i have a new hamster.my hamster is a brown,teddy bear hamster.each time i try 2 pet it it bites me and it always screams loud witch is weird i need help plz
2007-12-21 05:14:28 · 12 answers · asked by Allyson N 2 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Its not used to you if it is new. Just kind of give it time. Start by putting your hand in its cage and let it come to you and get used to you that way. Then in time you will be able to hold it and play with it. They don't just adjust to the new surroundings automatically.
2007-12-21 05:23:05 · answer #1 · answered by ~Divine Mrs. P~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All small rodents need time getting used to you, especially hamsters. Most hamsters will do exactly as you described when not used to human touch. They will get all tense, bare their teeth, hiss, even pee if you get too close. I would suggest starting over from scratch. Have minimal contact with the hamster cage for the next few days, only just to feed and replenish water. After the hamster is settled into his new surroundings, you can start "taming" it. Start off by just simply leaving your hand in the cage. Don't try to touch the hamster, just let him investigate it. (If he nips, just gently move your hand away) After a few days, he should be comfortable with the presence of your hand. Then you can start hand feeding treats. Again don't force him, don't move your hand around. If he's comfortable he'll come to you to retrieve the treat. Do this until he's fully comfortable in retrieving a treat from your hand. Next you can place a treat in your hand in such a way that he has to walk onto your hand in order to retrieve the treat. Keep this up until he remains in your hand and eats the treat. Once he's comfortable with this procedure, you may attempt to gently stroke him. Don't push it if he retreats, just be patient and give him more time. Eventually it should get to the point that he'll come running as soon as you place your hand in the cage. At this point you can try to hold him, but don't "catch" him, let him come willingly. Once you've achieved this you will have a tame hamster. The biggest tip I can give you is: Don't force him upon anything! Don't chase him all over the cage trying to catch him, don't force a treat into his face, don't force contact. Also another tip is be patient, this process may take longer than a month, but it will be much more rewarding in the end. Sorry for the lengthy post.
(Note: I often said to use treats, don't overuse treats in a day. Two treats in a day is more than enough)
Edit: If you need to move the hamster when cleaning the cage, I would suggest to try herd him into a hamster ball, pet carrier. Do this as quickly as possible, so there is minimum stress.
2007-12-21 15:08:31 · answer #2 · answered by buckskinn88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is isn't the best idea to put your hand right in the neww hamster cage. give him time to adjust to the new surroundings. I have about 12 hamsters and it took them all about a month to fully get adjusted. For the screaming....that means that it is not comfortable withyou petitng it. Try feeding him first and then he will realize that it doesn't want to bite the hand that feeds him
GOOOOOOOD LUCK
2007-12-21 13:34:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters bite when they are scared or angry or uncomfortable. I wouldn't just shove your hand into its tank at first! Wouldn't you be scared if some giant thing came at you and picked you up?
What I did with my hamsters and gerbils is to start small. Start by feeding treats with your fingers. Soon enough it'll start trusting your hands and try putting treats in your hand so it'll crawl up to get it. A little bit at a time is the key. If not, you'll be stuck with a hamster that will not trust you--and you'll get bitten.
2007-12-21 13:24:57 · answer #4 · answered by graduate student 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you hamster isnt used to you yet by the sounds of it. Maybe you should get another hamster. How long have you had it? If you only had it for about a month or so, then it isnt used to you. Good Luck
2007-12-21 14:23:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
it screams as it is still afraid of you http://hamster-club.com/behaviour.asp
Give your hamster some time until it gets used to you, by offering him some treats http://hamster-club.com/feeding.asp and your hamster will get to know you more by time
Good luck
2007-12-23 10:59:46 · answer #6 · answered by Hamster-Club.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how long have you had it? if youve only had it for a few weeks its just adjusting to a new enviornment. dont pick it up, just lightly pet it FROM BEHIND ONLY. its so important to come from behind and slowly, so hes not surprised when you touch him.
some just are biters, and theres nothing you can do if its in their disposition. if they weren't handled when they were young, theyre not used to human contact.
2007-12-21 13:43:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, well it is scared, its in a nes home with nes people and it probably had real bad care before you had it, just feed it treats through the bar and talk to it.
*hope i helped!~Kantel
2007-12-21 14:38:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it has to adjust to its new envireoment just talk to it softely for a day or to so it can get used to voice then try to pick it when u think it is ready
2007-12-21 16:51:17 · answer #9 · answered by kwi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hamsters always bite when you get them, you need to give it time to get used to you.
2007-12-21 13:52:45 · answer #10 · answered by Jesse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