she gives birth so it is easy to become over-run with dwarf hamsters. If you weren't planning on breeding them then they do need separating.
