Can Hamsters Die From Loud Noises? The 100 New Answer

Melissa has a certificate in veterinary assistance and a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Like many animals, hamsters are notorious for hiding their illness until they are very sick. “Archie” by SeniorPeter is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Why did my hamster die?

Hamsters are among the most common small pets in many countries, and are a common “starter” pet for younger children because of their small size, relatively easy care, and wide availability.

Sometimes even the very short lifespan of hamsters can be attractive to parents who want to get a pet for their child but don’t want to be stuck with it when their child moves out. Unfortunately, many hamsters eventually die unexpectedly or for seemingly “no reason”. In some cases, two hamsters kept together die both within a short period of time or even at the same time. It should be noted that this is very common and often it is not the fault of the owner.

signs of illness

While it can sometimes seem like hamsters will die without warning, many animals are notorious for hiding their illness until they are too ill. This is usually when they are moments from death. For this reason, it is important to take any change in your pet’s behavior seriously, as the signs of illness are often extremely subtle. It could be a potential red flag if your hamster shows any of the following symptoms [2]:

Lethargy. If your hamster appears to be less active, especially when they are in their prime, this may be a sign of an advanced disease.

Increased sleep. This is to be expected in older hamsters, but it can also indicate an illness.

Scruffy coat

anorexia or loss of appetite

Any change in bowel movements

Any change in breathing

Increased drinking or urination

weight loss. It can be incredibly beneficial to weigh your senior hamster once a week to monitor weight changes.

Excessive care

1st age

Of course, given that hamsters have an average lifespan of 18 months to a year with a maximum of three years [8], most hamsters are not expected to live long. If you adopted your hamster into adulthood and have no information as to how old he actually is, your hamster could easily have reached the end of his natural lifespan.

However, old age is not a disease. It’s still a good idea if you have the opportunity to have your pet autopsied just to be sure, as age can sometimes become a red herring. Please also note that if your hamster has been kept in colder conditions this may result in your pet hibernating and looking dead.

An autopsy can often reassure the pet owner when it is determined that the cause of death was unavoidable (this can also happen if your hamster was not old). Advanced aging in animals can also aggravate some undetected pre-existing conditions. Veterinary medicine is limited compared to human medicine, and there are even fewer options for very small “exotic” pets, so some conditions that are treatable in dogs and cats may not be feasible for hamsters.

Dennis S. Hurd’s First Encounter is licensed under CC0 1.0

2. Stress

Stress is not a disease but a condition that can dramatically affect your hamster’s lifespan by weakening their immune system and leading to illness. The bacterium Clostridium piliforme can be opportunistic in stressed, immunocompromised hamsters [3].

Stress can also aggravate pre-existing conditions such as heart disease [15]. It is commonly believed that hamsters that die unexpectedly die from a heart attack or stroke, which can be triggered by acute or chronic stress [14]. This can also be a normal age-related death.

3. heart disease

Heart failure in hamsters is a likely cause of death for hamsters that die suddenly. This occurs when older hamsters, or hamsters with a genetic predisposition, have weakened heart muscles that are unable to pump blood efficiently. Shortness of breath, irregular movements, edema (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) and bluish skin color are possible symptoms [15].

Atrial thrombosis is very common in older hamsters with a frequency of up to 70%. Thrombosis often occurs as a result of heart failure. Some symptoms are cyanosis (feet have a blue color), hyperpnea (rapid breathing), and death after a week of these signs [3].

Some diseases, such as polymyopathy, can be hereditary [9][16]. The disease, transmitted by a recessive gene, affects the heart and weakens muscles, eventually leading to early death from heart failure in some hamsters [9][12][20].

A study observing the changes in “healthy” and cardiomyopathic (CM) hamsters found that CM hamsters had a shorter lifespan and underwent harmful pathological changes to their heart earlier. Some of these hamsters died naturally as early as 11-13 months of age [14]. Therefore, it is possible for heart failure to occur well below the expected lifespan of a hamster.

4. Wet tail

“Wet tail” is a common term used to describe diarrhea in hamsters and may also be referred to as proliferative ileitis, regional enteritis, terminal ileitis, regional enteritis, enzootic intestinal adenocarcinoma, atypical ileal hyperplasia, and hamster enteritis in golden hamsters. 5]. It is one of the most common spontaneous diseases in hamsters [5][17] and is often differentiated as an infection by the bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis in young hamsters (3–10 weeks old) [3].

Diarrhea in adult hamsters can be associated with the bacteria Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Proteus morganii, or Clostridium piliforme; The latter causes Tyzzer disease and is associated with parasites, overcrowding, high temperatures, malnutrition and stress. Cryptosporidium infection has also been associated with wet tail [13][17][10]. It is only observed in immunocompromised animals [3].

An easy way to tell if your pet has had a wet tail is to check the wetness of the hamster’s genital area. They can also become dehydrated [11]. Other symptoms include weight loss, anorexia, untidy coat, lethargy, and a hunched posture [5]. Stress can be a contributing factor to the development of this disease [5].

Sometimes wet tail survivors may develop and succumb to complete or partial ileal obstruction [5]. Unfortunately, it has a mortality rate of up to 90% and death usually occurs within 24–48 hours of the first onset of symptoms [5][18].

5. Pneumonia

This infection of the lungs is probably the second most common potentially fatal disease in hamsters [17]. Bacteria associated with pneumonia include Diplococcus sp, Pasteurella pneumotropica, Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococci sp. Sendai virus is also known to cause pneumonia in hamsters and has been isolated in the lungs of hamsters from pet dealers [17].

Mycoplasma pulmonis and Pasteurella pneumotropica are the typical causative agents of pneumonia in well-managed hamster colonies.

6. Cancer

Also referred to as neoplasia, the most common areas in which hamsters spontaneously develop malignancy are the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic system, skin area, and appendages. Lymphoma is the most commonly reported cancer of the hematopoietic system. Hamsters affected by cutaneous lymphoma may exhibit anorexia, alopecia (patchy hair loss), and weight loss. These symptoms can lead to a misdiagnosis of Cushing’s disease [3].

Melanomas occurring on the skin are frequently described, mostly in male hamsters [3].

Djungarian (winter white) hamsters are five times more likely to develop neoplastic disease than Syrian hamsters, with most tumors being integumental.

Cancer is less common in hamsters than other animals such as rats, domestic fowl and some strains of mice [17], but it is still frequently reported and likely to go unnoticed when hamsters die unexpectedly.

Winter White Hamster “File:Phodopus sungorus (Gandalf)2.JPG” by Elgull is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

7. Other infections

Hamsters can succumb to various viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections [3].

Hamster polyomavirus (HaPV) causes epizootic lymphomas in young Syrian hamsters and epitheliomas in older enzootic infected hamsters; the latter develops skin tumors.

Hamster lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LMCV) virus is a zoonotic disease (can be transmitted to humans) that is fatal in small rodents. Symptoms include wasting, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, convulsions, blepharitis, and hunched posture.

Bacterial pseudomycetoma requires excision.

Hamsters infected with Demodex criceti and Demodex aurati, which are mites, usually recover with treatment, but failure to respond to treatment indicates underlying serious disease and often results in death. These underlying factors include cancer, stress, aging, kidney disease, malnutrition, and hyperadrenocorticism [7].

Fungal infections in hamsters are rare [3].

8. Kidney disease

Degenerative kidney disease affects older hamsters and has a higher prevalence in females, with formation of amyloid deposits as a co-event [3].

Some evidence suggests that hamsters fed a high-protein diet may increase the likelihood of nephritis. One study concluded that hamsters fed 12% protein were both comparable in body size to hamsters fed 18% and 24% protein, but had a lower incidence of nephritis [4].

9. Polycystic disease

This is a spontaneously occurring disease in hamsters aged one year and older, in which thin-walled, fluid-filled sacs appear in the organs. Observed affected areas include the liver, epididymis, pancreas, and esophagus, although the liver is the most common [17].

10. Amyloidosis

This is a disease that can occur spontaneously in older hamsters and cause hamsters to die of ‘senility’ in a manner of speaking. It involves the build-up of a substance called amyloids in the organs and they are found in the liver, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands of aging hamsters [17].

Weight loss is a common sign of hepatic (liver) and renal (kidney) amyloidosis.

It is more common and severe in female hamsters, although it is common in research facilities where overcrowding is a problem, and much less common in pet hamsters kept alone [3].

11. Diabetes

Diabetes is uncommon or rare in hamsters, with the exception of the Chinese hamster, particularly in inbred lines [6]. “Dwarf” hamster breeds are generally more prone to diabetes. It is a higher than normal blood sugar level caused by a lack of production (or ineffective use) of insulin [19].

The symptoms of diabetes in hamsters include increased thirst, drinking, and peeing, as well as weight loss, lethargy, and smelly urine. It may be possible to treat diabetes in hamsters with a special diet to prolong their life [19].

Groundhog Day by Dennis S. Hurd is licensed under CC0 1.0

Sometimes there are no definitive answers

These are just a few of the diseases and conditions that can seemingly kill hamsters quickly and without notice. It’s important to remember that there are other ways hamsters can die unexpectedly and to thoroughly investigate each circumstance with an open mind.

It’s common never to find any evidence to make a definitive conclusion about what happened, so don’t stress that there are no answers. And if you decide to adopt another hamster, be sure to take care of your pet as best you can, paying special attention to diet, occupation, and enclosure design to reduce stress as much as possible.

references

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individual advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs and symptoms of stress should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.

Teresita on September 5th, 2020:

@dicinity

My also. She just died last night. I have no idea. Because that morning she was so active and so sweet. She wanted me to play with her. Then I brought her back to her house, after 4 hours when I checked on her, she is dead,

Melissa A. Smith (author) from New York on July 26, 2020:

dicinity: You won’t be able to know for sure without an autopsy, and that won’t work unless you refrigerated the body the entire time. Unfortunately, it often happens that hamsters suddenly die. You can check this article for possible reasons.

Location on July 24, 2020:

My hamster died all of a sudden and she was so young I have no idea what happened to her! PLEASE HELP!

Amelie Gooding on May 31, 2020:

I almost killed my hamster on Saturday

See Records for Hamsters One of the things you should know before adopting a hamster is that the life expectancy of a hamster is much shorter than that of other pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, or turtles. These little rodents are incredibly sensitive, they get sick easily and tend to suffer from sudden changes in their environment. If you are wondering “Is my hamster dying?” this article is for you! Here at AnimalWised we list the most common symptoms and causes of a hamster dying. As sad and sensitive as this information is, it is necessary to know it in order to detect health problems early enough to take timely action.

How long do hamsters live?

