Ouch!

[luluthehammy]

Hi everyone!

So I recently got a new hamster (around 2 weeks ago) and ever since the start of the taming process it hasn't been going very well. I started out with letting her settle (shes a hybrid dwarf ham) for around 2-3 days before even putting my hand in the enclosure. Then I got an unpleasant suprise- when I tried to give her a seed or a mealworm I had in my fingers or on my palm, she would ignore the treat and go for my hand/fingers! Her first instinct is to bite me, not the treat. And since these 2 weeks, nothing has changed, I gave up at this point. I'm scared to touch her the tiniest bit, shes so fast and rapid and its just too much to handle for me right now, so I figured id just let her be, but then when I open the enclosure to feed her she gets rlly excited and clearly would like some contact. What do I do??? Any advice??

 

[Maz]

Hello Two weeks is still not very long - and this can be quite common with dwarf hamsters - especially in the cage, where they can feel a bit territorial You could try wearing a glove and offer her treats on the palm of your hand maybe. Then at least you won't react if she bites! And can gently withdraw your hand with the food and say "no" in low but firm tone. Then offer it again. Keep withdrawing if she tries to bite the gloved hand. Then wait till another time. She might also still be a baby and a bit scared. You'll be making progress though if she gets to the point where she sits on the palm of your hand to eat the treats Does she show any signs of wanting to come out at all? If so then you could let her hop into a "taxi" (a tube or mug with your hand over so she doesn't jump out). And transfer her to a play bin - eg large storage bin with a few toys and a wheel in. They often behave differently out of the cage than in it. However two weeks is still very early days. It's time and patience

 

[Socks' Mum]

I'm sorry your relationship is beginning with such a bite I think some hybrid hammies have all of their wild prey hunting instincts and genetic hunting ability still accessible in them, like little tigers. Live food, catching and subduing, is very much on the menu for some hamster species and I suspect may be an important source of moisture for some in the wild. Your finger is warm and has a pulse and may be triggering her hunting instinct. She is confident, which makes it worse. Handling her with a glove that will disguise your hand and protect you from being bitten may be necessary. I hope she learns to distinguish you from prey and stops biting ❤