scared, flinching, makes noises and bites.

Question
i just bought a new hamster and whenever i go near it, although always coming to my hand he always tries biting, not aggressively, it also flinches alot when i try touching him, he shakes also. he makes screaming type noises and im concerned as my friend also bought one and his is fine with him.
ive had him about 2 days and was worried. any ideas on whats wrong with him and what i should do would be highly appreciated.

kind regards, marc

Answer
Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your hamster.  Some hamsters are traumatized when they are young, or in the pet shop etc. and this can make them nervous and cry/scream.

You need to win his confidence and help him settle down.  I tame 'untamable' hamsters all the time, especially those with a track record of biting and those who are so nervous they roll over on their backs crying if anyone goes near.  There is a standard format I follow which usually works.

First of all, I talk to them all the time.  Every time I see them out and about I speak to them, and after a short time they come up to the bars to see me.  I always give them a treat when I see them out and about in their cage - and talk to them too.  They then associate my voice with a treat.  All my cages have side doors, and also the top section comes away from the bottom (I don't know what type of cage you have, but it is helpful if you can dismantle the cage).  I never put my hand straight into a nest - this is a sure way of getting bitten.  Wait until the hamster is up and about. If they're not awake, I gently tap the side of the cage and call their name, or drop some food in.  This usually gets them to come and explore.  I put the cage on the floor, take off the top section, rub some of the hamster's bedding into my hands so that their scent is on me.  Then, I place a hand either side of the hamster and slide them under it.  Immediately I put the hamster on my clothing.  Some hamsters get a bit nervous walking on skin, and they seem a lot more comfortable on clothing.  I let them walk around, and I stroke them, and slide a hand under them to bring them back if they start to wander off.  All the time I am talking to them.  After a few minutes, I return them to their cage.  Chances are they are so curious now they will head straight for the doorway and want to come out again.  Every time I get them out I keep them out for a little bit longer.  

If you following this procedure for a few days I am sure you will notice a difference.  The more you do this, the quicker you will gain confidence.  One other thing - I never let a hamster sniff me!  It is an automatic reaction to put your hand out for an animal to smell you - but with hamsters this is definitely something you don't do.  If they start sniffing, I move my hand/fingers away.  Sometimes they 'taste' a finger as they are not sure if it is food or not, but this is always a sure sign to move the finger out of reach.

Never hold him too tightly, they love to walk about and explore - so once you get more confident you should be able to let him walk from hand to hand without him jumping off you.  If he does get away from you at any time and he runs off on the floor, don't grab at him.  Crouch near him, place your arms on the floor to create a large circle around him, then gently bring your arms in so that you can pick him up.

If he cries, talk to him, and try and gently handle him - this way he will realize that you are a friend.  I have a hamster who was so traumatized that she couldn't be homed so I ended up with her living with me.  If I went anywhere near her cage she cried, she kept wetting her bed, and was generally terrified.  But over time she has calmed down a lot and only occasionally has a crying fit.  It is a case of being patient, but you will be pleased that you persevered as the relationship you will have with your hamster at the end of this will be worth it.

Good luck with this - hope you get on OK.

Regards