In general, the life expectancy of a hamster is between 2 and 3 years. In order to be able to estimate the lifespan of a hamster more precisely, various internal and external factors of the hamster organism must be taken into account: Which hamster species you choose.

that you decide to adopt. The quality of the diet and care you provide your hamster with.

with which you feed your hamster. The environment in which your hamster lives, as well as the enrichment of the environment.

in which your hamster lives and an enrichment of the environment. How much physical activity and mental stimulation it receives.

it receives. The hygiene of his cage and its surroundings. The life expectancy of a hamster depends on these factors mentioned above. So if you’re looking to adopt a hamster, you need to make sure you’re providing them with enough mental and physical stimulation, a quality food, and proper hygiene. For more, we recommend reading our article where we discuss how long hamsters live in more detail.

Hamster died suddenly: causes

As we have already mentioned, hamsters are incredibly sensitive animals that are easily attacked by pathogenic microorganisms, sudden changes in their daily routine and their environment, among other things. Therefore, the causes of a hamster dying can vary. If a hamster is surrounded by a calm and tranquil environment, receives a balanced diet, is surrounded by an outfitted cage, and leads an active life, its death is likely to be due to natural causes. These causes are often more than likely related to the inevitable aging process. However, there are also many common hamster diseases that, if not treated properly, can lead to an early death. Poor hamster nutrition can also lead to the death of a hamster. Nutritional deficiencies can weaken a rodent’s immune system, exposing it to all sorts of pathologies. In addition, poor cage hygiene also encourages the proliferation of pathogens that threaten a hamster’s survival. To learn more about how to ensure your hamster lives in a healthy environment, we recommend reading our article where we offer a step-by-step guide to preparing a hamster cage. It is also important to mention that hamsters are predisposed to developing stress. Because hamsters have to remain constantly alert in their environment, recognize possible threats and be able to act quickly. Because of this, a negative and stressful environment with noise and/or excessive stimuli can often cause stress in hamsters. For more, we recommend reading our article, where we list the most common stress symptoms in hamsters. In addition, a lack of environmental enrichment, causing the hamster not to be able to exercise enough, can also negatively affect a hamster and lead to obesity in hamsters. Without enough exercise, hamsters can also suffer from additional illnesses and behavior changes such as depression. Last, but not least, is the fact that hamsters are incredibly sensitive to temperature changes. Hamsters can easily become victims of hypothermia and/or heat stroke if they are not given the proper care. To avoid this, make sure you place your hamster’s cage in a well-regulated area of ​​the house, away from wind currents and direct sun.

Hamsters are dying symptoms

The top 5 symptoms of a hamster dying are: Hamster not eating or drinking: Loss of appetite is one of the most common symptoms of hamster disease. A dying hamster shows no interest in eating or drinking water. You may also notice rapid or significant weight loss and signs of dehydration. For more information, see our article where we discuss the causes of a hamster not eating or drinking. Hamster is not moving and is apathetic: Inactivity and apathy can be symptoms of both illness and stress in hamsters. But unlike a stressed rodent, a dying hamster is usually unable to move or has trouble responding to stimuli from its environment. Pain: Sick hamsters will usually show signs of pain and discomfort, such as: B. Hypersensitivity and refusal to be touched or picked up. Behavioral Changes: A hamster’s pain and vulnerability state can produce behavioral changes in hamsters that can cause them to be more fearful, aggressive and/or nervous than usual. Change in Vital Signs: When a hamster dies, there is a change in its vital signs. Breathing appears ragged, heart rate feels slower, and body temperature may drop. A hamster’s capillary filling time also increases and its mucous membranes take more than 2 seconds to regain their normal color. In the case of poisoning or severe oxygen supply problems, the mucous membranes can also appear discolored, whitish or bluish.

My hamster dies: what to do

If you notice any of the above symptoms of a hamster dying, we recommend that you see a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, if you have already confirmed that your hamster is going to die, make sure you provide him with a calm and loving environment. Avoid sudden movements, stay away from loud noises and avoid manipulating your hamster. If you don’t feel ready to make this transition on your own, we encourage you to ask a friend or family member for help. My hamster is dying: what should I do Because hamsters are such sensitive animals, they often suffer a lot in the last days of their lives. Because of this, some teachers wonder if it’s possible to help a hamster die in a less painful way. Assisted euthanasia can only be performed safely by a veterinarian. Therefore, if you decide to go down this route, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian and never use home-made methods to help your hamster die. These methods are not safe and the effects can be adverse. For more information, see our article where we discuss how to overcome your pet’s death.

Is my hamster dead?

When a hamster dies, its breathing becomes more restless, ragged, and its pulse gradually begins to drop until it is exhausted. It’s also possible that your hamster is suffering from tremors or a stiff jaw. Signs of a dead hamster include: No obvious breathing or movement.

Exposed sphincters.

Missing pulse.

Capillary filling time zero (mucous membranes no longer assume their normal color due to a lack of oxygen supply and blood circulation). Hamster suddenly died: what to do? After confirming that your hamster has died, you should never throw his body in the trash. Dead hamsters can spread diseases and pathogens that need to be isolated. There are veterinary clinics and hospitals that offer body care (as well as a cremation service). You can also look at your hamster’s body in an appropriate place.

This article is purely informational. AnimalWised is not authorized to prescribe veterinary treatment or make a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the vet if they are suffering from any discomfort or pain.

Pets like hamsters bring us so much joy, happiness, companionship, and a sense of accomplishment. According to several studies, the pets we keep play an essential role in helping us deal with emotions.

For example, petting an animal has been shown to help reduce feelings of stress, while communicating with them helps lower blood pressure. Another study also shows that bird watching reduces anxiety and boosts mental health.

Unfortunately for hamsters, stress is one of the many life-threatening problems they often endure.

Stress can be caused by many things, including being touched too much, being kept in a small or dirty cage, being excessively noisy, or lacking food and clean water.

Stress can be deadly, especially in pregnant hamsters with sensitive medical conditions. Also, stress is one of the reasons nursing hamsters eat their newborns.

To help you understand how to tell if a hamster is stressed and how to calm them down, this article will focus on these three main topics:

Causes of stress in hamsters

Signs of stress in hamsters

Tips to calm down a stressed hamster

Causes of hamster stress

Stress in hamsters can be caused by a variety of factors. Most of these factors depend on the breed of hams, the living environment and the care they receive from their owners. Below we highlight the most common causes of hamster stress.

1. Small cages

While it’s true that hamsters don’t need large spaces, keeping a hamster in a very small cage can be a source of stress. There is a mental disorder called “cage rage” that affects pets or animals that are kept in cages.

The main cause of cage anger is keeping a hamster in a cage that is too small. Syrian hamsters are prone to this mental disorder as they can grow large and need more space to play. Unfortunately, most pet owners confuse this condition with natural aggression.

It is advisable to choose a hamster cage that is large enough for the hamster to have enough space to run around and play.

2. Dirty cages

Another likely cause of stress in hamsters is being kept in a dirty cage. Hamsters are extremely sensitive animals and you should keep their living environment as clean as possible.

We recommend cleaning your hamster’s cage thoroughly and thoroughly at least once a week and every two weeks if possible. This will ensure that your small pet lives in a clean cage with clean bedding and toys.

3. Changes in sleep patterns

Hamsters are nocturnal pets, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. Disrupting their normal cycle leads to stress and other health problems.

Intense disruptions that occur on a daily basis can cause chronic stress that leads to sudden death in hamsters.

4. Excessive noise

Keeping a hamster in a noisy environment will stress it out. Hamsters prefer to stay in places with little to no disturbance but with adequate daylight.

You should keep your hamster’s cage in an area where he can spend more time alone or with other hamsters. The cage should also be placed in a position that other pets such as dogs and cats cannot reach.

5. Inadequate food and water

Depriving your hamster of enough nutritious food and clean water will cause stress. Although hamsters are not heavy eaters, they do need nutritious food to stay healthy and enough water to stay hydrated.

One of the reasons hamsters eat their poo is to get as many nutrients into their bodies as possible. That’s how important nutritious food is for hamsters.

Be careful to avoid major dietary changes as a sudden change in a hamster’s diet can be difficult for them to adapt, which can lead to stress.

6. Breaking the cage

Aside from small and dirty cages causing hamster stress, how a hamster has set things up in its cage will cause problems.

When cleaning your hamster cage, be careful not to make any major changes to the placement of supplies. Try to leave everything the way the hamster put it.

If the hamster is pregnant, you should avoid touching its nest and only clean the surrounding areas. Pregnant hamsters are more prone to stress, which can lead to pregnancy problems and problems with breastfeeding.

7. Changes in habitat

Another likely cause of hamster stress is habitat change. Whether you’ve moved to a new apartment or moved your hamster’s cage to a new room, it will take time for him to get used to his new surroundings.

Because hamsters are sensitive, they need some time to get used to the new habitat and everything around them. You may even notice that the hamster hides for the first few days.

Try to maintain some level of normalcy and continuity when moving into a new apartment or changing your hamster’s room.

8. Introduction of new pets

As prey, hamsters are always aware of their surroundings. They are always on the lookout for potential threats and the introduction of a new pet into your home might frighten them.

For example, if you introduce a cat or dog into your home, the hamster will need time to get used to it. It will take time to get comfortable around these pets.

If you are moving into a new apartment, avoid introducing a new pet into your home too early, not even a hamster.

It will take your hamster anywhere from a week to a month to get used to the new environment, and introducing a new pet can be more stressful for him.

9. High temperatures

Temperatures above 24°C can cause stress in a hamster. Hamsters prefer room temperatures between 20°C and 22°C.

A sudden rise in temperature above 24°C or a heat wave around your hamster’s enclosure can make your hamster very uncomfortable.

We recommend placing the hamster cage in a more central part of the room, out of direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can use a fan or self-cooling mat to ensure the hamster enjoys favorable temperatures.

Related: What Does Hamster Poo Look Like? (Healthy vs Unhealthy)

Signs of stress in hamsters

Different pets express stress and depression differently. As a hamster parent, you must remain alert to detect behavioral and physical changes in your pet. Early detection makes it easier to address the problem and find a permanent solution.

Below we highlight the most common signs of stress in hamsters to look out for.

1. Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is one of the signs that a hamster might be stressed. They will notice constant movement, constantly walking on wheels, climbing on their cages and appearing more nervous than usual.

A hyperactive hamster indicates that the pet is stressed and will try to find ways to relieve the tension. The hamster will be less friendly, more nervous, and also more destructive.

2. Increased aggression

An overly aggressive hamster is likely a stressed hamster. The hamster will be more responsive than usual, prop teeth, grunt and tilt its ears back, ready to attack.

The hamster will try to bite you and will keep biting its cage. If these aggressive behaviors persist for too long, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian.

3. Compulsive behavior

Compulsive and repetitive behaviors also indicate that a hamster is stressed. Such behaviors include non-stop gnawing, constant scratching at itself or its cage, and constant cleaning.

Extreme instances of compulsive behavior can lead to self-mutilation, making the hamster more susceptible to infection.

4. Hamster sounds

Hamsters are generally calm animals. However, stress can cause a hamster to produce certain distinctive sounds, such as snorts and grunts. Extremely nervous hamsters will often screech or screech.

5. Hair loss

Hair loss could be a sign that a hamster is suffering from chronic stress if not other health complications. With chronic stress, the hamster will lose its fur or appear to have greasy hair.

In some cases, a stressed hamster will pull out its hair, causing bald spots to form on its skin.

6. Excessive salivation

Another notable sign of stress and anxiety in hamsters is hypersalivation. When a hamster is stressed, nervous, anxious, or anxious, they will experience excessive salivation. This is probably one way his body responds to tension.

7. Escape Attempts

When a hamster is stressed, it will try to escape from the stressful environment. The hamster will be hyper alert with ears forward and cheeks puffed out.

8. Muscle stiffness and tremors

When stress is coupled with fear, the hamster’s muscles become tight. In extreme cases, the muscular rigidity becomes so tense that the hamster’s body begins to tremble.

How to calm a stressed hamster

Now that you know what causes stress in hamsters and what symptoms to look out for, how can you calm a stressed hamster down?

Below are some tips to help keep your stressed or nervous hamster calm.

1. Keep the hamster in a sufficiently large cage

One of the most effective ways to calm a stressed hamster is to make sure they have a large enough cage. So they have enough space to play and run around.

A larger cage ensures that the hamster not only has enough space to run and play, but also room for their favorite toys and water and food bowls, without making the cage look crowded.

An overcrowded cage will make a hamster feel caged and self-conscious, which can easily cause stress.

2. Keep the hamster cage in a quiet room

Noise is one of the reasons hamsters get stressed. These small pets are very sensitive and it is important that the cage is kept in a quiet space with no noise or constant disturbance.

Keeping a hamster in a calm and peaceful environment will keep him calm. A quiet and relaxing environment also gives a hamster a sense of security.

3. Be gentle with the hamster

Hamsters are also sensitive to touch and you should avoid touching them too much. If you cuddle your hamster often, be as gentle as possible to give him a feeling of tenderness and love.

Gentle touches will help calm a stressed hamster. However, some hamsters avoid being touched when they are stressed, so understanding your pet’s personality is ideal.

4. Provide them with enough toys

Ensuring a hamster has enough interactive toys will also help them when they are stressed. These pets are usually very active and if they don’t have toys they will get bored and inevitably stressed.

The most commonly offered toys include running wheels, puzzles and mazes. Coupled with a spacious cage and peaceful environment, interactive toys help reduce stress.

5. Keep larger pets away from the cage

Small and large pets should always be kept separate. Hamsters’ “prey nature” means they are less calm when pets like dogs and cats are around.

It is best to keep dogs, cats, and other larger pets away from the hamster’s cage. If they have to share a room, make sure the room is spacious and the hamster’s cage is kept in a place that other pets can’t reach.

6. Provide sufficient food and clean water

A lack of adequate food and clean water can stress a hamster. Although hamsters don’t eat much, it’s best to make sure they always have food and water in their cage.

You should also make sure the food is nutritious to provide all the nutrients the hamster needs. Also, avoid making major dietary changes, as sudden dietary changes will mean that the hamster will need time to adjust.

Also, they will have a hard time adjusting and finding any form of continuity as they change and alter their diet.

7. Avoid altering the hamster’s habitat

A change in a hamster’s living environment also means that he cannot enjoy any form of continuity. Even the smallest changes, such as B. Changing the place where you put the hamster cage after cleaning makes a big difference.

Make sure the hamster cage is always in the same room and in the same spot. The place should also have enough daylight and a comfortable room temperature.

After cleaning the hamster cage, make sure that the positions of items such as toys, water and food bowls, and bedding remain unchanged.

See also: Why is my hamster pooping so much? (4 reasons)

FAQs on stress in hamsters

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about hamster stress.

1. Can hamsters die from stress?

Yes, a hamster can die from chronic stress. Stress can weaken a hamster’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses, including bacterial infections. Stress can also aggravate pre-existing conditions like heart disease, and when a hamster dies suddenly from a heart attack or stroke, chronic stress is often one of the triggers.

2. Can a hamster get stressed in a new cage?

A hamster can be stressed in a new cage due to the unfamiliar environment. Hamsters are not flexible and need time to adjust to a new environment. Keeping a hamster in a new cage, whether smaller or larger, with new items and in a new location can be stressful.

3. Can a hamster get stressed after cleaning the cage?

A hamster can become stressed after cleaning the cage, especially when you change the position of the cage in space and the positioning of its items within the cage such as toys, water and food bowls, litter and nest in the case of a pregnant hamster.

4. Why is my hamster suddenly hyperactive?

A hamster can suddenly become hyperactive due to boredom or stress. If the hamster is not only very active but also aggressive, biting into its cage, making noises like snorts and grunts, and showing symptoms of hypersalivation, then it is suffering from stress.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters are extremely sensitive pets. Even small changes in their normal routines or the things they are used to can stress them out. It’s best to learn the things that can stress them out, signs to look out for, and ways to calm a stressed hamster down.

Hamsters are generally quiet animals that are not known for being noisy, but as any hamster owner will tell you, these little animals are capable of several unique vocalizations. There are many reasons for these vocalizations, and as a hamster owner, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the noises they make.

Although many of these sounds are not well researched and can have different meanings depending on the context, learning about these sounds can still help you get to know your hamster better and be more responsive to their needs. Context is important when it comes to considering the sounds hamsters make and also learning the accompanying body language will go a long way in deciphering what your hamster is trying to say!

In this article, we’ll look at the seven most common sounds hamsters make and what they usually mean.

1. Squeak

When you mention the noises hamsters make, squeaking is usually the only sound that comes to mind. This is the sound they make most often, and they squeak to convey a variety of different emotions. Happiness is the most prevalent, and especially when they are young, they squeal with delight when they are fed, run on a bike or given a new toy to play with.

That being said, hamsters also squeak when they are hurt or irritated and have been known to squeak when hungry. Again, the context will usually tell you the reason for their squeaks!

2. Hiss

Hissing is the first and most common sign of discomfort in your hamster. They often hiss when they feel threatened or angry, and this is common when new hamsters are introduced to your home. After socialization, they should stop making this noise when they become more comfortable with their surroundings. If you notice your hamster being alone, there may be something in his immediate area that he is uncomfortable with, such as a new toy or cramped living quarters. Check his cage and see if he calms down when you remove a new toy or rearrange things.

3. Click

Also known as “bruxing,” hamsters sometimes rub their teeth together, causing a clicking sound. This sound is usually a good sign of a content and happy hamster, much like a cat purring! When you hear your hamster’s teeth clicking, you can sit back and relax knowing everything is fine in his world!

4. Crying and screaming

A hamster crying or screaming is a sound no one wants to hear, especially the hamster’s owner! It’s quite a disturbing sound to say the least, cutting right into your ears and heart. This squeaking is also fairly rare and hamsters usually only make this sound when they are particularly alarmed, frightened, or in genuine pain. A highly stressed hamster, a hamster that has been dropped or is in pain, or a struggling hamster will occasionally yell or cry, and it is by no means a pleasant sound!

5. Sneeze

Just like humans, hamsters can sneeze and cough in response to something in their environment. A bit of dust or an unpleasant odor may cause them to respond with a small fit of coughing or sneezing, and that’s usually nothing to worry about. However, some hamsters will cough or sneeze due to allergies, or they may even have a cold and should be checked out if they sneeze continuously.

6. Twitter

Just like birds, hamsters also chirp! They usually make this sound for the same reason as the squeak: they could be excited and happy, or they could be scared or angry, and context is important in determining why.

You May Also Like: 6 Best Chew Toys for Hamsters 2021 – Reviews & Top Picks

7. Cooing

While this noise is fairly rare in hamsters, some hamster owners report that their hamsters sometimes coo softly. This is a soft, low, vibrating sound that is a sign of a contented and happy hamster. Did you hear your hamster cooing? Please let us know in the comments!

Final Thoughts

Getting to know the different noises your hamster makes is an important way to get to know them better and help you better meet their needs. Remember that context is important with the sounds they make, especially squeaks. So it’s up to your experience as the owner to determine if they’re excited or scared!

Selected image source: Pixabay

Bedding and hiding place for your hamster (care and cleaning)

