Hamsters are very friendly pets if you know how to handle them. On the other hand, just like people, different hamsters have multiple personalities. Some would want to sleep more than others, while others may love to explore and run on the wheel numerous times daily.
Truthfully, it is a wild card when it comes to owning a hamster, especially since you will have to learn how they act. However, one might be concerned with hamsters biting you. In this case, we want to know which hamster bites the least.
Three hamster breeds will bite less than the others: the Dwarf, Syrian, and Chinese hamsters. However, since there are 24 hamster breeds and only five can become your pet, this narrows the search drastically.
Still, it is essential to note that it is not guaranteed that any hamster you own will never bite you. Sometimes, a hamster might get scared by a loud noise, or you might have accidentally hurt it. In this case, you must learn how to properly handle your little fur ball so it can be the happiest hamster you have ever owned!
Today, we will discuss what each hamster type looks like and their personalities. On top of this, you will be learning how to handle your hamster correctly, so it lessens the chance of them biting you.
Afterward, we will talk about some questions people ask regularly, such as, will you get sick if your hamster bites you, or should you be worried when they do bite? This is the ultimate guide for the subject, so we encourage you to continue reading for more information!
What Hamster Species Bites the Least?
As mentioned above, three hamsters will bite you the least. They are the Syrian hamster, Dwarf hamster, and Chinese hamster. However, you might wonder if they have different personalities and what to expect. For example, can you purchase two Chinese hamsters, and will they get along well? We shall see in the end.
1. Syrian Hamsters
Syrian hamsters are the first ones we will discuss today. These hamsters are social creatures regarding human interaction but will fight their fellow hamsters as they are territorial. Having more than one hamster in your household is unadvisable, as even the scent of the other hamsters will lead to frustration.
These hamsters have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell and touch. If you handle your fur baby, wash your hands before and after handling it, as if your hands smell like food, and they might try to nibble at it.
On the other hand, Syrian hamsters are nocturnal, so do not be surprised if you wake up to them running around the wheel multiple times per night. If you can sleep through anything, it should not bother you as much, but if you wake up to every little noise but still want a hamster, it might be best to keep it in a separate room from your sleeping quarters.
Lastly, Syrian hamsters require at least 900 square inches or 40 x 22.5 inches of space. They also need several inches of bedding, so bear that in mind beforehand. This allows them plenty of room to roam around and do as they please.
2. Dwarf Hamsters
You will need to know about a few dwarf hamster species because each has a different personality.
- Russian dwarf hamsters: These are very social animals, and they are also known as the winter white. However, Russian dwarf hamsters can have different color ranges.
- Roborovski (robo) Dwarf hamsters: These hamsters will sleep mainly throughout the day and only weigh a little over 3/4 ounces.
- Campbell Dwarf hamsters: These creatures are curious and easy to handle.
Generally speaking, Dwarf hamsters are amiable creatures that like being held. They are one of the best animals to deal with for a first pet, especially for older children or teenagers.
Dwarf hamsters adjust to their owners quickly but might nibble at your fingers if uncomfortable. It takes a lot of patience and understanding on your part.
Another thing to consider is Dwarf hamsters do not necessarily need other companions. Still, with a large enough cage and some other specific additions, you can keep multiple Dwarf hamsters.
For example, keeping same-sex hamsters together ensures there will be no other babies and lessens the chances of them fighting. Also, putting them together since birth is ideal, as they will become less territorial. Lastly, make sure to give them separate water and food bowls.
3. Chinese Hamsters
The last little critter we will discuss is the Chinese hamster. These animals are tiny and easy to tame as they get used to you quickly. However, sometimes, they might be snippy and skittish, depending on the circumstances.
Playing with these little rodents when awake is essential, as waking them up can cause discomfort and lead to biting. However, when awake, they are fun, especially if they are used to being handled, which typically happens when they are young. Once a Chinese hamster gets used to you, they will become more social and may even go to the side of the cage to check out what you are doing.
Lastly, Chinese hamsters still need a rather large cage, preferably the biggest one you can afford. Although they are tiny creatures, they still need plenty of space. At a minimum, a cage should be 2 feet long, 1 foot high, and 1 foot wide.
Do Hamster Bites Hurt?
Yes, a hamster bite will hurt you. However, a hamster’s bite is more startling than anything else and will not give you massive pain. A hamster bite should be discouraged; we will review how to do so later in this article.
Why Do Hamsters Bite You?
There are several reasons why a hamster will bite, but it is important to note that hamsters are rarely aggressive, as they are docile creatures. Let us review why they bite you below.
