Unlike dogs, parrots will never truly understand the word no.
However, parrots, like dogs, are mischievous and do get themselves into things they shouldn't -- life in the average home is full of interesting and dangerous distractions. A very sharp "No!" does get a parrot's attention. Once you have that, you can stop the bird from doing a behavior by removing it from the situation. Using a sharp "No!" does not work for chronic behaviors, such as plucking or screaming.

Using no is better than using stop it!,which may sound like step-up to parrot ears. It's also preferable to shouting your bird's name -- always use the bird's name associated with positive things and praise, never as a reprimand.

*  Keep hand sanitizer near cage and wash hands before handling to remove any food, animal or human smells that may cause your new hamster to bite.

*  Rest hand in cage for about 15 minutes daily for first two days...add favorite treat to palm of hand for next two days...pet but do not pick up for another two days.  After a week your hamster should be ready for handling.

*  If bitten do not give up...this is what the hamster wants.  It can take up to a month to tame a hamster.

*  Only handle your hamster in the evening after it has awakened for foraging.  They are nocturnal animals and may be more prone to bite if awakened from sleep during the day.

*  Hamsters are prone to biting if they feel unsafe...be sure to hold your hamster properly with the whole body supported in the palm of your hand.  Legs dangling and holding too tight can make your hamster nervous.  They are very aware of how fragile they are if dropped.

Hamster Hair Loss - Hair loss is very common in hamsters.  There are a number of reasons why hamsters lose their hair including; old age (the most common), mites or fleas, exercise wheels (hair being getting caught) and vitamin deficiencies. 

Hair loss due to old age starts to happen around 1 1/2 to 2 years of age.  It is generally seen starting around the face, neck and chest.  If you think your hamster's hair loss is due to old age...providing the best possible diet and vitamin supplements will help your hamster's retirement years.

Hair loss due to mites or fleas is generally seen in the stomach and hind quarter area because of the itching and chewing.   Mites and fleas can be given to your hamster from other pets in the household as well as brought in by bedding material.  A close examination of your hamsters will reveal little white or red mites or black fleas.  Treatment can be found at your local pet store....be sure to read the instructions carefully.   Treatment must also include completely cleaning the cage and replacing bedding twice per week for two weeks to get rid of any hatching eggs.  

Hair loss due  vitamin deficiencies can easily be cured by providing the highest quality diet and supplementing the diet with water soluable vitamins found at any pet store.  Be sure to provide calcium in your hamsters diet to help prevent bone problems and cage paralysis.  Calcium can be found in broccoli, peas, yogurt chips, milkbones (yes, for dogs), corn flakes, etc.

Any change in behavior, appetite or skin condition can be the first sign of illness....please see your vet if you notice any changes in your pet's "norm."

*DOG TIP*

All puppies go through a phase in which they sink their teeth into everything. While puppies play bite amongst themselves, it is important that they are discouraged from nibbling or chewing on human skin. What seems like a cute and affectionate behavior can escalate out of control later in life. Make sure you redirect the behavior by providing appropriate chew toys.

*CAT TIP*

If your cat prefers water from the toilet, or from a puddle, gutter or pond, it may be because the water in her dish tastes bad to her. You can try substituting bottled or boiled water, or letting the water sit out for a few hours to enable the chlorine to evaporate. Try adding a little club soda to ordinary water. Cats love carbonation!