Hamsters need a specific type of bedding, and most pet stores don’t just stock the safe types. When I got my teddy for the first time, I was lucky that an acquaintance worked in this pet shop. Otherwise I would have walked out with some very bad beds and places to hide my teddy bear. She happened to give me some very good advice which I will pass on to you. Along with some information, I learned along the way what kind of bedding is best for hamsters and what hiding spots they like. We will also cover how often the cage needs to be changed/cleaned. Table of Contents So what is the best bedding for your hamster? Safe Wood Based Bedding for Your Hamster Wood Chips for Bedding for Hamster Wood Pellet Bedding for Hamster Grass or Algae Bedding for Your Hamster Paper Based Bedding for Your Hamster What a Hamster Uses for Nesting Material Bedding you should NEVER give your hamster Sand bath for your hamster friend So what is the best hiding place or house for your hamster? Wooden hideout for your hamster friend An example of a wooden hideout for hamsters How much bedding does a hamster need How much nesting material does a hamster need NestHow often should you change the hamster’s beddingHow often should you change the nest for your hamsterA word from Teddy What is the best bedding for your hamster? In general, hamster bedding is easy to find, but you need to know what to look for. Hamsters thrive on paper/wood based bedding. Therefore, organic, biodegradable, wood- or paper-based bedding is fine for hamsters under certain conditions. First, hamsters have a very sensitive sense of smell, so ANYTHING with scent is fine with them. Don’t get your hamster scented bedding, even if you can find one at your local pet store or online. Scented bedding is more for your comfort but will give the hamster a bad time. Please stick to unscented, plain linens. Second, whatever type of bedding you choose, it must be dust-free. This is because your hamster is breathing in this dust all day, every day, and it will cause him serious lung problems. Make sure the bed linen is dust-free. I’m going to go over some clear examples of what’s and isn’t okay as bedding for your Hammy. Most wood-based bedding is fine, but there are a few exceptions. Teddy: Remember, wood or paper bedding is fine for us hamsters. Keep them plain and odorless and make sure they are dust free to keep your Hammy safe! Safe wood-based bedding for your hamster This can be wood shavings or wood pellets and we’ll talk about both. Wood shavings as bedding for hamsters These are the most common types of bedding, and I also have this type for my teddy bear. I use aspen as it is readily available in my area and is one of the safest woods for hamsters. Most fruit trees are safe for hamsters, so if you have apple or pear wood shavings you can use them as bedding for your hamster. It is best to mix it with aspen or another neutral type of wood as the fruit trees can have a strong aroma. Other options can be white birch, bamboo, rosehip, sycamore, elm or hazelnut. These are not always available in some stores, but depending on what area of ​​the world you live you may be able to find them. If you get wood chips, make sure they are dust free. You can check this by looking at the packaging, it’s usually clear and you can see excess dust. The dust will cause lung problems in your hamster, so avoid this. Another thing to be very careful about is that some wood shavings can be mixed with real sawdust, which is the smaller, dustier type of wood shaving. So make sure this doesn’t happen to your hamster’s bedding. I looked around and found a large pack of aspen litter for your hamster. This way your Hammy will last for months. It got great reviews on Amazon and a lot of people seem really happy about it. Aspen is the type of wood I also use for my teddy, so you can be sure it’s safe. You can check prices on Amazon here. Wood Pellet Hamster Bedding These are not that easy to find, but they can still be found. You’ll often see them marketed for rabbits or large rodents like ferrets. But for hamsters, the wood pellets are not the most comfortable. Unless you lay down a layer of wood pellets and then a layer of wood chips to simulate the dirt layer, but that’s up to you. The type of wood pellets to use is the same as for wood chips. What is safe wood for your hamster to live and breathe in is also safe wood for the pellets. Grass or seaweed bedding for your hamster These are also common in my area and I suspect that seaweed based bedding is even more common in countries or areas with a lot of access to the sea. Both seagrass and grass are fine for hammies to live on and in fact they simulate the hamster’s natural nesting material. When hamsters dig, they use a mixture of twigs, dried leaves, twigs, anything soft and vegetable to fit their dwelling. So dried grass and seaweed are good substitutes for that. Don’t give your hamster yellow hay! This is the tougher, twig-like dried grass. This can get stuck at odd angles and isn’t comfortable for your hamster. The grass or seaweed versions are very noticeably wider and softer even when dried. But as a general rule, I would give Teddy the grass or seaweed for nesting material, not the litter throughout the cage. While grass and seaweed are soft and easy to work with, I would not recommend them as bedding for small rodents like hamsters or gerbils as they have a harder time finding their way around their cages. But it’s absolutely GREAT as nesting material, and that’s what your Hammy will use it for. Paper based bedding for your hamster Paper bedding is good for hamsters and is usually just as easy to find as the wood shavings. But I guess it’s a matter of personal preference which one you use. Paper bedding is a little more absorbent than the wood shavings, but it smells more often than not. So make sure you get an unscented, plain version for your hamster to live comfortably. One thing about paper-based bedding is that it often comes in different colors or mixes of colors. So if you want, you can make your hamster’s bedding pink and purple. The hamster won’t mind as he can’t see very well. But if it makes you happier, then go ahead. The paper bedding will keep the hamster just as warm or cool as the wood shavings. It just depends on what you like and what you can find in your area. I looked around and found a good paper bedding option for your Hammy. This keeps your hamster warm enough in both winter and summer. It is safe for the hamster to put in cheek pouches if they wish. It’s dust free and controls odors pretty well. It’s also a large size, 60 liters / 15 gallons, so you’ll get plenty of use out of it. You can check the listing on Amazon here. What a hamster uses for nesting material Hamsters typically use very soft pieces of paper/wood/cardboard for their nests. If you feed your hamster seaweed or grass litter, it will most likely end up in its nest. When I first got Teddy I put extra wood chips in his hideout so he would have a nice base for his nest. Over time I saw that he didn’t really use it for nesting except during the winter when he hoarded whatever warm material he could find. I usually give Teddy torn paper towels. In all honesty, these are the cheapest and most effective things to keep your hamster warm. If you don’t have paper towels, use toilet paper. Whatever you use, keep it unscented. This is really one of the most important things about a hamster’s bedding or nesting material. Don’t give him anything scented because his nose just can’t handle it. When you give your Hammy the paper towel, make sure it’s torn into manageable pieces. They have one side that easily tears in a straight line. Use this side to give him paper towel or toilet paper ribbons. All hamsters do this, but to me, Teddy is the funniest. As soon as he sees the scraps of paper, he starts putting them in his pouches, getting both as full as he can. Then he goes to his hiding place and I can see him pulling them out of his cheek and start decorating the place. Then he goes out for more paper and continues to build his nest. He is always so focused that he can easily be startled by accident. Once he jumped sideways because I got up too quickly and he was still shoving paper towels down his cheeks. I have never seen such devotion. Which nests or bedding you should NEVER give your hamster Never give your hamster cotton or fiber bedding. There are mutliple reasons for this. First, hamsters eat a small portion of what they put in their cheek pouches. So it’s never good if your hamster eats cotton, even if it’s just a little bit. Anyone who eats cotton is actually not good. Secondly, the fibers in this type of nesting material can get caught in your hamster’s teeth and cause him serious problems. These fibers can also get caught in his cheeks and lead to deadly situations. Third, cotton absorbs and retains moisture. So your hamster’s warm breathing and some condensation will be trapped in this cotton. In this case, your hamster is at risk of colds and pneumonia. It’s a lot harder for a hamster to fight a cold than for a human, so it’s best to avoid this. Teddy: Remember, we hamsters need wood or paper based bedding and we use soft paper or dry grass for nesting. Never give us cotton or fiber nest, it can be deadly! Sand bath for your hamster friend This is always fun to look at and will bring joy to your hamster. A sand bath is what hamsters use for a form of cleaning. In fact, hamsters are incredibly clean and clean themselves very, very thoroughly, much like cats. They hardly have an odor that humans notice. Unless you poke your nose right into your hamster’s fur, which isn’t so nice for him. But like most animals, hamsters need an extra bath or cleaning. This is also a kind of reflex from them to get rid of possible parasites. If you’ve ever seen sparrows rolling around in the sand, you know what I mean. The best type of sand for your hamster is mineral sand. This is just crushed calcium and clams so your hamster can have a proper sand bath. Make sure it is real sand and not dust. If it’s the consistency of flour, send it back. If you place a bowl of this sand in your hamster’s usual pee corner, he’ll use that as a potty too! Be warned though, the hamster kicks up a lot of sand when it bathes, so you might find some in random places in your home. It is best to use a second hiding place with a removable roof for this. Alright, now that you’re done with your little one’s bedding, sand, and nesting material, let’s take a look at his hiding place. Yes, a hamster’s hiding place is just as sacred as your bed or your own room. So I go into that in great detail. So what is the best hiding place or house for your hamster? Hamsters need little dens to hide in. This is their nest, their food supply, their safe place. In the wild it would be an underground burrow. But in their comfy, warm cage, it’s usually a cute house-shaped hiding place. The best type is actually one that matches your hamster’s general size when fully grown and with some room for it to wiggle around. So it doesn’t have to be a big hideout, a small one with some airflow is fine. The air in the hamster’s lair is very important as it needs to be able to move around easily. Even if the hamster clogs the vents with its nesting material, it’s best to give it plenty of air. If you give your hamster a home with more than one exit, it will only use one and block the other. For example, my teddy has 3 entrances to his hideout, and he only uses one depending on his mood. Sometimes he rearranges his hiding place when he feels something is wrong. Finally, never get a plastic house for your Hammy. These catch condensation and are not breathable. Best to stick with wood. Wooden hideout for your hamster friend I have decided on a wooden hideout for my teddy bear and I think it’s the best option for anyone who has any kind of rodent. First, it’s a much more natural option and very durable. Wooden hideouts are more like what the hamster would have as a burrow if it were underground, as it is a familiar material. Especially compared to plastic. Second, hamsters and other rodents chew, gnaw and bite on everything. Not because they’re wild or mean, but because they do. Their front teeth are constantly growing, so hamsters literally have to file their teeth down. They do this by chewing on anything they find, and hiding is a common option. So if the stash is made of wood, that’s great since they love chewing wood anyway. Third, wood is much more breathable than other materials. I have seen hiding places made of ceramic and also plastic. The thing is that if the stash isn’t breathable, it’s a problem, absorbing moisture and letting it out to the outside. Your hamster is at risk of hypothermia, pneumonia, and even a common cold can bother him. The hiding place must remain dry at all times and also be able to retain heat. And fourth, wood best preserves the hamster’s smell. Compared to plastic or ceramic, wood preserves the smell of the hamster. This is very important for a creature that has a very sensitive sense of smell, so best not to mess with it. An Example of a Wooden Hideout for Hamsters Here is my teddy’s hideout and you can see the gnawing and chewing marks on the roof. At night he loves to just…sit on top of his house and keep an eye out for possible predators. I usually grab a glass of water in the middle of the night. But you never know, says Teddy. constant vigilance. You can see my teddy pushing all kinds of nesting supplies, like paper towels, some pieces of cardboard, and some random wood shavings. Your Hammy will likely have something very similar in its stash too if you check. I found a great one on Amazon and it looks very similar to the one I have for Teddy! It’s wood, so your hamster can chew on it as much as he likes. It will keep its smell and it also has enough airflow to keep it ok. You might find your hammy in his hiding place like I sometimes find my teddy bear. Just make sure you put something of him in his new lair, like some excrement or some of his nesting material, so he gets more familiar with it. You can check the listing on Amazon here. Now that we’re done with the hideout, let’s talk about how much bedding and nesting material your Hammy will need. Teddy: Wood is the most comfortable and safest option for us hamsters, and we love to chew on everything! So make sure you provide your hamster with a hiding place that he will enjoy and will not hurt his teeth. How much litter a hamster needs This is a bit debatable as there really isn’t too much and too little. But the sufficient part is what people never agree on. It also depends on your hamster’s personality. For example, if your hamster is a digger and likes to dig, you will need to give them a lot more bedding than other hamster owners. But if your hamster is like my teddy bear and digging or digging isn’t his favorite activity, then he doesn’t need too much. I’ve tried various amounts in Teddy’s cage and I’ll tell you what I found: just enough bedding to cover the bottom of the cage – not good, he moved a lot of it and put it in his lair; his wheel was noisy as it hit the cage floor. Litter 2.5-3 inch/ 6-7.5 cm was too much as he always underused, and a lot he kicked around to get to different parts of the cage, an inch maybe a bit more than 2- 3 cm with which Teddy feels most comfortable; the impeller sits well, and its hiding place also has a lot. Well, your hamster might need more or less. Again, if he’s a digger, give your hamster what you think is too much and he’ll dive right in. If he’s more of a runner, he may need a thinner pad. But in general, the litter should cover the bottom of the cage by at least an inch so the hamster can gather piles of it if he wants to and not leave any empty spots. If your Hammy has a hiding place but builds its nest elsewhere, look at where it builds its nest and add plenty more litter and nesting material there. The bedding also acts as a form of insulation, so you may want to check the ideal temperature for your hamster to be comfortable. How much nesting material does a hamster need This is a clear case for giving the hamster as much as possible. A whole roll of toilet paper. No, but he will use up how much you give him. I usually give Teddy 3 whole pieces of paper towel, torn into strips. He also has the cardboard tube that is to the left of the paper towel. He sometimes chews on it to add extra bedding when he needs more. I gave him 4 paper towels sometimes and he found use for all 4. But it was a bit more difficult for him to navigate in and out of his hiding place. So we stuck to 3 paper towels. Keep in mind that if you can still see your hamster properly in its hiding place, it probably needs some extra nesting material. Hamsters form a kind of cocoon from the nest site they find. So they will wrap this nest very well around them to keep them warm. Sometimes Teddy even manages to knot the pieces of paper into one continuous piece, which he then wraps around himself. So give your hamster as much litter as he needs, starting with the 3 paper towels and see if he needs more. If you put 1 more he will take it, but see if he can move around well in his nest. Hamsters hoard food in their nest I found this out the first time I cleaned Teddy’s cage. When I lifted his stash and saw the stack of white paper towel strips, I wasn’t surprised. When I saw the droppings in his nest I thought that’s exactly what he’s doing. But when I saw his stash of food, I was impressed. The little ball of fur had a hiding place for the apocalypse right there. So don’t be surprised if you find food, droppings and a bit of pee in your hamster’s nest. That’s okay. But this is another sign of how important the nest is to your hamster, so make sure you get him a good nest. And try not to disturb his nest unless you absolutely have to. More on that later. (If you like this article so far, you can pin it to your Pinterest board by clicking the image below. Article continues after the image.) How often to change the hamster’s bedding By bedding I mean everything except the nest itself. Honestly the sheets stay clean for up to 2 weeks (as they don’t smell) but I recommend changing them every week. This is especially true in the corners where the hamster pees. Hamsters have a pee stain and you will find out what it is and how smelly it can get. If your hamster uses the sand bath as a potty, it’s even easier to clean. Just throw away whatever sand he used and use hot water and a toothpick to clean off any residue that may be stuck to the bottom. Then pat dry with kitchen paper and apply new sand. If you have such a setup, your hamster’s bedding will only need to be changed every few weeks when it gets a little too full of feces. Speaking of poop, if your hamster has a safe/hidden place to poop and it’s not their hiding spot, that’s where most of the poop will be found. But never leave the litter for longer than 2 weeks. After this point it gets stale and a little bit funky. How often does the nest need to be changed for your hamster? The nest itself is relatively clean and doesn’t need to be changed more often than the litter itself. So the nest can be left alone for up to 2 weeks, but I personally change it once a week. If I change it, I make sure to keep a few pieces from the old nest to put in its new nest in its lair. Whatever food I find in his stash goes into Teddy’s pet bowl, and I start ripping up new paper towels for him. It is important to alter or disturb your hamster’s nest as little as possible. If it stinks, change it. But hamsters rarely pee in their nest and that’s the only thing that smells about them. Keep the hamster in its travel cage or exercise ball while you clean its cage to keep it occupied. Read a word from Teddy Long, I know. But we hamsters need a bit of extra care, so I hope you found all the information you need in this article. We are very clean and like to take care of ourselves so a smelly cage shouldn’t be a problem! I am an adult Syrian hamster, but what you have just read applies to all of my siblings, even if they are dwarf hamsters. If you want to read more important information about hamsters, check out the following articles. You will find out what kind of cage we hamsters need and how long we can go without food and water….

