My Hamster BITES!

Question
I recently got a dwarf syrian hamster and she seems very anti-social and BITES! I had another hamster before (a golden hamster, I think) and she was very socialble and more tame. Do you think that this hamster is just mean or just isn't used to me/people. I really like to have hamsters that I can pick up and have out, but this one doesn't have that personality!!

Answer
Hi Kim,

I think you mean either Dwarf Siberian or Dwarf Campbell's; a Syrian (Golden) hamster is the bigger, more common hamster :)  Dwarf hamsters take longer to tame than Golden hamsters.  If your hamster is young, you can get her another female hamster of the same breed and age, and introduce them slowly in a clean cage.  Dwarf hamsters are naturally sociable and prefer living in pairs or small groups.  However, it is possible to have a friendly Dwarf who lives alone (I actually have 2 types of Dwarves that live alone and they are very friendly).  You'll just have to be patient and keep handling her gently for a few minutes at a time, a few times a day, so that she can get used to you and grow more comfortable.  If the biting bothers you, you can wear gloves when you handle her.  Or you can spray this stuff called Bitter Lime (found at pet stores, usually marketed for ferrets, very safe for all small animals) on your hands - hamsters hate the taste, and she won't bite you with it on your hands.
Yes, Dwarf hamsters are temperamental, but be patient and kind to her, and she'll soon respond.

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

Kelly