What should I do if a hamster bites me? 3 ways to get your hamster started quickly

Being bitten by a hamster is painful and aggrieved. Many novices dare not touch it again after being bitten once. In fact, there are reasons why hamsters bite people. As long as you use the right method, most hamsters can become docile and friendly. Today I’m going to share 3 ways to help hamsters get started quickly, which have been personally tested and are effective.

Why do hamsters bite people?

Before learning the method, you must first understand the reasons why hamsters bite people, so that the right medicine can be effective.

First, fear. Hamsters are prey animals and are naturally timid. If suddenly caught by a big hand, they will instinctively bite in self-defense. Second, the hands smell like food. If you touch your hamster just after eating, it will think your finger is food. if they are forcibly awakened.

Method 1: Smell familiarity method

The hamster that has just arrived home is completely unfamiliar with you and needs to be familiar with your scent first.

The first step is not to rush to get started in the first few days. Talk softly next to the cage every day to let it get used to your voice and presence. The second step is to keep your hand still in the cage and let the hamster take the initiative to smell and explore you. If it bites you, don’t jerk your hand away (this will scare it), just move away gently. every day and slowly build up the association of “hands = food = good things”.

This process generally takes 3-7 days, patience is key. Don’t rush, your hamster’s trust in you is not built in a day.

Method 2: Food lure method

When the hamster is no longer afraid of your hands, you can use food to guide it to start.

Put the snack in the palm of your hand, lay it flat in the cage, and wait for the hamster to climb up and eat it. It may run away after one bite at first, but that’s okay, just stick to it every day. Slowly, it will be willing to stay in your hand for a while. At this time, you can try to gently lift your hand to let it get used to being in your hand.

Pay attention to a few key points: wash your hands before each interaction to remove the smell of food; choose snacks that hamsters like, such as mealworms and melon seeds; choose the interaction time in the evening when the hamster just wakes up, when it is in good spirits and in a good mood.

Method 3: Get started step by step

When the hamster is willing to take the initiative to crawl onto your hand, you can try to get started.

The first step is to hold the hamster in both hands, about 10 centimeters from the bottom of the cage. Do not lift it too high, so that it will not be injured if it jumps. Second, let the hamster walk between your hands, from one hand to the other, like a treadmill. The third step is to slowly increase the time to get started, from a few seconds to a few minutes.

If your hamster suddenly becomes nervous or wants to jump in your hand, do not grab it by force and place it back in its cage. Forcing it will only make it more frightened and all the previous efforts will be wasted.

Notes on getting started

First, do not catch a hamster from above. Catching it from above is like a natural predator, which will trigger its fear response. Hold it slowly from the front or side. Second, sit on the ground or in front of a table when you start, so that if the hamster jumps, it will not be injured. Third, don’t force your hamster to sleep. Fourth, give a snack as a reward after each interaction to reinforce positive experiences.

Each hamster has a different personality. Those who are quick to get started will be able to love you in a week, while those who are slow may take a month. Don’t compete with other people’s hamsters, just follow your own hamster’s pace.

Related reading

• Hamster Breeds
• Hamster cohabitation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does a hamster need an injection if it bites and bleeds?

After a hamster bites, wash the wound with soapy water and disinfect it with iodine. The probability of domestic hamsters carrying rabies virus is very low and generally does not require vaccination. If you are worried, you can consult your doctor.

How long does it take to get started with hamsters?

It usually takes 3-7 days to adapt, and most hamsters can get started with it in about a week by using the food lure method step by step. If you have a slow personality, it may take a month.

Don’t be discouraged even if you are bitten. Keep using the correct method and your hamster will definitely turn into a clingy little angel. If you want to know more about hamster behavior training and raising knowledge, welcome to follow Hamster Nest!