How To Care for a Hamster That Bites

Hamsters are small and easy to take care of.hamsters bite if they are startled or restless.While biting is not a behavioral problem to be trained away as with other pets like horses or dogs, it is something you can avoid.You can have more fun with your small furry friend if you are careful around your hamster.

Step 1: You should clean your hands.

Hamsters can navigate by smell because they don't have great eyesight.Your hamster might bite your hand if it smells like food.If you are going to reach into the cage for any reason, make sure you clean your hands so your hamster knows you're safe and friendly.

Step 2: Give your hamster something to chew on.

Hamster teeth will grow for the rest of their lives.To keep them from getting too long or sharp, give your hamster something to gnaw on.This will make bites less painful for your hamster.

Step 3: Find a place to keep your pet.

You do not want your hamster running around while you clean the cage.It might bite as you move around the cage.Take it out and put it somewhere that it can't get loose.A small animal carrier is a good place to stay.A hamster ball isn't a good idea.If you put your hamster in a ball, you need to keep an eye on it at all times to make sure it doesn't get overheated, or roll the ball down the stairs or to another place it can get hurt.It is hard to do when you are cleaning the cage.

Step 4: If your hamster is injured, check it out.

Hamsters that are hurt may become more aggressive and bite to show their pain.When you take your hamster to the vet, make sure you wear gloves.Not eating, bleeding, swelling, limping, labored breathing, squeaks, and cries of pain are some of the signs that suggest your hamster is injured.There is a serious disease called wet tail.If your hamster gets wet and stays that way, you need to take it to the vet.Make sure you clean out the cages as wet tail comes from them.

Step 5: Take care of your hamster.

Hamsters don't like being handled.When you get a new hamster, put your hands near it slowly.It will condition him to your presence.If you introduce a hamster to a new cage, leave it alone for a few days to get used to the new surroundings.Place your hand in the cage when the hamster is awake after a few days.Don't go near it.Allow the hamster to come to you.A good way to encourage your hamster to check out your hand is with treats.Once you're comfortable with your hand, you can pick up the hamster.To scoop it up securely, cup your hands under the belly.

Step 6: Make sure your pet is awake.

When they sleep, hamsters can bite and get very grumpy.It is better for you to sleep with your pet than to pick it up and play with it.Hamsters are nocturnal and less active during the day.In the early evening, your hamster will most likely be active and willing to be touched.

Step 7: Your hamster should be given some exercise.

hamsters bite because they are bored or restlessMake sure your hamster has something to do.You can take it out of the cage and let it run around without being watched.Plastic tubes can be explored in the cage.

Step 8: Gloves are worn.

Gloves are a good idea if you have a sick or aggressive hamster.If you want to keep your hamster's teeth out of your skin, you should use thick gardening gloves.

Step 9: Stay calm.

If you are bitten, do not do things that will make the hamster jump.Do not shout or shake at your hamster.This will make it more likely that it will bite again.Slowly lower the hamster back into the cage if you hold it when it bites you.The hamster should let go of its grip.Slowly pry its jaws open to get your skin out of its mouth.

Step 10: Take care of the wound.

If the teeth are long, hamster bites can break the skin, but for the most part it should be treated as a minor wound.Place a clean cloth on the wound and wash it with soap and water.If the bite creates a deep puncture wound, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth, and get to a doctor as soon as possible.

Step 11: Bandage the wound.

You want to make sure you don't get an infection after cleaning up the bite area.After applying an antibiotic cream to the cut, cover it with a clean bandage.The entire wound should be covered by the bandage.

Step 12: Symptoms of other diseases can be seen.

Like other animals, hamster bites can transmit diseases to humans.If you are bitten, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for other signs of a more serious problem, like pain, and failure to heal around the bite area.You should contact a doctor if you see more serious signs after a hamster bite.hamsters have very rare diseases.Unless the hamster is sick and acting strange, you are probably not in danger.Go to your doctor if you suspect the hamster is sick.