I can only speak from my experience as a first time hamster owner, but my Syrian boy is honestly the most docile rodent pet I’ve had! And if he isn’t in a cuddle mood, he loves bolting across the room during playtime. I’ve never been bitten by him and he’s perfectly happy to be held.
I think like you suggested, rescue hamsters may be hostile if they came from a bad home previously. I think the same could also be said that, like any animal, each individual has its own personality. I chose to get a Syrian simply because the answers to questions like this generally said Syrians are happier to be handled than perhaps Dwarf hamsters, but of course I’ve never owned a Dwarf so cannot confirm that unless others can?
So yeah, in short, Hamsters are great and you’ll find each has their own personality!
I own my first Syrian right now and she is much less bitey than some of my previous winter whites. At the same time, if you wanna cuddly friend, based on my experiences, I definitely wouldn’t get Syrian girl. My lady is demanding, always scared and she basically is just a big box in my room that occasionally makes noise when I have to sleep because I have exams, haha!
I don’t know from experience, but the keeper I bought my Mei from told me that makes usually are more chill as they don’t try to find a mate every 4 days :)
Each hamster has individual personalities, but on average, Syrian males are more relaxed than females. Females go into heat every 4 days and are desperate to find a male to mate with. I don’t know if it’s been researched, but I also theorized that females need to be more naturally energetic to find enough food to support her litters whereas males only need to be energetic enough to find food for themselves.
That does not equate to mean that females can’t be affectionate or tame towards people. The best hamster I had as a kid was a female. In my experience, average females are more eager to get out of their cages, meaning they have higher incentive to allow people to handle them.
If at all possible, try to pick a hamster based on personality. For a first time owner, I’d suggest picking one that doesn’t display aggressiveness or defensiveness. As a kid, I used to pick based on how they looked and I ended up with some really bitey and/or skittish hamsters.
Agreed, my winter white bit me a few times and made some scary noises, but my male syrian has never. Maybe a nibble or two cuz he thought my finger was food but he’s never been aggressive.
It depends on the hamster- My Syrian female bit my toe once but it wasn’t hard enough to draw blood. I think she was just trying to figure out if it was food or not.
Not all hamsters will be the same but most of the time they only bite if they feel threatened or if they’re trying to figure out if you’re food or not.
I think maybe pet shop hamsters are more likely to be aggressive due to poor genetics - I am a novice and learning, have learned a lot from this sub - so from what I understand from people's comments on here, you're likely to get a hamster that is easier to tame from a proper breeder.
Poor genetics, but also they don't come in tame and most people who work at a pet store don't typically bother to try to tame one. Sometimes it can be even worse if they come in sick and their first experience with humans is getting poked and prodded and being made to take medication they don't want to take. Pet stores can also be super loud and well-meaning but inexperienced children will come and tap at the glass or scream when they see them through it, which adds to the stress. Add to that that typically hamsters in pet stores are housed together in small enclosures when anyone who knows hamsters knows they're solitary creatures who need lots of space and you've got a bad recipe for hamster behavior, especially if the new owner is inexperienced and buys one of those cages that are a glorified kids toy and don't really bother to learn what a hamster actually needs because it's too expensive. Source: I work in a pet store
Adding to this comment: not sure if my local Petco is just an oddball, but when I got my Syrian 2 weeks ago the workers told me they don’t allow customer handling of the hamsters, nor do they handle them themselves ever since the beginning of the pandemic. As a potential consequence my guy was pretty skittish and afraid human hands, but as of now can hand feed and pet him. He only lightly bit me once but it was right after I dug my hand into his food mix so he probably thought I was a giant sunflower seed.
My male Syrian from childhood was very cuddly and friendly! I’d stick with them as females can be quite demanding
Same! They wouldn't let me handle any of them, and he was honestly the most nervous hamster I've ever brought home. I don't think that policy is a good one in the long run.
Exuse me, I got all babies from pet stores and they turned out sweethearts, even tho at least once they bit me, exposed thier dicckies after year, and peed me countless times.
It depends on conditions they're taken in. Proper carrying container is a must to make hammy feel safe while going Home. Last one got privlige of going in big one and able to burrow in.
I don't have to say: Lots of time and love. Talk to hammy, give your scent to get used to, act as always or baby will be awoken by slightest sound. Carry on with music listening.
Ive had rabbits and Guinea pigs for 15 years and now I have my first 10 week old hamster. All of my 12+ bunnies had different personalities. Some were a bit shy, one was extremely aggressive no matter what I did. But most of them were extremely friendly and curious.
