Q&A for How to Have Fun With Your Hamster

Hamsters have poor eyesight so it could be that your hamster smells the food but doesn't see your hand and accidentally chomps down on a finger. To make friends, try offering the treat on a teaspoon. Be sure to have clean hands (not smelling of food), and, once he's happy with the hand in the cage, try touching him gently.

Nibbling is the hamster's way of investigating whether something is food or not. It is a type of exploratory behavior rather than fear-based or aggressive. If your hamster is a nibbler, always wash your hands before handling him or he may mistake the smell as meaning your hand is food and bite harder!

There are two things to consider here: how frightened the hamster is and how safe he is. If he is relaxed in your palm and is happy to groom himself whilst resting there, then with care you could carry him around. However, there is a risk that if he took fright or you tripped, he could fall out of your hand, which could cause him serious injury.

It's likely he's fearful, and handling him makes him defensive, which results in a bite. Work on building his trust by feeding treats from a spoon. Once he gets bolder and starts approaching the spoon, get him used to seeing your hand while you talk quietly. Take things slowly, and don't force him to do anything.