1. They Are Scared
Do you have a large dog or cat, or is the TV in your room too loud? Hamsters have susceptible ears and can hear high-frequency noises we might not hear. If a hamster is in your household, keeping things as quiet as possible is best. Better yet, keep them in the room with the door closed off so nothing distracting can go in there and bother them.
For example, if young children love getting into mischief, changing the door handle with a lock and key might be best. That way, they do not barge into the room unannounced, disturbing the peace of your hamster.
Another example is to keep all large animals out of the room, as your dog’s loud barking can become very stressful on the hamster. Not only that, but cats are innate hunters who would love to have your hamster for dinner, so make sure all cats remain outside the room.
2. They Are Territorial
All hamsters are somewhat territorial, even if they have lived with each other their whole lives. Even so, ones that are grown up together from birth will be better behaved than introducing an older hamster to a new one. Still, if you insist on getting multiple hamsters, providing plenty of space and different water and food bowls is essential, as hamsters prefer to avoid sharing.
3. They Are Frustrated
Lastly, hamsters bite due to frustration. This could come in several ways, such as needing more affection from their owner, having a small space, or having little to no stimulation. Also, suppose your hamster has plenty of stimulation, but they are doing the same stuff day in and day out. In that case, they will eventually get bored and frustrated. This is why it is crucial to take them out of the cage occasionally and change things for them occasionally.
Ways to Properly Handle Your Hamster
Before diving deep into other questions, you must learn how to handle your hamster correctly. Otherwise, you run the risk of being bitten frequently. As mentioned earlier, some hamsters might have more outgoing personalities while others are more shy, but all hamsters should be handled the same. Here are some excellent tips and tricks to know before getting one.
1. Let Them Be Awake
If you do not like being woken up from your slumber, especially if you are a parent with a toddler, then a hamster will not want to be woken up either. It is essential to let them sleep as long as they want, or else they will not be the friendliest creatures if you try to hold them.
2. Keep Fingers Out of the Face
Having a finger right by your hamster’s nose or face can be very scary to a tiny little creature like a hamster. In that case, keeping your fingers away from their faces is crucial. This is especially true because Syrian hamsters do not have good eyesight, as mentioned previously.
3. Use the 10 to 15-minute Rule
Ensure you keep your hamster’s visits between 10 and 15 minutes max and do it often. This will help your hamster build confidence as it becomes accustomed to this routine, and your hamster will also realize that it will go back to the safety of its enclosure in no time!
4. Be Gentle
Scoop your hamster up with both hands instead of using one of your fingers. Make sure to stroke them gently, except on the nose or whiskers. Another thing to remember is to make sure you are not jumpy or yell when they do something you do not expect them to do. If it is your first time picking a hamster up, you can use a plastic cup to try it a few times.
Will You Get Sick if a Hamster Bites You?
You will not necessarily get sick if a hamster bites you, but it is extremely wise to consult with your doctor if the skin is broken to see if you need to take further action. Common bacteria inside a hamster’s mouth can lead to an infection.
Other infrequent diseases can be rabies, Francisella tularensis, and potentially lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which can be transmitted through a hamster bite from an infected hamster.
Should You Be Worried if Your Hamster Bites You?
No, you do not necessarily need to be worried unless the wound draws blood or the skin is torn. Make sure to immediately clean the wound with warm water and soap and monitor it to ensure there are no signs of an infection. Some signs include the following:
- Numbness around the bite
- Pus
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Red streaks around the bite
- Fatigue
- Constant pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
What to Do if Your Hamster Is Biting You
Because your hamster is most likely biting you because it is scared, it is essential never to yell, hit, or scold the hamster. Make sure you gently put it back down or use your other hand to pry it off. Another thing to consider is that you should always remain calm.
Which Hamsters Bite the Most?
The hamster that will bite the most is the Roborovski Dwarf hamster, which is unsuitable for children who like hanging out with their hamsters. These critters live between 3 to 4 years and are one of the most miniature hamsters you can get.
On the other hand, Syrian hamsters are among the most tame and would be perfect for children.
Do Some Hamsters Not Bite?
No, all hamsters can bite. However, the hamsters that are handled the most will not bite as they are used to people picking them up.
On the other hand, if a hamster is not typically picked up, it is more susceptible to biting people as it does not wish to be handled. It is important to start when your hamster is young so that it is used to you.
Final Words
To summarize everything in a nutshell, only three hamsters are the least likely to bite. We hope this article has helped you and wish you the best in finding a hamster that works well for you and your lifestyle! If you have any more questions about hamsters, we encourage you to check out our other articles, as we have all the answers you need right here. Until next time!