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Is your hamster deaf?

Worried your hamster might be deaf in one or both ears? This can be a common problem with a hamster that doesn’t respond as well to certain sounds as you would expect. It’s entirely possible for a hamster to be deaf and it’s important to learn more about your hamster’s condition right away so that any necessary adjustments can be made to improve their life.

If you want to find out if a hamster is deaf, check how its ears move. If the ears are moving, it is very likely that the hamster can hear.

This is the bare minimum you need to know about your hamster in order to find out if your hamster is deaf.

Key factors include:

age of the hamster

genetics

reaction to certain sounds

It’s important to remember that hamsters can be fearful animals, which means they can be sensitive to sounds. Having a hamster means ignoring everything, this will not always be due to the hamster being comfortable around him.

Although some hamsters are quite comfortable with their owner’s presence, they still respond to sounds that are happening around them.

Therefore, it is important to test the hamsters’ hearing at all times. This will tell you if adjustments should be made to the hamster’s life.

This guide will help you identify if your hamster is deaf while also providing insight into how you can improve the hamster’s quality of life.

Tips on how to tell if your hamster is deaf

Pay attention to ear movements

The first thing you should do is look at the hamster’s ears.

The goal is to see if his ears are constantly moving. If the hamster’s ears don’t seem to respond regardless of the surrounding noise, it could be a sign of deafness.

Because hamsters are often prey in the wild, they use their ears to get one step ahead of predators.

If his ears don’t move when you snap your fingers or make other noises, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the hamster’s hearing.

If you are concerned that your hamster may be deaf, it is a good idea to have the hamster’s ears checked thoroughly.

Make directional sounds to see their reaction

If you want to find out if your hamster is deaf, you need to take advantage of directional sounds.

You can do this by making multiple sounds from different places in the room. Just notice if the hamster moves its ears while the sounds are being made.

If they turn to the sound, it means their hearing is probably fine. If not, you should have your hamster’s ears checked.

If you don’t focus on trying this, it will be difficult to pinpoint the underlying problem. A healthy hamster not only always knows what the noise is, but also where it is coming from.

Look for increased use of whiskers

When you learn how to tell if your hamster is deaf, you should also look at the hamster’s whiskers.

Hamsters tend to rely heavily on other senses when deaf. This includes not only their eyesight but also their whiskers as they can use the surrounding vibrations to pinpoint exactly what is happening.

Conclusion

Hopefully these tips will help you figure out if your hamster is deaf.

It is normal for some hamsters to be deaf and it is important for them to adjust their lifestyle. This includes their enclosure, the types of toys they play with, and cage accessibility.

If you think your hamster might be deaf, you should defiantly speak to a veterinarian to learn more about your options. A deaf hamster is just as fun as any other hamster as long as you are aware of its condition.

Hamsters go into shock after an injury, a fall or a stressful situation. It’s important to understand shock symptoms so you can help your hamster recover.

When a hamster is in shock, warm it up by massaging the body slowly and gently. Take him to a dark, quiet place away from sudden or noisy movements and through traffic to help him recover.

Even if your hamster is doing better, take him to the vet to rule out injury and trauma.

Shock and trauma can lead to serious health problems such as stress-related illnesses, heart attacks and heart failure. You will need to warm up your hamster and move it to a dark, quiet place until it recovers.

How do you know if your hamster is traumatized?

As PLoS One explains, hamsters are prey animals, which means they are vulnerable to shock and stress. Things like loud noises, dangerous pets, and mishandling can trigger a trauma response.

Because of their small stature, hamsters are easily injured. Dangerous exercise balls are also problematic as these attachments cause their limbs to get caught in the small gaps and break.

Unattended, hamsters can also fall off raised surfaces in an exercise ball. In addition, being in one is a stressful experience for hamsters because they cannot escape.

When a hamster goes through shock or trauma, the body cannot get enough blood or oxygen, resulting in significant physical and mental health problems.

While trauma symptoms vary from hamster to hamster, the main signs to look out for are the following:

flaccidity

Hamsters in shock will appear limp and possibly even lifeless. This sometimes indicates an injury, so flaccidity is a serious problem. Limpness occurs after a fall, indicating trauma or injury.

Dazed appearance

Hamsters in shock will develop a dazed appearance as a result of trauma. The hamster freezes and stays in place for a considerable time while trying to recover from the shock.

low body temperature

When hamsters are traumatized and go into shock, their blood flow is compromised, causing their body temperature to drop.

As a result, the hamster will feel cold and may start shaking or appear shaky.

Rapid pulse

Hamsters naturally have a faster heart rate than other animals, but this increases after a shock.

The pulse should return to a healthier rate once the initial shock wears off, but you will need to monitor this if it remains high.

shallow breathing

Shocked hamsters will take shallow breaths in response to a traumatic experience. Again, your hamster’s breathing will return to normal once the shock wears off, but this may take time.

Hide

Your hamster will likely hide in its burrow and refuse to come out for a few days because of the fear and anxiety it developed from the shock.

You’ll need to keep an eye on your hamster to make sure he’s still able to eat and drink, otherwise he could become dehydrated.

Hamster fell from 3 feet

Whether you accidentally dropped your hamster, it jumped out of your hands, or it fell from a height of 3 feet on its own, hamsters are prone to mishaps.

A fall from a height is one of the most common causes of shock.

Because hamsters are so small, they can easily injure their delicate limbs. While hamsters are light enough to survive terminal velocity, a dodgy landing can result in injury, especially if the hamster lands on a hard surface with no padding.

Even if your hamster manages to escape the fall unscathed, it will likely go into shock.

Companion Animal explains how hamsters hide pain to protect themselves from being pecked by predators. However, your hamster will show symptoms of shock through its heart rate and breathing.

Hamster fell on his back

While many hamsters can correct themselves in the air, there isn’t always enough time between falling and landing to do so. If they land on their backs, there is a risk of injury, shock, and trauma.

Whether or not your hamster will experience long-term spinal damage depends on the following:

distance

angle

landing position

surface of the floor

age and health

Check how your hamster is moving after the fall to make sure he is not in pain, as difficulty moving indicates a serious injury.

Hamster fell on his head

Brain injuries can cause symptoms similar to shock. However, unlike in shock, your hamster may develop a head tilt or have seizures. This is a sign that your hamster was badly injured from the fall.

It’s no surprise that a fall that results in the hamster landing on its head is not only painful, but also a stressful and traumatic experience. This can make your hamster afraid of being handled and will hide in its burrows more often than usual.

You can build up your hamster’s confidence once he has recovered, but you must move slowly to avoid further shock.

Can hamsters die from shock?

Shock can be detrimental to a hamster’s health. Shock is an important cause of stress, which is known to aggravate pre-existing health conditions in hamsters, such as: B. Tyzzer’s disease, makes it far worse.

According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, stress specifically precipitates the bacterium Clostridium piliforme, which is related to Tyzzer’s disease. Over time, the condition causes painful liver lesions and eventually leads to liver failure.

Shock can also trigger heart attacks and subsequent heart failure. Stress and anxiety caused by trauma are common triggers and often lead to secondary health problems.

Signs of heart failure are:

Rapid breathing

breathing disorder

Difficulty or irregular breathing

Blue discoloration of the gums or skin

loss of appetite

There is no treatment for heart failure and hamsters with the condition will need a lot of care and attention to keep them more comfortable in the final stages of life.

Although shock can result in death, many hamsters recover from the initial trauma and continue to lead healthy lives.

However, you will likely need to address the cause of the shock, especially if it occurs regularly in your hamster’s environment, such as B. loud noises or predatory pets.

Frequent episodes of shock will eventually lead to more serious problems in the long run.

What to do when your hamster is in shock

Once you recognize the signs of shock and determine that your hamster is in shock, you need to intervene to help him recover.

While your hamster will likely want to be left alone for a while, there are steps you can take to help with their recovery, such as:

Warm up your hamster

As previously mentioned, hamsters become cold in shock as the blood circulation is not as effective.

