Hamsters can be lovely pets, but hamsters have a habit of biting whenever they are frightened or startled. If your hamster has a habit of biting, try training it to get it to stop. Also, there are a few things to consider when handling your hamster to avoid biting it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Introducing Yourself to Hamsters
Step 1. Put on gloves if you need to handle it before it's properly trained
There may be situations, such as when your hamster has an injury, that requires you to grab it faster before it gets used to your presence. For that, make sure you wear gloves if you have to handle them. Because, there is a chance that he will try to bite you. Make sure you also hold it as gently as possible. Before you get used to your presence, your hamster may dodge or struggle when you pick him up. Make sure you don't put too much pressure on him so he doesn't get hurt.
Step 2. Do not handle or pick up the hamster for about a week
Hamsters are game animals. This means, he is naturally used to large animals that want to hunt him. Therefore, he may perceive you as a threat until he gets to know you better. If you want to hold him before the adaptation period is over, he may bite you out of fear. In the meantime, there are a few exercises you can do in a week to get him used to your presence. In addition, the exercise can also gradually make him feel comfortable enough to hold.
Step 3. Train your hamster according to his ability
He should be comfortable at each stage of the exercise before you move on to the next. Make sure he can follow the exercise well before you continue. If you don't, you can frighten him and ruin the training process you're already doing.
Step 4. Schedule a training session in the afternoon
Hamsters are nocturnal animals and are more active in the afternoon and evening. Therefore, take advantage of this by scheduling exercises in the afternoon. Hamsters will be more awake and open to new experiences.
Stick to the schedule as usual. Have a practice session every afternoon. Repetition like this helps him get used to your presence more quickly
Step 5. Talk to your hamster gently through the cage
Hamsters have sensitive hearing and can hear very low sounds. Loud or loud noises can frighten him, while soft sounds can attract his attention. Before holding her, take the time to chat with her in a gentle voice. If he knows that you are speaking softly, not loudly, he will be more open and willing to come to you.
Step 6. Introduce your hamster to your body odor
Like most other animals, hamsters rely heavily on their sense of smell. Once he gets used to your body odor, he will trust you.
- Start by washing your hands. This is to prevent the spread of germs from the hamster, as well as to ensure that there are no other odors on your hands other than your own body odor. If your hand smells like food, your hamster may bite your hand because it senses that it could eat you.
- Slowly insert your hand into the hamster's cage and keep it in that position. For the first and second day, your hamster will probably run away or move away from your hands. However, it's important that you don't go after him as this will only frighten him more. Just hold your hand and wait for him to approach him. You may have to wait a few days for your hamster to feel comfortable enough to approach your hand.
- When the hamster approaches, stay still. He's just "investigating" you so sudden movements can frighten him. He may sniff your hand anxiously a few times. Wait until he is very close to you and sniffs all over your hand before moving on to the next step.
Step 7. Give him a treat
When he's comfortable enough to approach you, start giving him treats like broccoli or cauliflower. Again, always make sure you open the cage and insert your hand slowly so the hamster doesn't startle. Otherwise, he will feel that your hand is food and bite.
Don't try to pick it up while he's picking up his treats. Your hamster is still getting used to you, so if you touch it, there's a good chance it will startle. Repeat this process for a few days until he will run towards you when you put your hand in his cage
Step 8. Caress the hamster gently
When he's comfortable enough to be close, you can start petting him. When the hamster arrives, slowly raise your hand and pet it. Start stroking her with your fingers, then when she's comfortable, stroke her with your whole hand.
Step 9. Pick up the hamster
Once he's comfortable to the touch, you can try lifting him up. Maybe you can pick it up about a week or two after you buy it. Open your arms and let it climb up. When he climbs on your hand, pick him up and start playing with him.
Step 10. Keep interacting with him regularly
Once he's trained, you'll still need to interact with him regularly to keep him exhibiting the desired behavior. Try lifting him every day to keep him accustomed to body odors and wanting to interact with you. If you ignore it, you may need to retrain it from scratch.
Part 2 of 2: Avoiding Hamster Bites After Training
Step 1. Move slowly as you approach him
Even if he's used to your presence, your hamster can still be startled by sudden movements. Hamsters have poor eyesight and usually perceive sudden movements as a threat. To prevent bites, always approach your hamster gradually so he doesn't get scared.
Step 2. Put the hamster down if it starts to rebel
Hamsters will bite when they are frightened or stressed. If he starts to rebel or tries to run away when you hold him, it means he's uncomfortable. Pay attention to nonverbal cues like these and put your hamster down. If not, he may bite you to make sure you understand what he wants.
Step 3. Leave your hamster if he doesn't want to come near you
Even though he's used to your presence, there may be times when he just doesn't want to be touched. If he won't come close when you put your hand in the cage, just leave him alone. If you hold him when he doesn't want to be touched, he may bite you.
Step 4. Don't touch him while he's sleeping
Hamsters are nocturnal animals. This means that hamsters are more active at night. It is possible that the hamster will sleep all day. Therefore, do not disturb him while he is sleeping. He can perceive the thing that wakes him from sleep (in this case, touch) as a threat and, instinctively, will bite. If your hamster is sleeping, let it sleep.
Tips
- Wash your hands before and after playing with your hamster.
- If you are bitten, wash and clean the bite wound.
- Never try to lift a hamster while it is sleeping. It will bite your hand.
- Clean the cage and make sure you refill the food and water.
Warning
- Never squeeze the hamster's body when you are holding it.
- Don't hold your hamster upside down, even for a moment.
- Do not be aggressive in any way to your hamster.
