Help with mean little hamster!

[BiteyMcBite]

We got a two month old hamster three weeks ago and did lots of research beforehand, and we have done everything we’re supposed to do - large cage (100cm x 60cm), deep litter layer, lots of hidey-holes, toys, tubes, large wheel etc. We gave him three or four quiet days to settle in and then gradually started allowing a little household noise around him. We put items with our scent into the cage so he’d get used to our smells. Then we started putting our hands in slowly and not from above in case we scared him. Then we started putting treats in our hands and letting him approach to take them from us.

However, even with going so slowly and carefully, he’s still a bitey little sod and regularly bites down hard for seemingly no reason. For example, he’ll take the treat, but before I have a chance to slowly withdraw my hand, he’ll turn back and quickly bite a fingertip (and it’s painful - a deep bite that causes a lot of bleeding and a bruise). Are some hamsters just like this? Should we resign ourselves to never being able to handle him? I would have thought that, three weeks in, he would be a little bit more relaxed :-(

Ummm a golden hamster is just another name for a Syrian hamster

On a practical note, if you are putting your hand into the cage make a loose fist with you fingers tucked in. It’s far less painful if the bite a knuckle than a finger tip

I would be wary of had feeding at the same time as getting them used to your hand. They might start thinking it is good too,

I just don't think many of them make great pets actually.

I thought I’d post an update, as it’s a positive one! We’ve spent lots of time slowly getting the little monster used to us, and started carefully handling him with gloves. We’re now at the stage where we can easily handle him without the gloves and he seems totally relaxed, no biting at all for at least a week! So I’m hoping that he just took a while to settle and we can continue the amazing progress he’s made.

I’m so relieved! And here was I, thinking a hamster would be easier than a puppy . . .

Aww that's great news! They often do settle down with lots of gentle handling over a period of time. Enjoy your wee beastie - they are lovely little things 😊

That's really good to hear. It sounds like he is a lot more relaxed
now, so you obviously managed the handling of him perfectly. I'm sure you will enjoy him a lot more now on!

So this is where we are now. He’s totally comfortable with us, and even loves snuggling up for a nap. He’s a cutie-pie and we adore him.

i just wanted to post this for anyone who finds themselves with a bitey little critter - be patient, give them space, you’ll get there!

So cute :)

Ah, well done (formerly) bitey creature! 💐

I had a few hamsters when I was a kid and young adult. All very different personalities. One would sit and go to sleep on my shoulder when I was watching telly while another was always a bitey wee bugger.

Well done to you both, it often takes lots of time and patience, but 9 times out of 10, you get there with gentleness and perseverance.

He’s gorgeous . I had lots of hammies as a child and for reference I had one rat and he bit , hard .

Aww thanks for coming back with such a lovely update 💗 & photo. Well done 👏