BillysMa

I have only dealt with Russian hamsters a handful of times. I was given one to babysit for a while with the intentions of training him to be handled ok, as the owner was sick of being nipped and was ready to give up. It only took a matter of a day or two until he was fine with me.

But is it true that this is a common trait within the Russians? And are some totally untrainable?

Luvmykitty

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a Russian hamster. What's the difference from a Russian to an ordinary hamster?

I'd love for you to share any tips on training a hamster not to bite. This is one thing I haven't had any luck with. It seems whenever we get a new hamster, it either starts off mellow or never stops nipping.

BillysMa

Russians are actually Russian dwarf hamsters. They tend to be a brown and ruddy looking colour with black flecks throughout their fur.

As to training them the biggest thing is confidence and perseverance. A hamster needs to feel secure and know that you won't drop them. Being picked up in a confident rather than shaky manner helps that. Also, when they learn that you won't put them back in the cage if they bite you, then they tend to stop pretty fast because they know it won't do them any good.

I would not recommend trying to reach into the cage and pet them. They are likely to just turn around a nip. With a new or frisky hamster I reach in quickly, scruff them and bring them out onto my hand. No chance for them to bite me and then they are in my world, not their territory. Beware jumping of course, be ready to give chase and have a box handy to trap one if needs be! They don't come back like rats do!

I haven't had a single one not eventually tame.