How to Stop Hamsters From Biting

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

While most hamsters are gentle, friendly pets with loads of personality, they can still occasionally bite their owners if upset or provoked. Through patience and training, however, you can stop your hamster from biting you and others.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Thick gloves

Step1
Stop a hamster from biting by washing your hands thoroughly before you handle it. Hamsters have relatively poor eyesight, and if you handle a hamster immediately after eating, your pet may confuse your finger with a tasty treat.
Step2
Avoid handling or picking up your pet hamster while it is sleeping. Remember that hamsters are nocturnal animals, and they will instinctively try to bite you if you disturb them during the day when they are trying to sleep. Try setting a little food in your pet hamster's cage first to see if that arouses its interest, and then pet it gently on its back before lifting it out of the cage.
Step3
Use a thick pair of gloves to protect yourself while you handle a hamster that is biting you frequently. By allowing the hamster to bite repeatedly without consequence, it will begin to calm down and stop biting as it gets used to being handled. Eventually, the biting behavior while cease once the hamster starts to trust you.
Step4
Continue to pet and stroke your hamster on its back even as it is biting you. Some hamsters are simply more nervous than others, and it may take a bit of patience on your part to reinforce the bond between you and your pet.
Step5
Call your pet hamster by its name before you handle it in order to stop the biting behavior. Hamsters can be trained to respond to their names, and if you call out your pet's name before picking it up, it won't be as surprised or annoyed when you put your hand into the cage.
Step6
Handle your hamster gently at all times. A hamster might bite if it feels it is in danger, especially if you squeeze it or pick it up too quickly. Hamsters are used to being close to the ground and might act alarmed if you're constantly walking around with it in your hands or on your shoulder.

Tips & Warnings

  • Never feed your pet hamster any type of meat. Hamsters are natural carnivores, and you may actually encourage them to bite your fingers if you feed them steady diets of insects or mealworms. Stick with a veterinarian-approved grain-based hamster food.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Stop Hamsters From Biting

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads