Does Hamster Like Music? Best 268 Answer

Wash your hands thoroughly before playing with your hamster. This helps prevent the spread of germs. If you have a cold, do not touch your hamster at all. An accidental sneeze can cause your hamster to catch a cold. Never bring the hamster to your face. This protects both of you from getting sick. When you’re done playing, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any germs. If you look inside the cage, the hamster will groom itself to remove all of your germs and odors as well.

Despite the myth, hamsters aren’t blind, but they don’t see the world the way we do.

Hamsters see in black and white and shades of green. They have poor vision of more than a few inches, similar to a human with 20/400 vision. Objects larger than 3 to 4 inches appear as fuzzy, blurry blobs to a hamster. Hamster eyes have 97% rod and only 3% cone receptors, which explains the lack of color vision. The high proportion of rods gives hamsters the ability to see better than humans in low light conditions. This poor vision has led to other improved survival senses.

Our first hamster brought a lot of laughter and cage cleaning into our lives.

I was wondering how hamsters see the world. To find out, they see their surroundings in tones of black and white with some shades of green. Unfortunately, their eyesight is poor, making it difficult for them to see details.

Our choice of the best bedding for hamsters Studies and research indicate that paper bedding is best for our hamsters. The Carefresh natural paper bedding for small animals is our first choice today. What we like: Natural paper bedding

99% Dust Free – Reduced cause of respiratory problems in hamsters and humans in some cases.

Up to 10 days ammonia odor control

Good for tunneling and digging

Reduced risk of cuts from sharp parts

Good absorbency from Amazon Petco Petsmart

If you want to learn more about what hamsters see every day, read on!

What do hamsters see?

Hamsters have poor eyesight. They only see detail from a very short distance and cannot see their owner’s face more than a few inches away.

Anything farther than a few inches away is a fuzzy, fuzzy speck that’s not easy to see.

Hamsters’ poor eyesight could explain why they live in burrows or other walled places. Instead, the hamster has excellent hearing and a great sense of smell. They use these to survive everyday life because they can’t see very well!

But they can see you if you get close enough.

Do hamsters have good eyesight?

No, not really – a hamster’s eyesight is pretty weak, so it’s difficult for them to see details. Hamsters have about the same vision as a human with 20/400 vision.

20/400 vision means they can see things just inches from their face. Anything further away is blurred or nothing more than shadows.

Example of a 20/400 vision – Source: Paths To Literacy

While this may be bad news for the most part, there are some upsides. For example, since their eyesight isn’t as sharp as ours as they grow old and become blind, we may not startle them as much as animals with great eyesight.

Can hamsters see in the dark?

No, hamsters cannot see in the dark. However, they can see much better than humans in low light conditions.

A hamster’s eye contains 97% rods and only 3% cones. Rods are the black and white receptors. Therefore, at dawn and dusk, hamsters can see black and white very well within a few inches of their head.

With so many rods, hamsters are not built for daylight activities. This, combined with the fact that hamsters are prey animals, helps explain their activity mainly in twilight or dawn light scenarios.

Are hamsters color blind?

More or less. Hamsters have some color vision, but not as much as humans. They are most likely able to see green best while having trouble distinguishing other colors from each other.

Not all hamsters see color at all. The Syrian hamster sees in shades of green, and the Siberian hamster has vision that includes the blue and ultraviolet parts of the light spectrum. No hamster can see shades of red.

Hamsters cannot see many colors because their eyes contain very few cone receptors. Cones are the “color”-sensing receptors in the eye.

Why do hamsters have poor eyesight?

The hamster eye is less spherical than ours, so it doesn’t focus light the way our eye would when looking at objects close or far away. So the cornea only appears biconvex, like a lens, convex on both sides, when in reality it is less round.

The cornea and lens focus the light onto the retina. When the light is out of focus, the images the brain sees are blurry and misshapen.

The retina of a hamster eye is considered holangiotic, meaning “…with blood vessels distributed throughout most of the neurosensory retina, feeding only the inner retina.” – Science Direct

How do hamsters with such poor eyesight survive?

Hamsters may not have the best eyesight, but they make up for it with their other senses.

It is believed that hamsters have a stronger sense of smell than other animals. Hamsters use their sense of smell to identify food and other hamsters and to find their burrows. They also use it to recognize their owners.

