Many owners of domestic hamsters take offense at pets - it seems that there is enough food, and there are no affection, and there are no external stimuli - and the hamster bites, and it is quite painful. Why does the animal behave this way and can it be re-educated?
Tooth test is the way the hamster interacts with the world. Still, it is not for nothing that he belongs to the order of rodents. Trying something interesting or, on the contrary, annoying is a completely normal reaction of an animal. Moreover, hamsters can eat especially annoying things to get rid of the problem forever.
However, the owners are upset that the hamster bites the hand, which is trying to take or pet it. There may be several reasons. First of all, the hamster can be attracted by the smell of food coming from the owner's fingers. Trying to see if there is something tasty in your hand is a natural reaction of the animal.
Sometimes an animal attacks in fright - for example, if they want to remove it from the cage. To prevent this from happening, do not grab the hamster suddenly, from above. Better calmly, without sudden movements, bring your hand from the side of the animal's face so that it understands your intentions. Give him a chance to sniff his hand and then gently grab the hamster.
Biting can be the result of overexcitation or, on the contrary, a form of communication and affection. If the hamster is lightly rubbing its fingers with its teeth, it is most likely just playing. But a single, sharp and painful bite is a sign of irritation. Do not insist on communication, leave the animal alone and it will calm down.
Aggressiveness may also depend on the nature of the animal. There are animals prone to biting - this is how they communicate with owners and other pets. There are times when normally calm hamsters can become irritable. For example, the behavior of a pregnant female often changes not for the better - this is due to a change in hormonal levels. In the presence of a female in the hunt, the male can behave more aggressively - including towards the owner. However, with the elimination of hormonal stimuli, hamsters bounce back.
It is very difficult to wean the animal from biting. You should not punish your pet for inappropriate behavior - he simply will not understand the owner. However, domestication and a calm environment make him more affectionate and outgoing and, as a result, less aggressive.
