Gentle hamster - now biting

Question
My daughter has had the sweetest little hamster for almost 2 months now.  She has been so gentle with him and he really played nicely with her.  They had a nice little relationship.  Then out of the blue he started biting.  First he bit me.  The next day he bit her.  Now she's afraid to hold him - and I can't say that I'm looking forward to it either.  

We'd appreciate any advice you can give.  It's so sad to see her just talking to him through the cage instead of having them sweetly playing and snuggling together.

He did just recently turn from grey to white, so I'm not sure if he's dealing with some issues on that end that are causing him to act out.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Amelia

I'm sorry you aren't getting on too well with your hamster right now.  You haven't said what type it is, but I'm assuming it is a Winter White because of its coat changing colour???  In the wild Winter Whites would change their coat colour when winter was approaching so that they could camouflage themselves, although I've had several and none have actually done this.

If so, this type of change in behaviour isn't that common.  If he is a Campbells, then it is more typical as once they reach adulthood (around 3 months of age) their personalities can change and it really is a case of starting over with taming them, I'm afraid.

When he bites is this when you actually handle him, or is it if you put your hand into the cage to drop in some food?  

I'm afraid you might need to start from scratch with him.  When you go to handle him rub some of his bedding into your hands so that his scent is on you.  If you place a hand each side of him and quickly 'scoop' him up and immediately transfer him onto your clothing.  It is best to sit down with him at this stage.  Then let him explore you.  If he wanders off gently slide a hand under him and bring him back - don't grab at him or hold him tightly.  Also if he is walking on your hand, don't let him sniff you - you want him to keep moving.

I know it is frustrating but I think it would be worth a try to see if you can get the 'old' hamster back again.  It isn't surprising that you and your daughter aren't as keen on him now because of the biting (I have had hamsters like this too and for a while I didn't particularly like them) but it is worth trying to turn the situation around.  If your daughter doesn't want to handle him initially, do you have a pair of leather gloves she could wear - just to protect her while she gains confidence again with him - then at least if he tries to nip she won't get hurt.

I wish you well with this and hope you can turn the situation around.

Regards