Why Is My Hamster Biting? Causes and Solutions

Hamsters can sometimes bite, and it’s not a fun experience. My hamster, Teddy, used to nip at my fingers when I first brought him home. After some trial and error, I figured out why he wanted to bite and how to stop him.

Why Is Your Hamster Biting?

Hamsters typically bite when they feel scared or annoyed, but there are several other reasons why your hamster might be biting:

• Fear or irritation: Hamsters are easily frightened and can become defensive, leading to biting.
• Hunger or food smell: If you smell like food, your hamster might mistake your fingers for a snack.
• Unfamiliar scents or people: A new scent or person might make your hamster feel uneasy.
• Personality: Some hamsters simply don’t like being handled.
• Pain or injury: If your hamster is in pain, touching the affected area might cause it to bite.

Understanding these reasons can help you address the issue and prevent future bites.

Hamsters Nibble and Chew on Everything

Hamsters have very poor eyesight, so they rely on their other senses—like smell, touch, and taste—to explore their surroundings. This natural curiosity means they’ll often nibble on things to get a better understanding of them, including your fingers.

Hamsters also need to constantly file down their teeth because their front teeth never stop growing. So, when your hamster starts inching toward your fingers, they might just be trying to explore. If this happens, slowly and gently remove your hand to avoid scaring your hamster and triggering a defensive bite.

Reasons Your Hamster Is Biting—And What to Do About It

1. Your Hamster Is Scared or Irritated

A scared hamster is more likely to bite. To help calm your hamster, give them some time to relax before attempting to handle them. Speak softly to your hamster and use treats to build trust. Avoid handling your hamster if they seem stressed or irritated.

2. Your Hamster Is Hungry, or You Smell Like Food

Hamsters have a keen sense of smell, and if your hands smell like food, your hamster might try to take a bite. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your hamster, and avoid fruity or strong-smelling soaps.

3. You Smell Unfamiliar, or You’re a New Person

If your hamster suddenly shies away or bites you, think about what you’ve recently handled. Strong smells, other animals, or even new clothing can make your hamster uneasy. If you’re new to the hamster, take time to let them get used to you before attempting to handle them.

4. Your Hamster Might Be Difficult to Handle

Some hamsters just don’t like being handled, no matter what you do. In these cases, it’s important to respect their boundaries. If your hamster only tolerates minimal contact, don’t push them further. Over time, they might become more comfortable, but it’s important to be patient.

5. Your Hamster Might Be Hurting

If your hamster is in pain, they might bite when you touch the affected area. If you notice any signs of injury or illness, such as limping or unusual behavior, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions When Handling Your Hamster

• Create a calm environment: Avoid loud noises, flashing lights, or sudden movements when handling your hamster.
• Scoop, don’t grab: Approach your hamster from the front with an open palm, allowing them to climb onto your hand. Avoid grabbing them from above.
• Avoid strong scents: Make sure your hands and clothes don’t have strong smells that could confuse or scare your hamster.
• Move slowly: Hamsters are easily startled, so avoid sudden movements when handling them.
• Dwarf hamsters are more jittery: Smaller breeds like dwarf hamsters are more hyperactive and harder to handle, so be extra cautious with them.

If All Else Fails, Use a Garden Glove

If your hamster is particularly difficult and you need to handle them for a short period (e.g., to check for injuries), you can use a gardening glove for protection. However, be gentle and ensure you’re not squeezing too hard, as hamsters are delicate creatures.

Other Handling Options

• Use a tall plastic cup: This is useful for weighing your hamster on a kitchen scale.
• Exercise ball: Place your hamster in an exercise ball to move them from one cage to another.
• Tubes: Use a series of tubes to guide your hamster from one place to another.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you understand why we hamsters sometimes bite and how you can help us feel more comfortable. Remember, we’re more likely to nip when we’re scared, so approach us calmly and with treats in hand. If you want to learn more about what we eat or the best cages for us, check out the other articles below!