Unfortunately, our hamsters can’t talk. If they could, it might make life a whole lot easier! Instead, you have to watch out for your hamster’s behavior to ensure they are happy, healthy and not experiencing any issues.
But what exactly are normal hamster behaviors? And what is not normal? Below we will explore the different types of hamster behavior so you can understand your furry friend at all times.
Normal Hamster Behavior
There are a number of normal hamster behaviors that shouldn’t cause you any concern. Take a look at them below.
Chewing
Chewing is a very common hamster behavior and, if your hamster is happy and healthy, you will probably see them do this a lot. While it can seem quite concerning, chewing is actually the best way for your hamster to file and grind down their teeth.
Hamster teeth are constantly growing, and, if they are not filed down, they can cause major health issues. This means your hamster should have lots of things to chew on to help grind them down and prevent them from overgrowing. These include wooden blocks and crunchy food.
Stuffing Their Cheeks
It is a well known fact that hamsters use their cheeks to store things. In fact, hamsters can carry up to 50% of their body weight in their cheeks! Usually, hamsters use their cheek pouches to carry and store food, but can also use their cheeks to store bedding.
If you see your hamster stuffing food into their cheeks and then hiding or burrowing, don’t be concerned. This is very common — they take their food to their special hiding place and empty their cheeks into their food store.
Burrowing And Hiding
Burrowing and hiding is a natural instinct for hamsters. They burrow and hide as a way to stay safe and hide from any danger, particularly when they are going to sleep.
This doesn’t mean to say that your pet hamster is in any danger, nor feel like they are in danger, but they naturally want to hide when sleeping to protect themselves from predators.
Being Active At Night
You will probably find your hamster is most active at night, running on their exercise wheel or moving around their home. This is actually a completely normal hamster behavior. Unlike humans, hamsters are nocturnal, and a healthy hamster will be most active at night.
This may also mean you find your hamster wants to sleep during the day when it is light outside. This too is completely normal and healthy for a hamster.
Stretching Their Limbs
If you see your hamster stretching their limbs, you might think they are in pain. In fact, they stretch their limbs when they are feeling pretty happy and relaxed. Just like when you come home from work after a long day and want to stretch out on the couch!
Abnormal Hamster Behavior
There are also a few absornaal hamster behaviors that you should watch out for. Read on to find out more.
Hibernating
Hibernation is common for hamsters in the wild, because there is a sudden drop in the temperature and they have to keep warm. However, this shouldn’t happen for pet hamsters because the temperature should be kept consistent.
It is recommended your hamster’s habitat should be kept at normal household temperatures (up to 80°F (26°C)). Hibernation can happen at a temperature of around 41°F (5°C).
If your hamster does go into hibernation, make sure they’re kept warm (but not too warm) and they should wake fairly quickly. You should ensure they have plenty of fresh water, fresh food and nesting material. Don’t forget to check them regularly.
Not Eating Or Drinking
Healthy hamsters have a healthy appetite. If your hamster isn’t eating or drinking, this could certainly be a cause for concern. Get them looked at by your vet, as dehydration can set in quickly for these small animals.
Not Chewing
A lack of chewing, even when you’ve supplied chewing toys, could indicate an issue with your hamster’s teeth. This may indicate your hamster has overgrown or misaligned teeth which can be very painful for your hamster. Take them to the vet for a check up.
Lacking Energy
Hamsters are naturally very active and energetic animals, particularly at night. If your hamster is acting lethargic or is not as active as usual, it is a good idea to get them checked out by the vet. Hamsters do not tend to show signs of sickness until they are very sick, so it is important you keep on top of any health issues.
Constant Hiding
Hamsters love to burrow and hide, but this mostly happens when they are sleeping or resting. If you see your hamster hiding for prolonged periods of time during regular awake times, they may be scared, anxious or stressed. This may be because another animal is close by, such as cats or dogs and they are constantly watching them.
Other Behaviors You Might See
We have outlined the most common hamster behaviors above. Here are some other behaviors you might see:
- Ears laid back with narrowed eyes: This shows your hamster is suspicious of what is going on around them. They are getting ready to run and hide if they need to.
- Standing on their hind legs with their front paws raised: This is your hamsters way of showing you they’re feeling threatened. They might get aggressive if you don’t give them space.
- Watching you with erect ears: This shows your hamster is calm, but is interested in what you are doing.
- Ears forward with cheek pouches puffed up and mouth open: This shows your hamster is frightened, possibly by loud noises or another pet being too close.
- Emptying cheek pouches quickly: This shows your hamster is nervous about their current situation and is getting ready to flee and hide.
- Creeping slowly along side on their cage: This shows your hamster is unsure of its surroundings.
- Chattering their teeth: This is your hamster’s warning sign to stay away. They may be feeling frightened and are getting ready to attack.
- Startled when you approach: This can show your hamster is anxious and/or afraid, and doesn’t feel safe in their home.
How To Ensure Your Hamster Is Happy
Hamsters are most commonly happy when they are kept alone in a large cage that meets all their housing requirements. You should always ensure they have access to clean water and are given fresh food every day. Cleaning your hamster’s cage out regularly will keep them happy and healthy, and you should regularly check your hamster for any signs of health issues. Take them to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect something is wrong.
Hamsters can build strong bonds with their owners, and over time can become very trusting. Once bonded with you, they might like to spend time with you and be held, although not all hamsters will.
To ensure your hamster is kept happy, make sure to keep them entertained, too. This includes spending time with them, but also providing them with lots of toys and an interesting set-up or them to explore.
You will be able to tell if your hamster is happy as they should exhibit the common hamster behaviors we have listed above. If you are ever worried about their health or well-being, take them to the vet.
Hamster Behavior FAQs
Why isn’t my hamster active?
There isn’t one straight answer to this question — there could be a lot of reasons your hamster isn’t active. They include dehydration, sickness, an inadequate diet or a home that is too cold. Try to figure out if there is anything you can do to help them feel better, but taking them to the vet is a good idea.
Why won’t my hamster eat?
If your hamster isn’t eating, it could be a sign there is something seriously wrong. It may be that they are sick, or that their teeth are too overgrown and painful.
If a hamster goes for too long without eating or drinking, it can become very dangerous. They are only small and can get dehydrated easily. Take them to the vet as soon as possible to find out the cause of their lack of appetite.
Take a look at our guide on feeding your hamster correctly.
What are the signs of a sick hamster?
Aside from the abnormal hamster behaviors we mentioned above, there are other signs that your hamster may be sick. These include:
- Weight loss
- Cloudy, sunken, or swollen eyes
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
- Tumors
- Heavy breathing
If you see any of these signs, take them to a vet and get them checked out as soon as possible.