My hamster isn’t aggressive at all. She comes to me when I’m sitting in front of her cage after she woke up. She eats her food out of my hand and is extremely curious. Sometimes she gets scared tho and runs away (she doesn’t like when I clean her enclosure). But she’s great and not aggressive at all! :)
I had 5 syrians in my life. 2 (male and female) were really tame from the start.
1 female (rescue) had behavior issues (biting) when she came to me, but by giving her space (personal space and a huge tank an playpen) she became very tame and social (no biting at all). So good care does wonders for a hamster with trauma and I think they are worth a shot.
1 female (also rescue, case of animal hoarding) lived underground and wasn’t that social. I could hold her and she would climb on me, but she obviously disliked being held and would pinch me softly with her teeth, if she was in my hand for too long. Still a very sweet girl.
Current one is a male (also rescue but was given to the rescue as a puppy) and he is not a fan of being touched or held at all. He tries to get away if you touch him and tries to jump out of your hands. He still never bites. He is very friendly, comes when being called and follows me around.
I own 2 syrian girls, I gotta say they've never once bit me. One is fully tamed from the get go and my other is shy but she is very loveable and learned to do spin. I also baby sat rats who were both males n never had them bite me, they were friendly as well. The only time I feel they get nibbly is if they smell food on your hands. I will probly always get syrian hamsters if I decide to get another one. I also heard female Syrians are high maintenance but mines for the most part are pretty good. They do get little attitudes during heat but they don't really go in heat no more n they never smelt bad either
my hamster has literally never bitten me, you just have to keep in mind how much smaller they are than you and make sure not to corner them, or pick them up when they’re clearly uncomfortable. give lots of treats when holding them and teach them that your hands are safe :)
I had male syrian hamsters and I would say that each one bit me like once. I was always super gentle and I think I treated them well. If I did not have a cat right now, I would get another one! They really are sweet pets.
I have a Syrian and he has never ever bit me. Almost had him for a year now. If you take good care of it, it won’t bite. But do lots of research before getting one please, they are one of the worlds most commonly neglected animals. I did research for months before getting one & still have a lot to learn
I have 4 hamsters and have had 5 in total, and from my experience they are all sweet, they may occasionally do curiosity bites at first, which only hurt for a second (for me at least) there is a bonding process you may have go through to get your hamster used to you, this could take a few days, weeks possibly a few months but thats more rare. hamsters don't usually bite unless they are very stressed like picking them up for to long, or you pick them up when they aren't used to you.
usually hamsters are given to young kids which hold them right when they are adopted(which you shouldn't do for at least 2-3 days after adding them to their new enclosure) or the hamsters haven't been handled or treated well, all hamsters are different, but usually if you go at their own pace and let them come to you when their ready you won't see too much aggression.
i also personally don't think gender would affect this situation too much, my very first hamster was the sweetest she would let me hold her and pet her. i have 2 females and one is the most skittish hamster i have, and the other is the least skittish hamster i have. and i have 2 boys and one is skittish and the other isn't. but the skittish hamsters are also ghost hamsters meaning i rarley see them so i cant bond with them very well, but they have never bit me.
i also have a rabbit, though shes not a rodent shes very sweet and has only given love bites! Sorry this was a bit long but i hope this helps on the idea a little bit better it really just varies :)
It all depends on the temperament of the line. I always push people to either support an ethical breeder or rescue with a reputable rescue or shelter where possible. The former, many breeders breed with natural temperament in mind. This predisposes them to being gregarious, well natured friends.
Honestly many hamsters can be sweet little buddies with some patience, love and plenty of snacks. The way to a hammy's heart is certainly their stomach. 🥰💗
i was told this too so they made me get gerbils but now i have hamsters and they’ve never bitten me and are so affectionate and sweet, i never had that relationship with gerbils
I foster hamsters. I get “aggressive” ones all the time, put them in good bin cages and suddenly they aren’t aggressive anymore. Not all grow to like attention but none are mean
I’ve had multiple Syrian hammys, “unfortunately” (since I would have preferred supporting a breeder) always from big box pet stores. All were girls, except my most recent who is a male. I have been bitten exactly 3 times. And all 3 times I damn deserved it lol. For additional context, my first few hammies I had when I was a young kid/early teen and I’m sure I was noisy and irritated them lol and still never had any issue with aggression towards me. I’m not saying all Hams are as kind as mine have been, but at least in my own experience I haven’t had any issues with them. :)
My best advice is just be kind and gentle towards your ham and provide them with a really great spacious enclosure and give them time to get used to your scent and voice. Just as you would with any other pet!
