My hamster keeps on biting me!!!

[Juubei]

My new hamster always bites me! When I tried to give her food, she turns away even when I placed food in front of her, she just ran back into the hamster house. I don't think it's because it has limited space because the cage is quite spacious and the pet store owner recommended it. I would really like to know the reason. All replys are welcome.

[Aqueous]

It's normal behavior for a new hamster. Most pet store hamsters come from mass breeders that don't handle them on a regular basis and most pet stores don't have time to handle their hamster so you're basically getting an animal that has had little human contact.

My sister's hamster was the same way except she would screech too. Just keep handling her gently and don't get put off by biting, really she just thinks she's defending herself from possible danger. You can try rubbing your hands in her bedding before picking her up so your smell is something familiar and we would give Reno treats (small commercial hamster treats, fruits, veggies) while we held her for her to associate us with something positive. Now she loves to come out and spend time with us, she'll even jump right into your hand when you put it in her cage.