Russian Dwarf Hamster Hissing? – What To Do…

There are many causes for Russian dwarf hamster hissing.

For an owner, it may make you think like you are doing something wrong. Today you are going to learn:

  1. Why Russian dwarf hamsters hiss
  2. Common behavior when biting and hissing
  3. How to stop your dwarf hamster hissing

Why Is My Dwarf Hamster Hissing At Me?


Hamster hissing is very similar to when a cat hisses.

When a hamster hisses, this is a sign of aggression towards something they may feel is a threat. Every hamster can hiss when they want to but will only do this when feeling trapped, in danger or cornered.

Some hamsters are mistreated at a young age and can develop hissing behavior towards almost everything. We will look at a way to solve this later down the page.

What does hissing look like?Hamster_fight

All types of hamsters including Syrian, Chinese, Roborovski and Russian dwarfs will do this action in the same way.

Normally they will stand on their back feet, open mouth and flare teeth. This is a warning that a bite and aggressive behavior will come.

See picture on the right, this is very similar behavior.

Common Behavior With Hissing & Biting Russian Dwarfs


Campbell's Russian dwarf Hamster Facts

A Russian Dwarf Hamster That Doesn’t Hiss Or Bite Anymore

Not only do they hiss and bite. But you may also notice a strange smell that comes from between their legs.

This is another warning sign that is normally used for marking territory. The scent that they produce is strong and in the wild is used to ward of predators.

If your hamster is hissing at you, spraying and also biting then there may be a problem with your hamster. Possibly an infection, miss handled at young or even in pain.

A trip to the vet can always find out what’s wrong.

In the next stage, we are going to look at how to stop your dwarf hamster hissing, biting and spraying foul smells.

How to Stop Your Russian Dwarf Hamster Hissing and Biting


Pets that show aggression towards their owners need to be tamed.

But what does taming do? Taming, is an excellent way to build up a strong relationship with your pet hamster. Taming will allow your dwarf to realize that you mean no harm.

Generally if a dwarf hamster is hissing, biting you or spraying smelly fluids, then it feels in danger around you. This can easily change when your hamster feels safe around you. This is why taming your hamster will stop hissing and biting.

If you own a Russian, or any type of dwarf hamster and experiencing any of the above. I recommend you see our Video guide – How to Tame a Russian Dwarf Hamster by clicking here.

Alternatively if you still have questions, please leave a comment below…

My Russian Dwarf Hamster Keeps Biting Me?

Your new Russian dwarf hamster is a biter?

Why Is My Russian dwarf hamster keeps biting me

A Beautiful colored Campbell’s Russian Dwarf Hamster Being Held

Having a hamster that bites, may make you feel like you are doing something wrong or your pet does not like you… This is not always true!

Today you are going to learn:

  1. Why dwarf hamsters bite?
  2. What is normal behavior vs problem
  3. How to stop your Russian dwarf hamster biting

My Russian Dwarf Hamster Keeps Biting Me?


Campbell’s, Winter Whites and Russian hamsters show all similar behavior towards a threat. In the wild, they are prey animals and this is one of the reasons why they are nocturnal. Foraging at night is safer.

But why does my Russian dwarf hamster keep biting me and what am I doing wrong?

Dwarf hamsters are half the size of Syrians and are known to be territorial. One of the biggest mistakes that owners do is:Campbell's Russian dwarf Hamster keeps biting

  • Putting your hand in front of your hamsters face (before tamed)
  • Attempting to pick a hamster up before they have fully awoken
  • Picking them up to quickly or in a threatening manner (towards a hamster)

It is very easy to forget that your hand (towards a hamster) is the equivalent to an elephant to a human. When it intrudes within their cage, it may seem like a big scary threat to them. This normally results in your hamster biting your hand due to being frightened.

It is very important that you pick your hammy up with two hands using the scoop method whilst being gentle and quiet. They are easily frightened and bite when feeling threatened. 

