Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Gerbils and Hamsters > My male dwarf hamster

My male dwarf hamster

21 11:54:20

Question
Hi. I bought my daughter a Russian dwarf hamster(dalmatian) in July. When we tried to put him in his cage he refused, so I got my daughter to put a glove on her hand so he wouldn't hurt her. After 3 weeks with the glove he finally stopped. My daughter started to play with him roughly. The next time when she tried to pick him up he bit her. Ever since, he wouldn't stop biting. What should I do?

Answer
Well you can go back to the glove method until he calms down again. My hamster bites me anytime I stick my hand in the cage and it's because I am going into his territory and he doesn't like it. Generally I will scoop him up in a cup or something and let him come onto my hand. I also have some sunflower seeds on my hand and I only let him eat them if he doesn't bite me when I pick him up. Also make sure your hands have no scents on them as any type of scent causes them to nip your hand thinking it's food.