You can increase your hamster’s blood flow by holding him with both hands and rubbing his body slowly and as gently as possible. You don’t need to rub too hard at this point, as your hamster will warm up after a few minutes of light massage.

This can give your hamster some comfort while he recovers from his shock.

Go to a quiet area

Take your hamster to a dark, quiet place where he can rest in peace.

Make sure the area is warm without being too hot – maintain a healthy temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most important thing is to make sure your hamster’s environment is free of loud noises and other stressors, such as noisy children, TV and radio noise, and other pets.

Take your hamster to a veterinarian

Unless your hamster is seriously injured, you should help him recover from his shock before taking him to a vet. You can stress your hamster even more if you see a vet too soon.

However, it is important that a veterinarian examines your hamster, even if it is gradually getting better. This way you can rule out any underlying health problems or injuries that your hamster may be hiding from you.

Be careful in the future

If your hamster’s shock was caused by a mistake on your part, such as B. accidental dropping, be extra careful when handling your hamster in the future.

Although accidents do happen, you can minimize them by being careful when handling your hamster. For example, place your hamster on a pillow before moving it, or grip it a little tighter when you handle it. These actions come in handy when your hamster jumps out of your hands.

Anytime your hamster is experiencing a stressful or traumatic event, look for signs of shock. What may not seem important to you could be frightening to your hamster and affect him mentally and physically.

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Talk to your hamster in a soft, calm voice and let him get used to you. You can tell him about your day or just talk to him in soothing tones. The more you talk to him, the more comfortable it becomes.

During the winter months, it is natural for a hamster to hibernate. During hibernation, your pet’s metabolism slows, and this can make it difficult to know if they’re just hibernating, got sick, or died.

If you are concerned about your hamster’s health, you can safely check for signs of life:

1. Consider the ambient temperature

Hamsters only hibernate in cold temperatures. If the temperature in your hamster’s cage is above 20°C, it is unlikely that he has started hibernating. If the cage is next to an open window or in a particularly cold corner of the room, gradually raise the temperature above 20°C and within a few hours to a few days your hamster should wake up.

2. Check if your hamster is breathing

When it’s cold enough that your hamster has hibernated, look for signs of breathing. Watch very closely for a few minutes as the respiratory rate slows to just one breath every two minutes during hibernation.

3. Check your hamster’s heartbeat

If you can’t tell if your hamster is breathing, you may need to check for a heartbeat. This can be tricky to find, but to do this, simply place your index finger and thumb just above the elbow on either side of the hamster’s chest. Apply the same pressure as if you were trying to stop your hamster from running away without hurting him. After about a minute you should begin to feel a pulse.

4. Do not use body heat as an indicator

Don’t worry if your hamster is cold. During hibernation, your pet’s body temperature will drop to adapt to its surroundings, so cold isn’t always a cause for concern. If your hamster is rigid and unresponsive even in warm temperatures, it may have died.

If you are concerned about your pet’s health, you should contact your veterinarian.

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Your furry friend the hamster is an inquisitive and adorable little animal, but he’s also prone to injury and illnesses that can lead to death.

We know this news may make you concerned for your little furry pal, maybe even nervous that your hamster’s behavior is not normal.

But no worry!

We were also curious and found out how to prevent your hamster from getting sick, gotten some tips on how to keep your hamster healthy and safe and some behaviors to look out for.

Some hamsters die from diseases or conditions such as B. the wet tail disease, while others due to avoidable errors such. B. a fall from a dangerously high height, die.

Hamster behavior can sometimes be confusing. Does my pet only root? Just hide to hibernate? Maybe they are sick and need a visit to the vet? Although hamsters have a shorter lifespan than most pets, if you take care of your hamster and watch for signs of illness, they can lead a healthy and happy life. Here’s how to do just that.

Why Hamsters Die: Common Hamster Diseases

Like any other living creature, hamsters can get sick and die. The cause can be a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

If left untreated – and sometimes even with the best veterinary care – they can sometimes be fatal.

Prevent the spread of infection

Hamsters easily spread diseases among themselves. So if you have more than one hamster in a habitat and you think one might be sick, you should separate them immediately.

Your hamster may have caught a virus from a sick hamster in its cage at the pet store, or it may have developed an illness after you brought it home. However, none of us want our pet to be miserable.

With that in mind, here are some common hamster diseases that can lead to death if left untreated.

For a more detailed treatment of these and other ailments, be sure to read our guide to the 7 Hamster Health Issues Every Owner Needs to Know About.

abscesses

We love cooing about chubby hamsters and commenting on how adorable their little faces look.

But there are instances when those swollen cheeks are a cause for concern.

Your hamster can get an infection caused by bacteria. This infection can lead to an abscess and can be extremely painful for your pet, requiring drainage and antibiotics.

If you notice any swelling or a lump, hard or soft, anywhere on your hamster’s body, it is necessary to see a veterinarian immediately.

Left untreated, the bacteria causing the abscess can enter the hamster’s bloodstream and cause a dangerous condition called bacteremia.

Because the hamster’s body is so small, once bacteremia sets in, there’s usually no turning back.

Therefore, don’t delay treatment – take your hamster to the vet as soon as you notice any lumps.

coughs and colds

It comes as a surprise to many people to learn that a hamster can catch a cold, just like me and you!

The little creatures can develop colds, sneeze or even cough.

If you notice that your hamster has a runny nose, is having trouble breathing, or is panting, a cold could be the cause.

But while a cough is relatively harmless to humans, a respiratory infection in your hamster can lead to a more serious illness. If you think your pet has a cold, it is best to consult a doctor for advice on treating your hamster and keeping it healthy.

In other words, yes, your hamster needs to be seen by a qualified veterinarian.

wet tail disease

Triggered by bacteria and stress, wet tail disease in hamsters is unfortunately very common and highly contagious.

Unfortunately, most wet tail disease diagnoses end in death within 72 hours, even when caught early.

If you notice your hamster has diarrhea, unexplained wetness around the tail, low energy, tiredness, or aggression, it’s important that you see a doctor as soon as possible.

Your vet can accurately assess your hamster and discuss next steps in care or prescribe antibiotics if needed.

Read more in our guide to wet tail disease in hamsters.

This will prevent your hamster from getting sick or hurting itself

By following a few simple tips, you can help protect your hamster and promote a healthy life for your pet.

If you are feeling sick, give your hamster space

Hamsters catch and spread diseases easily. You can even catch a cold from people!

If anyone in your household has a cough or the flu, avoid touching your hamster until you are feeling better, do not cough directly on your hamster or into its cage, and always wash your hands before and after holding your hamster .

Separate your hamsters if one of them is sick

If you have more than one hamster in a habitat and notice that one is sick, it is best to separate them to avoid spreading the disease.

When your hamster is healthy again, you can reintroduce your pets if you and your vet feel it is safe to do so.

Avoid cold rooms

Try not to keep your hamster in a drafty, too cold, or overly humid place (e.g. in an unfinished basement).

Try to keep your hamster’s cage away from drafty windows. You may want to invest in a heat lamp if it’s difficult to keep the room warm.

Don’t confuse a heat lamp with an artificial light. Excessive light actually disrupts your hamster’s natural rhythm.

Hamsters are nocturnal. They love to play, eat and move in the dark!

Be careful when holding or carrying your hamster

Something as simple as your hamster slipping from your hands onto the floor can be fatal to your pet. It’s important to be very careful when you, a friend, or a child handle your hamster.

If you allow your hamster to roam and explore outside of its cage, make sure you prevent injury and keep it in a safe, enclosed area.

For example, falling out of bed could mean serious injury and a trip to the vet for your pet.

Could your hamster be hibernating?

Hamsters dig and hide in their habitat very often. Hamsters are naturally curious creatures and love exploring their cages, building tunnels and hiding under their beds.

If your hamster has burrowed under the bedding and won’t come out – could it be hibernating?

While wild hamsters can sometimes hibernate during the winter, most domestic hamsters do not. Hamsters will only hibernate if they are in an unusually cold environment.

They then move around to find food, drink water or when looking for additional material for their nest.

If you think your hamster is hibernating, there are a few tricks to get your hamster up and moving again.

Use a heat lamp

Many pet owners use a heat lamp in their hamster’s habitat to keep them warm and to provide them with adequate light, especially if they are in a room that does not retain heat.

Hamsters prefer warm climates and if it gets too cold they can hibernate.

Hamsters don’t like extreme temperatures, too low or too high, so keep your pet in an environment between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure your hamster has enough food and water

Sometimes hamsters go into hibernation because they can’t find enough resources to stay alive.

While you should make sure not to overfeed your hamster, he can be a hoarder, if you happen to notice your hamster is not active, try topping up his bowl with fresh food and water.

Keep an eye on your hamster, see if he explores what you have to offer and collect a portion of food.

Check your hamster’s vital signs

Don’t worry! You don’t need a stethoscope for that. Just take a close look at your hamster, if he has hibernated he will be breathing very slowly.

It can be difficult to see if your pet is breathing or not.

You may need to carefully remove your hamster from its cage. Don’t worry if your hamster is cold. Hibernation can trigger a low body temperature.

Apply light pressure very gently to her chest to feel a heartbeat. If you are concerned that your hamster is not hibernating and could be ill or worse, dying, it is important to consult a veterinarian.

Signs your hamster may be dying

There’s no way to know for sure, but there are a few telltale signs your hamster could be dying of old age.

You may find that your pet’s eyes are dull. Their fur may become thinner than usual.

You may notice a decreased appetite that is not related to a disease, or a change in normal behavior such as eating. B. that they might start to urinate where they nest.

What to do if your hamster dies

Tragically, the lifespan of a hamster is only about two years. Hamsters can die suddenly due to old age, even while engaging in normal activities.

Your hamster may be enjoying his favorite pastime such as B. running on his balance bike or nibbling on his favorite snack when he dies.

If you notice your hamster not moving and feeling stiff, it’s possible your pet has died. You may want to consult your veterinarian to confirm your pet’s diagnosis and determine if you would like to proceed with a funeral.

For many, losing their pet is like losing a family member and is a heavy burden.

It’s natural to grieve and mourn the loss of your hamster while finding a way to honor your pet.

While some people prefer to discuss their feelings with loved ones, others prefer to spend time alone while they heal.

Remember that your hamster may not be with you all of his life, but for your pet, you made his life whole.

Please also read 37 Hamster Care Tips That Will Take You To The Next Level. Your pet may not live as long as you, but give them a chance to see you grow by taking care of them. Happy grooming!

DISCLAIMER: thehamstercare.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

Although hamsters have a short lifespan, sudden death in hamsters is not right. Hamsters can be fragile, their bones aren’t really strong compared to other rodents, they often injure themselves when startled and if they get stuck they won’t think to chew their limbs to free themselves.