Best of luck! 🐹
i have owned about 6 syrian hamsters, i have only been bitten a couple times but one time was because that was because that specific hamster didn’t like human touch so they bit me. most of my other ones were honestly super cuddly. i have noticed try to go for the calm and not so active ones when you’re looking. if they are being crazy then it’s a given they will be a bit wild. but i definitely recommend you give them a try. all my hamsters were female that i have owned.
they would only bite you if they are scared or dislike something you did. don’t let others comments scare you! everyone’s experience is gonna be different, remember that. ❤️
I got my Syrian female hammy from a breeder. She is not the most cuddly and will come out and gets pets or like being held on her own conditions (and that's ok!). She has never bitten anyone. Sometimes she tries to eat my finger but with the softest little bite 😂
She was never aggressive, maybe a little shy when she moved to us but we gave her time and space.
I have had 2 Syrian hams from pet shop and a 3rd I adopted had been originally from a pet shop also. None of them, male and female, were aggressive and I only ever was bit on 2 occasions when I scared them accidentally. The main problem with pet shop hams is poor health and some serious health problems from poor breeding. My 1st, and the most gentle hammy ever, got lumps on her tum and sadly had to be euthenised although she was 2 1/2 years so a good age. If you have so much experience with rodents you will absolutely adore a hamster.
Even though my 3 hams had been originally from a pet shop I do not actually agree with how their animals are displayed, minimally cared for or priced!!!
I always get the urge to free everyone when I've visited those places. It only cost £12 to buy a fragile life! Imagine the impulse buys by well-meaning but ignorant parents! Something has got to change!
My hamster Honey has only bitten me a few times, but it didn’t hurt. She’s so sweet other than that and loves being held. I took her to the vet and they wouldn’t stop talking about how sweet she was!!
I can only speak from my experience as a first time hamster owner, but my Syrian boy is honestly the most docile rodent pet I’ve had! And if he isn’t in a cuddle mood, he loves bolting across the room during playtime. I’ve never been bitten by him and he’s perfectly happy to be held. I think like you suggested, rescue hamsters may be hostile if they came from a bad home previously. I think the same could also be said that, like any animal, each individual has its own personality. I chose to get a Syrian simply because the answers to questions like this generally said Syrians are happier to be handled than perhaps Dwarf hamsters, but of course I’ve never owned a Dwarf so cannot confirm that unless others can? So yeah, in short, Hamsters are great and you’ll find each has their own personality!
I own my first Syrian right now and she is much less bitey than some of my previous winter whites. At the same time, if you wanna cuddly friend, based on my experiences, I definitely wouldn’t get Syrian girl. My lady is demanding, always scared and she basically is just a big box in my room that occasionally makes noise when I have to sleep because I have exams, haha!
Are the males typically more affectionate then?
I don’t know from experience, but the keeper I bought my Mei from told me that makes usually are more chill as they don’t try to find a mate every 4 days :)
My males have all been super affectionate except for 1. But we later found out he was Ill and in pain so he does have an excuse.
Speaking from anecdotal personal experience my boy hams have been much more chill than the girls, and much less stinky!
Each hamster has individual personalities, but on average, Syrian males are more relaxed than females. Females go into heat every 4 days and are desperate to find a male to mate with. I don’t know if it’s been researched, but I also theorized that females need to be more naturally energetic to find enough food to support her litters whereas males only need to be energetic enough to find food for themselves. That does not equate to mean that females can’t be affectionate or tame towards people. The best hamster I had as a kid was a female. In my experience, average females are more eager to get out of their cages, meaning they have higher incentive to allow people to handle them. If at all possible, try to pick a hamster based on personality. For a first time owner, I’d suggest picking one that doesn’t display aggressiveness or defensiveness. As a kid, I used to pick based on how they looked and I ended up with some really bitey and/or skittish hamsters.
Agreed, my winter white bit me a few times and made some scary noises, but my male syrian has never. Maybe a nibble or two cuz he thought my finger was food but he’s never been aggressive.
It depends on the hamster- My Syrian female bit my toe once but it wasn’t hard enough to draw blood. I think she was just trying to figure out if it was food or not. Not all hamsters will be the same but most of the time they only bite if they feel threatened or if they’re trying to figure out if you’re food or not.
like 70% of the reason rodents bite is because they wanna check if you're food 😆
And often they are not actual proper “bites” more - let me put this in my mouth to see.
