Hi kelly! Follow up.

Question
Hi!!
I've got my hammies. 2 male campbell albinos. They are about 2 months and they have red eyes :D Ive got some problem and worries though. When I bought them they shopkeepers said that they cant guarantee me they are males. Cos the sex organs arent apparent enough. But I cant let someone else get them before me, so I chose 2 by myself. Since I read in a book that by 4 weeks we should be able to differentiate their sexes. So I chose 2 which had the anus and sex organ further apart. They are about 1/2 a cm. And I was rather assured cos I saw others with barely any spacing lol. Can I be sure they are males? Also kelly, one of them is smaller but oh man he's fierce. Bites my hand slightly everytime I pick him up, and that is with some effort since he always tries to evade too. Also, in the shop they live and sleep together, but now in this cage, that fierce one squeaks everytime the other guy tries to sleep with him. He's bigger though. Anyway I can tame him?

Thanks alot. Awaiting your reply :D

Answer
Hi Jon,

It sounds like your hamsters (which sound like they're rather pretty) are indeed males.  Here is a link to pictures showing the difference between males and females.  I find it to be very helpful:

http://www.hamsterhideout.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10517

Dwarf hamsters are often biters, more so than Syrian hamsters.  It will definitely take time for them to be tamed, and to be comfortable in their new surroundings.  First, it is always recommended that once you bring your new hamsters home, you shouldn't touch them for 48 hours.  This 48-hour period helps the hamsters to get adjusted to their new homes, complete with new sights, sounds, and smells.  It also reduces their stress.  Once the 2 days are up, then you can slowly begin handling them and taming them.  When you go to pick them up, don't surprise them - hamsters are prone to biting when they're surprised.  Rather, place a treat, such as a plain Cheerio, in the palm of your hand, and place your hand flat on the bottom of  the cage.  If your hamsters nibble on your fingers, try not to jerk your hand back.  Let one of the hamsters find the treat, and then scoop it up with both hands.  Sit down on the floor while you're handling your hamster, so that if he jumps, he won't have far to fall.

To prevent the biting, you can wear thick gloves on your hands until you're comfortable that your hamsters won't bite you anymore.  Or, there's this product that you can find in pet stores called Bitter Lime Spray (or Gel).  Spray or rub it on your hands before you handle your hamsters.  If a hamster tries to bite your hand, he'll get a taste of the bitter lime, and he won't want to bite your hand again.  (Another tip: Don't wake the hamster suddenly.  If you want to handle him, and he's asleep, gently rub his back.  Let him roam around the cage for a few minutes to wake up and get water or do his business.)

Your hamsters will learn to get along in their new arrangement.  They're just confused because all of a sudden, it's just the two of them alone together.  (Kind of like when the last egg leaves the nest :)  Squeaking is normal.  However, if you notice blood on the hamster, you'll need to separate them.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Have a great holiday weekend,

Kelly