We will discuss how hamsters die, either from natural causes or the disease to watch out for. Regardless, there are many things you can do to ensure your hamster has a long, happy life with you.

HOW LONG HAMSTERS LIVE

Hamsters live between 2 and 3 years. Dwarf and Chinese hamsters have a lifespan of 2-2.5 years, while Syrian hamsters can live up to 3-3.5 years – all with proper care.

WHY HAMSTERS DIE EASILY

The main reason hamsters die young or easily is due to poor and unethical breeding. This is considered common practice in pet shops where they source their hamsters from hamster mills.

Hamsters from these locations often come or develop neurological problems that lead to death. I’ll explain this in a bit more detail later.

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To ensure your hamster lives longer, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of illness or problems. That way you can take action and treat your hamster right away before it gets worse. Here are some signs to look out for when your hamster is sick or needs your help:

Lethargic/tired/sleeping all the time

Hamsters are very energetic animals. They love to run around, dig, play and chew. Before you can say that your hamster looks lethargic, you should know how he usually acts when he is happy and full of energy.

Hamsters that appear sluggish often move more slowly, don’t enjoy their favorite treats, sleep a lot, and don’t use their toys as usual.

Do not eat

It’s sometimes hard to tell if your hamster isn’t eating just by watching his dry mix bowl. Because hamsters hoard food, they often use up their hidden food before heading to the food bowl. Therefore, you should incorporate raw food and cooking for your hamster at least twice a week.

For example, if you were making scrambled eggs and your hamster came running, if you offered them, you would know something was wrong and you would not go for them.

squeaking/shaking

Hamsters don’t make much noise, but if they do, be careful. If a hamster is shaking or squeaking, you should take a moment and investigate the reason. The most common reasons a hamster squeaks or trembles are often related to health issues such as breathing problems.

weight loss/weight gain

If you’ve read our article on hamster species, you know that dwarf hamsters and Chinese hamsters should weigh around 25-35g (0.055-0.077lbs) and Syrian hamsters should weigh 100-150g (0.22-0.33lbs). If your hamster is now 10g (0.022lbs) lighter or heavier, something could be afoot.

Weight loss and weight gain can mean many things, like malnutrition or toys that keep your hamster active.

Loss of fur / balding

While shedding or balding in hamsters often signifies aging, if your hamster is less than two years old, it shouldn’t be experiencing it. A sudden onset of baldness can mean many things, usually it’s a sign of malnutrition, allergy or infection, especially if the skin is red.

RELATED POST: How to Bury a Hamster and How to Comfort a Dying Hamster

HOW HAMSTERS DIE: CAUSES OF SUDDEN HAMSTER DEATH

Unfortunately, sudden death in hamsters is very common, but it is usually due to neglect and hamster owners who did not educate themselves before committing to caring for a hamster. On the other hand, hamsters could also die early for other reasons with such food care. So how do hamsters die? Below we will discuss the reasons for the death of hamsters.

aging

Of course it is the circle of life. By the time your dwarf or Chinese hamster is around 2.5 years old, you should expect death to occur at some point. Hamster age in humans is pretty overwhelming. For example, if your hamster is 1 month old, that equates to 14 years in human years. So if your hamster is 2 years old, that’s 70 years in human years.

As a hamster gets older, it will have thinner fur, often greasy fur (because it’s trying too hard or not caring as much about getting into the sand bath), thinner body, teeth have fallen out, slower movements, much from sleeping and stopped walking on their bikes, to name a few.

Unethical Breeding

This is the most common sudden death in hamsters. While hamsters are above inbreeding, if a breeder (hello breed mills) doesn’t pay enough attention and just see how much money they’re going to make, they will produce hamsters that can develop dozens of health problems, and one hamster that won’t live longer than six Months.

For this reason, if possible, stay away from large pet stores that sell hamsters like candy. It is so common that hamsters that come from these pet shops are from hamster mills and these pets get sick at a young age and die suddenly.

neglect

Another major reason a hamster dies early is neglect. It’s often unintentional. New hamster owners make mistakes and pet store staff usually give a lot of misinformation. Here at Hamster Care we always recommend people do a lot of research and consult experienced hamster owners before getting one to make sure they are getting the right information.

For example, go to a pet store and tell them you want a hamster and need a cage, food, bedding, toys, etc. They offer you a super small pet cage, bedding made from unsafe wood so food not suitable for hamsters and toys that can kill your hamster.

Not only are you now using the wrong hamster accessories, but you are also not being told how often you should clean your hamster’s cage and how to do it properly.

All of this combined leads to neglect in hamsters as they do not provide the proper care and can significantly shorten your hamster’s life.

malnutrition and obesity

Just like us humans, malnutrition in hamsters can be fatal. Dry mixes alone do not provide a sufficiently balanced diet for hamsters, while too many treats can lead to obesity. While this may not mean instant death, it could lead to a long and painful road to death if not addressed as soon as possible.

Emphasize

Hamsters are skittish animals. They get stressed easily, get scared easily, and develop anxiety attacks. You would too if you lived her size in such a huge world. Being prey, hamsters are always suspicious of many things around them – sudden movements and noises to name a few.

If they make a big change in their cages, e.g. B. moving the sleeping area or the hamster hideout they made on the other side, changing the bedding or sand bath or dry mix type/brand, a new scent, moving the cage to a new room where it is too light or too loud – all this can lead to stress and anxiety.

Illness

And of course illness. Hamsters are prone to neurological problems (especially unethically bred hamsters), obesity, cancer/cysts, wet tails, bumblebees, pneumonia, allergies and other infections to name a few common hamster diseases.

If an infection is not treated as soon as possible, it can be fatal. If you notice a bald head, redness on the skin, an eye infection, a wet tail and even a cold, you should approach it the right way. If this is your first time having a hamster, it is best to consult an exotics veterinarian who can help you diagnose and treat your hamster.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR HAMSTER LIVE A LONGER LIFE

Hamsters don’t have to die young. There are many things you can do to ensure your hamster has a long, happy life with you, here are our tips:

Get hamsters from reputable breeders

We strongly encourage you to look for a breeder who is trained, certified, and who puts ethical breeding first. Often you have to pay more or travel a little further, but the only way to stop pet stores from breeding hamsters like crazy without caring about their quality of life should not be supported by anyone.

The best way to find an ethical breeder is online. Reputable Facebook groups and subreddits will be happy to recommend one in your area.

Balanced nutrition

A balanced diet for hamsters is high in protein, lots of vegetables and low in sugar. While you can get dry mixes at pet stores, it’s important that you also cook up some food for your hamsters. You can prepare an unseasoned white scrambled egg, boiled egg, boiled lean chicken, boiled vegetables, matching fruits and healthy treats.

stay active

One of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle for hamsters is staying active. In the wild, hamsters move around a lot, which means all of their food is burned as they run, walk, dig, and dig.

House hamsters don’t have that much space, even if you get them a large cage. Because of this, you need to place enrichment toys like balance wheels, tunnels, and chew toys. You should also provide deep bedding for digging.

Letting them out of the cage for 10 minutes to have fun in a hamster playpen with mazes, wheels and other toys will do your hamster a lot of good.

Hamsters are likely to overeat in a home environment but have less room to roam, so these toys will keep your hamster busy, active and healthy.

Provide spacious cage

As I mentioned earlier, pet stores and one of the biggest misconceptions about keeping hamsters is the size of their cage. Despite being tiny creatures, hamsters are pumped with energy that needs to be burned off.

To keep your hamster active you need to provide a large hamster cage where you can add lots of toys, deep bedding and plenty of room for your hamster to run around and play in a safe environment. Here is a brief information about suitable hamster cages:

Dwarf and Chinese hamsters are 80 x 50 x 50 cm (4000 cm2) or 31.5 x 20 x 20 inches (450 square inches)

is 80 x 50 x 50 cm (4000 cm2) or 31.5 x 20 x 20 inches (450 square inches). The Syrian hamster cage is 90 x 60 x 60 cm (35 x 20 x 30 inches) and the female Syrian hamster cage is 100 x 60 x 60 cm (39 x 20 x 20 inches) / 620 square inches

Put the cage in a cool room

With such a thick coat, hamsters will suffer from heat in warmer countries. You don’t have to put the cage in an air-conditioned room, as long as the cage is well ventilated, the room is cool but dry, and with minimal noise and light – it should be comfortable enough.

However, when it’s really warm, you should put more effort into keeping the hamster cage cool in the summer. The same goes for winter, make sure the room the cage is in is warm enough but not too warm.

No big sudden changes

Avoid massive sudden changes. For example, don’t change bedding type or brand out of nowhere, if you want to test a new one make sure you mix it with the old/current bedding. The same applies to sand bath and dry mixes.

Hamsters rely on their sense of smell and leave a lot of smell in the cage to find their way around and feel comfortable. Any massive change can make your hamster feel like he’s away from home, causing him stress and panic.

Clean your hands before holding your hamster

That goes without saying, but just like you would with a human baby or before you eat or come in from outside, especially if you’re sick – wash your hands first and dry them thoroughly. Do not use scented soap as this can stress your hamster or cause an allergy to him.

clean cage

Do spot cleaning in a hamster cage every other day or twice a week and deep cleaning every six weeks. This is the correct way to clean a hamster’s cage without putting too much strain on him.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There is no good reason for hamsters to suddenly die. Be it from old age, illness, poor breeding or neglect, hamsters should be able to live long lives with proper care. They can be sensitive and fragile animals, but they are also strong, energetic, sweet, independent, and loving pets.

I hope I was able to answer your question how do hamsters die and how can you help them live a long happy life?

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we thought he was dead. After petting him for a while he suddenly got up and walked away. Very scary and a very strange experience. Our hamster is 2.5 years old so we determine that he is very old and older than the expected lifespan of a hamster. This information put our minds at ease and gave us some great tips.”

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“Really helpful information. This had never happened to our hamster until last night when we stood by

Let’s be honest; Hamsters are tiny, and a cat or dog will look like Godzilla to them. It is in everyone’s interest to keep your other pets away from your hamster. And this exclusion also applies to children, who may become a little obsessed with playing with the hamster; they are shy loners.

One of the first things a new hamster owner wonders about is where to place their cage. Finding the perfect spot is the first step in creating a nurturing environment for your little furball. After extensive research, I found some information that will help you find the perfect location in your home.

But I know it’s a bit vague to list them, so I’ll discuss them further later in this post. So please read on and get all the information you need to find the perfect cage location for your hamster!

Why the location of the cage matters

Cage location is critical to creating a habitat for a hamster to thrive.

Here are the main things to keep in mind:

How quiet the room is

Presence of ultrasonic noise

The lighting of the room

Ability to maintain a stable temperature

Your other pets’ ability to enter the room

Hamsters are nocturnal

Hamsters sleep during the day because they are crepuscular animals.

A calm atmosphere during these times will help keep your hamster from becoming grumpy. Just like in humans, lack of sleep can affect a hamster’s mood and personality.