What is Normal Behavior VS Problem Biting?


It may be difficult to distinguish the difference between biting and nibbling.

What is Nibbling? – Nibbling is a method rodents use to determine what you are. Food, bedding or skin may be gently tested by a hamster’s mouth. Similar to a bite, a hamster will bite slower and with less intention to hurt you to understand either what you taste like, how you react to it or either to acknowledge you.

What a Defensive Bite Is Like? – When they feel threatened, cornered or in danger a nasty bite will draw blood. This could be a defensive warning or a means of getting your attention. Normally these bites will happen quickly and they may hiss or make a squeaking noise.

What is Hissing? – Hissing is a noise hamsters make when they are angry or threatened. It sounds very similar to a cat hissing. They only do this when they are upset, bite and think you are a predator.

How to Stop Your Russian Biting You?


 

Getting a bite by your Russian dwarf hamster can hurt and discourage you from handling them. No one likes getting bitten!

There are a couple of things to do but the best one I will save till last.

1. Make sure your hamster’s cage/environment is spacious. Rodents may bite because of boredom and chew through their accessories. This can be prevented with a bigger cage/tank. See what we recommend you get here.

2. Have two hammies living together? Maybe one is being bullied by the other and this is why one is biting you. They can be defensive to humans and other hamsters when they grow older, especially 2 males. Learn more about this behaviour here.Dwarf hamster keeps biting me for no reason

3. Our final recommendation and the best one for you. Taming your hamster is an excellent way to get your pet to stop biting, become very handle able and relaxed around you plus others.

Hamsters need taming before they are comfortable with being handled regularly and if you have not tamed your hamster yet, you can learn How to Tame a Russian Dwarf Hamster in 5 Easy Steps Here. 

Our 5 steps to success have helped hundreds around the world and will benefit you if you are experiencing biting, aggressive behaviour or boredom biting. Now that you know what to do, click here to see our taming guide VIDEO…

 

Best Food for a Russian Dwarf Hamster? – Which is Best?

Russian Dwarf Hamster Diet & Food SheetWhich is the best food for Russian dwarf hamsters and where do I find it?

This is a common question from new hammy owners, so we wrote up a Russian dwarf hamster diet list that consists of the best dwarf hamster food that is recommended and trusted by many within the hamster community.

If you are looking for the best fruits & vegetables for dwarf hamsters then see our Care section for everything you will need to know.

Our Russian Dwarf Hamster Food List 


A Russian dwarf hamsters diet is fairly simple, their main diet consists of fortified pellets. Here is our list of foods for dwarf hamsters by well known trusted brands.

1. Oxbow Hamster & Gerbil Food – This is by far one of the best mixes to give your hamster on a daily basis. It contains nothing but natural, good and healthy ingredients whilst helping hamsters keep a balanced diet. We use this for a our Russians and recommend it! Click here to see 37 other hamster reviews.

2. Care fresh Complete – This is a great mix to have for a dwarf hamsters main diet and contains plenty of different types of seeds, nuts and essential goodness for digestion. This is one of the most popular hamster mixes used for Campbell’s,Winter whites and Russian’s when mixed with other treats like sunflower seeds. This mix does not contain sunflower seeds but you can add them.

 

3. Burgess Excel Supa Hamster – This one is for UK residents. It contains a wide range of ingredients including some natural protein as this is what they eat in the wild. Check out the best place to buy in the UK here.

These are the best dwarf hamster foods you can get for daily use. It is advised to use these for their main diets and add treats weekly to vary up their diet. Russian dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, treats should be low on sugar.

Water Is Essential


RussianDwarfHamster.Org The Website For Russian Dwarf HamstersThere is no point your hamster having a great diet with out new water every 2+ days. Especially within the summer months, hamster will need to drink plenty to keep u with their active (at night) lifestyle.

Combining the food list above with fresh water will keep your hamster healthy, prevent diabetes and boost your hammies immune system.

Need more help or want to share which you use? Leave a comment below