Biting Habits of the Siberian Dwarf Hamster

Siberian dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorusare) are also known as striped hairy-footed hamsters and Russian winter white dwarf hamsters. They make great pets but can bite. Siberian dwarf hamsters do not go out of their way to bite people or other Siberian dwarf hamsters. They bite as a means of self-defense. By getting to know dwarf hamster behavior, the hamster keeper can avoid getting bitten.

  1. Poor Vision

    • All pet hamster species have poor vision. This is because they are nocturnal. In the wild, hamsters come out from their burrows at dusk and search miles across the arid deserts and grasslands to find food. Siberian hamsters will not recognize any people by sight -- even their owners. But they will recognize people by smell and sound, according to "Training Your Pet Hamster." Instead of immediately reaching into a cage to pick up a Siberian hamster, slowly place a hand into the cage, making soft sounds and wait for the hamster to come to the hand.

    Sleepiness

    • Never wake a sleeping Siberian dwarf hamster, unless it's an absolute emergency. They will bite in self defense if suddenly woken up. If the hamster lays on its back and hisses, this is a warning that it will bite. Leave it alone. Hamsters sleep during the day. and wake up by yawning, stretching and self-grooming. Handle a hamster after it has self-groomed, advises "Training Your Pet Hamster."

    Expert Advice

    • Always wash your hands before handling a Siberian dwarf hamster, especially after handling or preparing food. If fingers smell like food, the dwarf hamster will bite. Since hamster eyesight is so poor, hamsters cannot distinguish human hands from food just by sight, but by smell and touch.

    Boredom

    • Dwarf hamsters will incessantly bite metal bars or any part of their cages when bored. This habit is not only creates annoying noises, but can also break the hamster's teeth. Dwarf hamsters possess plenty of energy. They need toys such as a wheel in order to keep them from getting bored and trying to escape. Hamsters' teeth grow throughout their lives, so they need plenty of hard treats to gnaw on, such as wooden chew sticks or small pieces of unflavored dog biscuit.

    Illness

    • Siberian dwarf hamsters will bite if they are in pain. Again, this is a form of self-defense. If a normally friendly dwarf hamster suddenly bites when touched, the hamster needs to be watched closely for signs of illness or injury. Wear work gloves when handling ill or injured hamsters to protect fingers from bites. Other signs of an injured or sick hamster include sitting in a constant hunched position, lack of appetite or a scruffy appearance.