How to understand your hamster behaviour?
As with any pets, learning as much as you can about your hamster’s behavior is an important component of providing the best care possible. What your hamster does, the sounds he or she makes, and their usual routines might help you understand how your hamster is feeling and whether or not you should be concerned. That’s why it’s critical to learn everything you can about your hamster’s regular behaviors and body language – and what a change in those might signify. We’ve compiled some useful information below to help you get started.
What do your hamster’s sounds mean?
While hamsters are normally silent (especially during the day), there are a few noises they make that should be noted. These are some examples:
- Squeaking: Hamsters emit a squeaking sound when they are frightened or scared. You may notice this sounds when you initially bring your hamster into your home, but they may also vocalize in this manner whenever they are disturbed.
- Chattering: Chattering, or your hamster grinding their teeth together, is common when your pet is irritated or needs some space. It could also be a hint that they are preparing to bite!
- Hissing: A hissing noise from your hamster usually signals that they are angry or fearful, though it can also occur when they are startled.
How to read your hamster’s body language?
The way your hamster behaves can reveal a lot about how they’re feeling. Most of the time, your hamster’s behavior is very normal (even if it appears unusual at first!). However, it is critical to learn more about their regular behaviors or body language so that you can recognize when something isn’t quite right.
- Grooming: Grooming is a crucial behavior for your hamster, and if they groom frequently, it’s usually a sign that they’re happy in their habitat.
- Yawning and stretching: This is usually an indication that your hamster is at ease and safe with you or in their home environment.
- Biting their cage: You may notice that your hamster bites the bars of their cage on occasion. This behavior is regarded to be attention seeking, so it may be worth taking your hamster out of their cage for play if they enjoy it, or making sure they have enough toys to keep them entertained.
- Biting and nibbling: Some hamsters bite, especially when they are scared or startled by you. They may also nibble, indicating that they have had enough of being handled.
- Hibernating: Hamsters generally hibernate in the wild. The light and warmth in our houses help to suppress that instinct, but some pet hamsters do if they are in an extremely cold room. If your hamster appears to be hibernating, move it to a warmer room and carefully observe it; if it does not appear to wake up, get veterinarian treatment.
- Daytime sleep: Because hamsters are nocturnal, they sleep during the day and are active at night. This is entirely natural, so try not to bother your pet during the day.
Learning more about your hamster’s behaviour
Speak with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your hamster’s behavior. They will be able to tell you if there are any issues or improvements you should do to make your hamster feel more at ease.
If you let your hamster out of their cage (once they’ve become domesticated), always supervise them to ensure they don’t stray or get into mischief. If you have another pet, such as a dog or a cat, keep your hamster away from them. Never leave your hamster unsupervised or overnight outside of its cage.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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