A quiet space away from the chaos of someone’s household will help brighten your hamster’s day. It’s really easy; A rested hamster is more open to socializing.

Because of this, a bedroom may not be the best place for your hamster.

What is ultrasonic noise?

You could see the world with ultrasound and think what is that? Well, ultrasound refers to sounds that have frequencies above human audible levels, meaning we can’t hear them.

But hamsters have incredible hearing that can detect ultrasonic sounds and can be quite irritating to them. Ultrasonic noise can be emitted by household electronic devices such as computers or televisions.

Keeping your hamster’s cage in a room without these items will help him have uninterrupted sleep sessions.

If you don’t, these noises can become incredibly annoying to your hamster and affect their overall mood. I would imagine it’s like the constant sound of white noise infecting your eardrums 24/7.

lighting

Another factor that is extremely important to your hamster’s sleep schedule is room lighting.

Hamsters are routine-based creatures that could benefit from having the room darkened during their sleep sessions. However, since they are routine creatures, the lights turning on and off at random times throughout the day can cause some problems.

Because of this, a room where they can turn off lights could do wonders when it comes to creating a nurturing living space.

But again, make sure you turn the lights on and off at the same times each day. This allows your hamster to adapt its sleep schedule to the room lighting.

Stable temperature is also important

An example of an inappropriate location would be a hallway or garage. Both places are prone to temperature fluctuations that could threaten your hamster’s life; Cellars are also taboo. Any area with drafts should also not be considered. Therefore, you should also not think about placing your hamster’s cage near an air conditioner or ventilation grille.

Both scenarios can cause a lot of problems that you as a hamster owner don’t want to deal with. Of course, these issues mean you need to keep these little creatures out of windows and direct sunlight. But things like fireplaces, radiators or damp rooms can also cause significant problems.

So what about my bedroom, is it safe?

There are a few things to consider before deciding that your bedroom will be your hamster’s home. No matter where you put the cage, its smell should be your main concern. I mean, without proper care, a cage can become downright gross. It can cause serious health problems for the hamster itself.

For this reason, you should always scoop out the cage daily to make sure nothing is left behind long enough to become a problem. You should also dump and water clean all litter weekly to ensure the cage is completely clean. If anything, the cage in your room will keep you busy as the owner.

Hamsters will chew everything around them. It’s a foregone conclusion that’s becoming an increasingly important issue for people who keep it in their bedrooms.

For these people, chew toys become a must-have accessory (you should still have them). If you don’t give them a chew toy, your hamster will start chewing on the cage bars.

You also need to be aware that your hamster will make noise throughout the night when active. So it could affect your sleep as well.

Contact the Animal Care Center with any questions.

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

If you’ve just brought home a hamster or are preparing for a new arrival, you’re most likely wondering where the best place for his cage is. Your hamster will spend a lot of time in its home. It is important that the environment is safe, comfortable and nutritious.

Did you know that the placement of the cage is just as important as what is in its home? Next to the room where the cage is going, you might be wondering whether the cage should stand on the floor, on a cabinet, or on its own stand. We’ve put together our research to answer where you should place your hamster cage and if the floor is a suitable spot.

Can you keep a hamster cage on the floor? Yes, you can – but should you? Depends on. You can keep your hamster cage on the floor if the environment meets certain requirements or standards. You should keep your hamster’s house off the ground if your hammie will be exposed to cold drafts or other household animals.

If you’re thinking about having your hamster’s home on the ground, it’s crucial that the environment is up to standard. Read on as we define when it’s okay to choose the floor as your location, and discuss other areas to place your hamster cage.

Where should I put my hamster cage?

You can get creative with the placement of the hamster’s cage, but there are a few conditions that need to be met wherever you find your Hammie. The perfect environment for your hamster has the following characteristics:

Regular lighting

Calm

Little foot traffic

Stable temperature and no drafts

Protected from direct sunlight

Apart from ultrasound

Hamsters are small prey. That means they are sensitive, especially when it comes to changes in their environment. Loud or unexpected noises can easily startle your hamster, and cold temperatures put them at risk of hibernating.

Predictable lighting is required to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Although we can’t hear them, ultrasonic noises coming from televisions or computers can cause irritable moods for your hammie.

Always go through this checklist when deciding where to place your hamster’s home. Ensuring the environment ticks all of these boxes will prepare your hamster for a happy, healthy life.

For more details, see our blog post Where should I put my hamster cage?

When is it okay to have my hamster’s cage on the floor?

Maybe you have limited space or several hamster cages. Some hamster owners need to place their cage or cages on the floor. This placement is fine if the environment meets all of the requirements we’ve discussed.

The main problems with placing a hamster cage on the floor include the possibility of exposure to cold drafts or being disturbed by other pets in the house. Lying on the floor can also be a tripping hazard for people indoors.

If the hamster cage is placed on the floor, it is better placed on carpet than on tile or hardwood floors. Make sure the surface is level and flat. The cage should be kept well away from doors.

Consider investing in window and door draft excluders for the room. Not only keep the cold out, but also keep other pets out of this space. Being at eye level with a cat or dog in the house is the last thing your hamster would want.

You can find draft excluders here on Amazon.

Can you put a hamster cage in front of a window?

Don’t put your hamster cage in front of a window. Standing in front of a window poses problems with temperature changes and too much direct sunlight.

Hamsters are just as sensitive to excessive heat as they are to cold. Too much heat and you could find your hamster suffering from heat stroke or sleeper sickness. If your hamster is struggling with any of these problems, they may appear limp or lifeless.

A hammie’s environment should be kept at a temperature of 69 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. On a sunny day, temperatures outside a window can reach well over 80 degrees. Under these conditions, your hamster may become weak, have a bright red tongue, or even have convulsions.

If these symptoms appear, get your hamster out of the heat immediately and consult a veterinarian.

Find out more in our blog post What is the ideal room temperature for a hamster?

Can I put my hamster cage in the basement?

Setting up a hamster cage in the basement is also not a good idea. There are the same concerns as with the window, excessive temperature fluctuations. In winter, basements get colder than most rooms, and unexpected drafts can occur.

Cold temperatures can put your hamster into hibernation. These creatures are native to parts of the world that don’t get cold. When these little guys are exposed to cold temperatures that reach below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, their bodies experience stress that leads to this state of hibernation.

This condition can be alarming as your hammie may appear dead. Your breathing slows and becomes extremely shallow. You will find your body becoming limp and lifeless, similar to the symptoms of heat stroke. In these cases, it’s best to warm up your hammie, give him some food, and make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Read more in our blog post “Do hamsters hibernate in winter? (And what is torpor?)

Can I put my hamster cage outside?

Hamsters were once wild, but humans began domesticating them in the 17th century. In today’s world, the hamster is not equipped to live outside in the wild. These little balls of fur are now being bred to live indoors in cages. Therefore, you should not put your hamster cage outside.

Placing your hamster’s home outdoors will expose him to elements he is not prepared for. Here, too, the temperature fluctuation is an important point. You also run the risk of your hamster escaping its cage.

If your hamster escapes into nature’s great unknown, it will injure itself and most likely die. To avoid this reality, keep your hamster safe indoors.

Controlling lighting, temperature, noise, and the people or animals that come into contact with your hammie is necessary to give them a happy life. As a hamster owner, it is your duty to protect your pet and give them the best life possible. Part of this is keeping them indoors and comfortable in their homes.

Find out more in our blog post, How to keep your hamster warm in winter [7 suggestions]

Final Thoughts

Your hamster’s cage could be placed on the floor as long as you follow cage placement expectations and standards. Your hammie’s home needs to be in an area where the temperature, lighting, and noise can be controlled.

Temperature regulation has a major impact on your hamster’s life. Extreme temperature swings in either direction can cause serious illness in your hamster.

Keep your hamster comfortable and happy by choosing the perfect spot in your home for their home. If the ground meets all the requirements for a peaceful placement and your hammie doesn’t get hit by other pets or cold drafts, it’s doable.

We hope you found this article insightful in choosing the right spot for your hamster cage. A happy hamster makes for a happy pet parent.

Have you already decided on a cage for your Hammie? If not, get some ideas from our blog post 5 Types Of Hamster Cages Every Pet Owner Needs To Know.

Is your hamster deaf?

Worried your hamster might be deaf in one or both ears? This can be a common problem with a hamster that doesn’t respond as well to certain sounds as you would expect. It’s entirely possible for a hamster to be deaf and it’s important to learn more about your hamster’s condition right away so that any necessary adjustments can be made to improve their life.

If you want to find out if a hamster is deaf, check how its ears move. If the ears are moving, it is very likely that the hamster can hear.

This is the bare minimum you need to know about your hamster in order to find out if your hamster is deaf.

Key factors include:

age of the hamster

genetics

reaction to certain sounds

It’s important to remember that hamsters can be fearful animals, which means they can be sensitive to sounds. Having a hamster means ignoring everything, this will not always be due to the hamster being comfortable around him.

Although some hamsters are quite comfortable with their owner’s presence, they still respond to sounds that are happening around them.

Therefore, it is important to test the hamsters’ hearing at all times. This will tell you if adjustments should be made to the hamster’s life.

This guide will help you identify if your hamster is deaf while also providing insight into how you can improve the hamster’s quality of life.

Tips on how to tell if your hamster is deaf

Pay attention to ear movements

The first thing you should do is look at the hamster’s ears.

The goal is to see if his ears are constantly moving. If the hamster’s ears don’t seem to respond regardless of the surrounding noise, it could be a sign of deafness.

Because hamsters are often prey in the wild, they use their ears to get one step ahead of predators.

If his ears don’t move when you snap your fingers or make other noises, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the hamster’s hearing.

If you are concerned that your hamster may be deaf, it is a good idea to have the hamster’s ears checked thoroughly.

Make directional sounds to see their reaction

If you want to find out if your hamster is deaf, you need to take advantage of directional sounds.

You can do this by making multiple sounds from different places in the room. Just notice if the hamster moves its ears while the sounds are being made.

If they turn to the sound, it means their hearing is probably fine. If not, you should have your hamster’s ears checked.

If you don’t focus on trying this, it will be difficult to pinpoint the underlying problem. A healthy hamster not only always knows what the noise is, but also where it is coming from.

Look for increased use of whiskers

When you learn how to tell if your hamster is deaf, you should also look at the hamster’s whiskers.

Hamsters tend to rely heavily on other senses when deaf. This includes not only their eyesight but also their whiskers as they can use the surrounding vibrations to pinpoint exactly what is happening.

Conclusion

Hopefully these tips will help you figure out if your hamster is deaf.

It is normal for some hamsters to be deaf and it is important for them to adjust their lifestyle. This includes their enclosure, the types of toys they play with, and cage accessibility.

If you think your hamster might be deaf, you should defiantly speak to a veterinarian to learn more about your options. A deaf hamster is just as fun as any other hamster as long as you are aware of its condition.