Hamster Squeals

Question
Our hamster, Leroy II, squeals sometimes.  Is it because he is mad and possibly may bite or is it his way of communicating.  It frightens me a little and I'm not sure I should let my daughter handle him.  He is a short hair.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Jane,

it sounds as if he may be a bit timid but the more you let him stop you from picking him up, more he will do it and the nastier he will get.

If you just persevere and handle him even when he squeals then he should get used to you and stop the squealing.

It may be best if you handle him first until he becomes tame because he may bite and they can be very painful and even fetch blood - so it may not be agood idea to let your daughter handle him at first.

but please do not let his behaviour discourage you from handling him - he will get better the more he is handled and you daughter should be able to handle him very soon - but please be patient with your hamster - he is just as scared of you - probably more!

Kind Regards,

Tammy