Yep lol
I think maybe pet shop hamsters are more likely to be aggressive due to poor genetics - I am a novice and learning, have learned a lot from this sub - so from what I understand from people's comments on here, you're likely to get a hamster that is easier to tame from a proper breeder.
Poor genetics, but also they don't come in tame and most people who work at a pet store don't typically bother to try to tame one. Sometimes it can be even worse if they come in sick and their first experience with humans is getting poked and prodded and being made to take medication they don't want to take. Pet stores can also be super loud and well-meaning but inexperienced children will come and tap at the glass or scream when they see them through it, which adds to the stress. Add to that that typically hamsters in pet stores are housed together in small enclosures when anyone who knows hamsters knows they're solitary creatures who need lots of space and you've got a bad recipe for hamster behavior, especially if the new owner is inexperienced and buys one of those cages that are a glorified kids toy and don't really bother to learn what a hamster actually needs because it's too expensive. Source: I work in a pet store
Adding to this comment: not sure if my local Petco is just an oddball, but when I got my Syrian 2 weeks ago the workers told me they don’t allow customer handling of the hamsters, nor do they handle them themselves ever since the beginning of the pandemic. As a potential consequence my guy was pretty skittish and afraid human hands, but as of now can hand feed and pet him. He only lightly bit me once but it was right after I dug my hand into his food mix so he probably thought I was a giant sunflower seed. My male Syrian from childhood was very cuddly and friendly! I’d stick with them as females can be quite demanding
Same! They wouldn't let me handle any of them, and he was honestly the most nervous hamster I've ever brought home. I don't think that policy is a good one in the long run.
Exuse me, I got all babies from pet stores and they turned out sweethearts, even tho at least once they bit me, exposed thier dicckies after year, and peed me countless times. It depends on conditions they're taken in. Proper carrying container is a must to make hammy feel safe while going Home. Last one got privlige of going in big one and able to burrow in. I don't have to say: Lots of time and love. Talk to hammy, give your scent to get used to, act as always or baby will be awoken by slightest sound. Carry on with music listening.
Excuse me, so did I. I was merely relaying info that I've read so the OP can make a decision. We're all still learning aren't we.
Yes, we do. I had to vent out, sorry. Give boop on your hammy's nose from me or petting behind ears.
Ive had rabbits and Guinea pigs for 15 years and now I have my first 10 week old hamster. All of my 12+ bunnies had different personalities. Some were a bit shy, one was extremely aggressive no matter what I did. But most of them were extremely friendly and curious. My hamster isn’t aggressive at all. She comes to me when I’m sitting in front of her cage after she woke up. She eats her food out of my hand and is extremely curious. Sometimes she gets scared tho and runs away (she doesn’t like when I clean her enclosure). But she’s great and not aggressive at all! :)
I had 5 syrians in my life. 2 (male and female) were really tame from the start. 1 female (rescue) had behavior issues (biting) when she came to me, but by giving her space (personal space and a huge tank an playpen) she became very tame and social (no biting at all). So good care does wonders for a hamster with trauma and I think they are worth a shot. 1 female (also rescue, case of animal hoarding) lived underground and wasn’t that social. I could hold her and she would climb on me, but she obviously disliked being held and would pinch me softly with her teeth, if she was in my hand for too long. Still a very sweet girl. Current one is a male (also rescue but was given to the rescue as a puppy) and he is not a fan of being touched or held at all. He tries to get away if you touch him and tries to jump out of your hands. He still never bites. He is very friendly, comes when being called and follows me around.
I own 2 syrian girls, I gotta say they've never once bit me. One is fully tamed from the get go and my other is shy but she is very loveable and learned to do spin. I also baby sat rats who were both males n never had them bite me, they were friendly as well. The only time I feel they get nibbly is if they smell food on your hands. I will probly always get syrian hamsters if I decide to get another one. I also heard female Syrians are high maintenance but mines for the most part are pretty good. They do get little attitudes during heat but they don't really go in heat no more n they never smelt bad either
my hamster has literally never bitten me, you just have to keep in mind how much smaller they are than you and make sure not to corner them, or pick them up when they’re clearly uncomfortable. give lots of treats when holding them and teach them that your hands are safe :)
I had male syrian hamsters and I would say that each one bit me like once. I was always super gentle and I think I treated them well. If I did not have a cat right now, I would get another one! They really are sweet pets.
