Help with biting hamster!?

Question

Ok. So my friends might be getting a hamster from another friend. The hamster bites so i wanted to kno some tipss of training him not to bite. also any tips for new owners?

Answer 1

Well, it's complicated, hamsters have a thing for biting stuff.  You just gotta feed it.  I think that's the problem.  You should keep your hamster in a cage big enough for it to rome.  and you also need to make sure that it is fed well.  Feed your hamster every 3 hours.  Don't give it a lot of food though.  Make sure to feed it grains, carrots, and other greens.  But you can also get food for it from the pet store.  Don't spray any type of odor eliminator near your new hamster.  Make sure to clean it's cage every week, once.  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Be gentle. Don't wake him when he's sleeping, wash your hands with dish soap before you handle him and don't make any sudden noises or movements.  

Answer 3

Hamsters usually bite because they are scared of you or they smell food on your hands.  They may also bite if they just don't want to be social.  Some hamsters also nip at you which can mean they are annoyed you picked them up or again, you have the smell of food on your hands.  Nipping usually doesn't hurt.  I have found my teddy bear hamsters have a tendency to want to chew on my nails though!

First, let your hamster settle in to a new cage.  That could take a few days.  To earn your hamsters trust start by leaving your hand motionless in the cage.  Do this for a couple of days.  Keep your hand still and don't try to pick him  up right away.  After a few days gently try to pick him up or let him walk into your hands.  If he tries to run away don't force him.  You can also try feeding him some food with your hands.  If he takes it that means he is getting more comfortable with you.  

You will need to change their cage once a week. I suggest using carefresh bedding.  Never use pine or cedar bedding for hamsters.  It's very toxic to them.  If the cage has a strong urine smell you may need to change it more often.  With every couple of cage changes add a small amount of bleach to help clean it out on top of using antibacterial soap.  Just make sure there is no bleach odor after washing it out.  

Feed your hamster when the food dish is empty.  Do not feed every three hours.  Hamsters tend to hoard their food and stash it in their cage.  Chances are you may find food hidden throughout the cage.  Don't always assume they are starving though because there is no food in the dish.  It's a good idea to see how much food they  have hidden.  

Make sure your hamster is healthy too.  Watch that his coat stays shiny, he is active, and has clear eyes.  If you are getting a Syrian hamster throw some cardboard in the cage.  They like to chew on things and make sure he has a big enough wheel.  Small wheels can hurt the hamsters back.  

BTW if it is a Syrian make sure he stays by himself.  They are solitary creatures.

Well, good luck and if you have any questions feel free to email me!