Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my Russian hamster aggressive, biting, and possibly deaf?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

I've got a Russian hamster it's attacking everything in sight i can't hold it and I think it might be deaf as well what do i do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 9th, 2018

Is this a change in behavior? If so then an appointment with your veterinarian soon would be recommended as he could be in pain for even sometime like a brain tumor causing behavior changes. However, if this is a newly acquired hamster then this may be his personality. On average hamsters are usually more aggressive and less docile then other pocket pets. This is usually not something that you can train out of them. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Andrea
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2018
It sounds like you have your hands full with Kookie!
My experience with the Dwarf hamsters is that many of them are like this. They are often sassy! I have seen a few that are more docile, but I don’t think this is unusual behavior. Just like people, they can have a variety of personalities and really vary. Probably not what you want to hear! Some of them, if they are hand raised (most pet store hamsters are not) may also be more tame to start with. Many of these guys, with lots of patience will get more docile and tame over time. Speaking softly, offering small treats by hand and interacting with them in the evenings when they are normally awake can help. They can even be Clicker trained, if you are familiar with that. Other breeds of hamsters may be more docile than the Russians.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my hamster so aggressive and biting me when I reach into his cage?

Unfortunately, some hamsters are more fearful and aggressive than others. This is just their personality. I would try to offer him daily treats but avoid touching him for awhile. Over time, slowly just try to pet him but do not antagonize him or pick him up. If he lets you pet him, give him another treat. Hopefully, over time, he will begin to warm up to you but unfortunately, not all do.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my new hamster biting me and destroying everything in his cage?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Hamsters are pretty aggressive naturally, as they are commonly a nocturnal prey species. They also make burrows and nests, so it may be why Eggnog is destroying his toys. You may have to move very slowly with Eggnog, offering treats through the cage and even just approaching slowly and standing near his cage to start. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my hamster biting me? How can I stop an aggressive hamster?

Thanks for reaching out about Princess and including photos. Hamsters can be touch, socially. Continued de-sensitization might help, but also by looking at the photos, your access point seems to always be from above. A large human hand coming down to grab from above can be scary. If you use a cup to scoop her up (gently) and then place her on a flat surface, is she still aggressive? Maybe she is defensive of her enclosure, and might be more timid when out. Lastly, having her spayed might decrease aggressive, but a big surgical procedure. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is one of my female dwarf hamsters suddenly squeaking constantly?

This most likely is a behavioral characteristic. I would recommend separating the hamsters and seeing if this stops or changes the behavior. I would also make sure that all the hamsters are getting along and the one making the noise is not getting picked on. IF it continues a vet visit is best to make sure there is no underlying disease or pain causing the noise. hope that helps and thanks for using pet coach

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My Siberian hamster bites after new cage. Is he stressed or hurt?

It is possible that Khaleesi has hurt herself in the new enclosure. I would recommend giving her a few days to get settled to the new cage. Sometimes a change can cause stress and will make hamsters more anxious and scared. This will change their behavior. If in a few day Khaleesi does not seem more settled I would recommend taking her to a vet to make sure she does not have an injury. At anytime if she stops eating/drinking I would take her in sooner. I hope that helps

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my new dwarf hamster not drinking, scared, and biting?

Thanks for reaching out about Daabool and including a photo. Hamsters are desert animals, highly capable of extracting water from their food. Biting is a common fear response in hamsters, and continuing to earn/win trust by offering treats, keeping movements slow and deliberate. Try removing Daabool from his environment with a scoop or cup, to move to a neutral territory (i.e. table top). Then see if interactions are aggressive. Sometimes its just territorial defense. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my hamster suddenly angry, shaking, and chewing his cage?

I would make sure bubbles has a large enclosures with plenty of toys to play with. Sometimes hamsters can have a lot of built up energy due to limited space. If he is eating,drinking and defecating normally I would not be concerned. However if he continues to have odd behavior or starts acting ill I would recommend taking him to a vet for an exam

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share