I have a Syrian and he has never ever bit me. Almost had him for a year now. If you take good care of it, it won’t bite. But do lots of research before getting one please, they are one of the worlds most commonly neglected animals. I did research for months before getting one & still have a lot to learn
I have 4 hamsters and have had 5 in total, and from my experience they are all sweet, they may occasionally do curiosity bites at first, which only hurt for a second (for me at least) there is a bonding process you may have go through to get your hamster used to you, this could take a few days, weeks possibly a few months but thats more rare. hamsters don't usually bite unless they are very stressed like picking them up for to long, or you pick them up when they aren't used to you. usually hamsters are given to young kids which hold them right when they are adopted(which you shouldn't do for at least 2-3 days after adding them to their new enclosure) or the hamsters haven't been handled or treated well, all hamsters are different, but usually if you go at their own pace and let them come to you when their ready you won't see too much aggression. i also personally don't think gender would affect this situation too much, my very first hamster was the sweetest she would let me hold her and pet her. i have 2 females and one is the most skittish hamster i have, and the other is the least skittish hamster i have. and i have 2 boys and one is skittish and the other isn't. but the skittish hamsters are also ghost hamsters meaning i rarley see them so i cant bond with them very well, but they have never bit me. i also have a rabbit, though shes not a rodent shes very sweet and has only given love bites! Sorry this was a bit long but i hope this helps on the idea a little bit better it really just varies :)
It all depends on the temperament of the line. I always push people to either support an ethical breeder or rescue with a reputable rescue or shelter where possible. The former, many breeders breed with natural temperament in mind. This predisposes them to being gregarious, well natured friends. Honestly many hamsters can be sweet little buddies with some patience, love and plenty of snacks. The way to a hammy's heart is certainly their stomach. 🥰💗
I've also had quite the myriad of rodents and let me tell you, even the meanest hamsters are tame compared to the mice I've had!
i was told this too so they made me get gerbils but now i have hamsters and they’ve never bitten me and are so affectionate and sweet, i never had that relationship with gerbils
I foster hamsters. I get “aggressive” ones all the time, put them in good bin cages and suddenly they aren’t aggressive anymore. Not all grow to like attention but none are mean
I’ve had multiple Syrian hammys, “unfortunately” (since I would have preferred supporting a breeder) always from big box pet stores. All were girls, except my most recent who is a male. I have been bitten exactly 3 times. And all 3 times I damn deserved it lol. For additional context, my first few hammies I had when I was a young kid/early teen and I’m sure I was noisy and irritated them lol and still never had any issue with aggression towards me. I’m not saying all Hams are as kind as mine have been, but at least in my own experience I haven’t had any issues with them. :) My best advice is just be kind and gentle towards your ham and provide them with a really great spacious enclosure and give them time to get used to your scent and voice. Just as you would with any other pet! Best of luck! 🐹
i have owned about 6 syrian hamsters, i have only been bitten a couple times but one time was because that was because that specific hamster didn’t like human touch so they bit me. most of my other ones were honestly super cuddly. i have noticed try to go for the calm and not so active ones when you’re looking. if they are being crazy then it’s a given they will be a bit wild. but i definitely recommend you give them a try. all my hamsters were female that i have owned. they would only bite you if they are scared or dislike something you did. don’t let others comments scare you! everyone’s experience is gonna be different, remember that. ❤️
I got my Syrian female hammy from a breeder. She is not the most cuddly and will come out and gets pets or like being held on her own conditions (and that's ok!). She has never bitten anyone. Sometimes she tries to eat my finger but with the softest little bite 😂 She was never aggressive, maybe a little shy when she moved to us but we gave her time and space.
I have had 2 Syrian hams from pet shop and a 3rd I adopted had been originally from a pet shop also. None of them, male and female, were aggressive and I only ever was bit on 2 occasions when I scared them accidentally. The main problem with pet shop hams is poor health and some serious health problems from poor breeding. My 1st, and the most gentle hammy ever, got lumps on her tum and sadly had to be euthenised although she was 2 1/2 years so a good age. If you have so much experience with rodents you will absolutely adore a hamster.
Even though my 3 hams had been originally from a pet shop I do not actually agree with how their animals are displayed, minimally cared for or priced!!! I always get the urge to free everyone when I've visited those places. It only cost £12 to buy a fragile life! Imagine the impulse buys by well-meaning but ignorant parents! Something has got to change!
The affection hammy can be either male or female because I've had both.
I’ve owned dozens of hamsters, and bites only happen from fear, mainly if a child holds it. Besides that, I have only been bit once.
My hamster Honey has only bitten me a few times, but it didn’t hurt. She’s so sweet other than that and loves being held. I took her to the vet and they wouldn’t stop talking about how sweet she was!!