my hammy bites me

[MiSsLiNdA]

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v294/misslinda88/S2010110.jpg

this is my hammy Maui Zaui.

sometimes he bites. is there something i'm doing wrong? :(

[Pixiestyx]

How cute! I have no idea if you're doing something wrong, because I have no idea what you're doing! Never wake him up and touch him, if you want him awake tap outside of his nest and give him time to fully wake up. Try to scoop him up when you pick him up, don't let his legs be flailing about in the air. Also never grab him from behind when you pick him up. Ummm... what else... I always used a towel wrapped around my hand when I went to grab my hammies at first, that way they were able to get used to me picking them up, and if they nipped I didn't get hurt and have to put them down right away. I did have one foul-tempered little dwarf hamster who charged my hand anytime I got close, and who always bit, but she was old when I got her, I just let her do her own thing and only scooped her up when nessacary (to clean the cage and stuff).

[LilSnooPydOG]

Oh my! That is one of the cutest little hamsters I've seen!

Hamsters are nippy rodents, and he may bite just because your finger is near his mouth. If your fingers smell like food, that could also be why. You could smell like a tasty treat and he just wants to try some of it! Also don't annoy him and constantly wake him up, that of course will make him a bit angry.

[Zero2Hero]

Your hamster looks so sweet (also seems like a little escape artist, keep an eye out)! Anyways, be sure to give him some favorite treats (every hammie I've ever had has loved wheat-based things, such as sugar-low or sugarless cereal, also they liked sunflower seeds). Then, if this little guy is new, give him a few days (sometimes it takes months) to get used to his surroundings. Pet him gently and talk to him (hammies can get used to you voice, also they can remember their name if you say it enough!). After a few days or so of petting him he should be slightly less frightened of you, and you should pick him up, stare him in the eye and talk, from what I've heard it comforts them, but I've never tried it myself since i am fairly new to hammies. Let him check out your hand and get a scent, if he is walking on it, he is much more trusting of you and less likely to bite. Be sure to play with him often. Also I recommend you wash your hands before and after playing (their sense of smell is pretty good), thoroughly. I hope this helps. The previous 2 posts also contain wonderful advice and i was just trying to fill them in. Good luck and i hope you have years of happiness with your hammie.

[Zouave]

"Bites". There are aggressive-fear bites, and just little nips if annoyed or curious about something. The latter draw only a drop of blood and rarely happen to me with my 11 Syrians and 2 dwarfs. The former (aggressive bites) happened ONCE to me before I know not to ever grab a hamster unexpectedly from above and behind! :D

[lizzykins]

Aww cute hamster :D
Like what's already been said, they are nippy creatures. Make sure you don't wake him up, or if you have to, wear gloves. If you have the smell of food on your hands, that might cause them to nip you too.