Hamsters also have excellent hearing. They can hear high frequencies that you and I can’t.

Have you ever noticed your hamster stop at a sudden noise, sit perfectly still and start sniffing the air? This is because hamsters are prey animals and a loud noise could be the noise of a predator. Your hamster is trying to figure this out.

The whiskers, or vibrissae, help the hamster recognize objects around it. These delicate hairs extend from the hamster’s snout.

For a hamster to survive, it needs its whiskers, senses of hearing and smell to find food or avoid predators. When living with humans, hamsters have an advantage because they can also rely on our human senses!

Conclusion: what do hamsters see?

Hamsters have much worse eyesight than you and I. They also don’t see color as well or at all, but they do have a sense of night vision that helps them find food in the dark.

Hamsters are prey animals, so they rely on their whiskers, hearing, and sense of smell to avoid predators and other dangers around them. So if your hamster starts sniffing when he hears sudden noises, he’s probably just trying to figure out if there’s any danger to him and you nearby!

While we might call our hamster blind because they can’t see colors or anything very clearly, that’s not true – they’re not blind at all! It’s just different from how people perceive life with our normal eyes.

related questions

Does blue light affect hamsters? Yes, a study showed that blue light can cause depression in hamsters. So keep UV and blue light away from your hamster. Low light is the sweet spot for them.

This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS, and Kyle Hall, a wikiHow contributor. dr Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. She has worked at the same vet clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 171,374 times.

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One of the easiest ways to train your hamster to come when called is with treats. Put your hand in his cage and offer him some treats while you call his name. Let your hamster eat the treats from your hand and keep repeating his name in a calm voice. Over time, the hamster will begin to associate the sound of its name with rewards. Do this several times a day for a few weeks, and then try calling his name without holding a treat to see if he still comes to you. Gradually reduce the treats after your hamster will constantly respond when you call them! Read on for tips from our veterinary co-author on using a clicker for training!

9 Hamster Behaviors: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

As a hamster parent, it’s important to understand your hamster’s behavior and recognize when something is wrong. Here’s a list of normal – and not-so-normal – hamster behaviors that you should understand when caring for your little pet.

Whether you’re a first-time hamster pet or a seasoned hamster parent, you may be wondering, “Is this a normal trait or behavior?” throughout your pet’s life.

Hamsters are smart and curious companion animals that can make great pets for almost any household.

Normal hamster behavior

The following hamster behaviors are completely normal and to be expected. If you see your hamster doing any of these things, don’t worry.

1. Be active at night

If your hamster is awake and roaming around its habitat at night, don’t worry – it’s a sign of a happy hamster.

“Hamsters are nocturnal animals,” says Dr. Shermaine Wilson Cox, a small animal veterinarian based out of Atlanta, Georgia. “This means they are less active during the day and more active at night. They are very energetic and exercise for three to four hours every night.”

2. A whole lot of chewing

You may notice that your hamster is chewing regularly and may think this is a cause for concern. But chewing behavior in hamsters is a way for these little animals to file and grind down their teeth.

“Hamster front teeth keep growing. Since they are constantly growing, they need to be archived daily,” says Ochoa. “Give them approved things to chew on. Things like wooden blocks or crunchy food are good to chew on.”

3. Stuff your cheeks

We’ve all seen adorable videos of hamsters stuffing their cheeks with food and this behavior is perfectly normal. Hamsters use their cheek pouches to carry and store food, says Wilson Cox, who adds that hamsters can carry up to 50 percent of their body weight in their cheeks.

“The cheek pouches are used to carry food, bedding and occasionally their young,” she says. “After filling their cheek pouches with food, they take it back to their burrow or special hiding place and empty the pouches in their food store.”

4. Digging and hiding

Hamsters instinctively dig or hide to protect themselves and stay safe. So if you see your hamster hiding or burrowing in its habitat, don’t worry. “It’s their way of hiding from any danger,” says Ochoa. “They usually hide when they want to rest. That way they stay safe while they sleep.”

Not normal hamster behavior

While the above behaviors are things pet owners can expect from their hamsters, the following are signs that a hamster might be sick or unwell. If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

5. Hibernation

If there is a sudden drop in temperature in a hamster’s environment, a hamster may go into hibernation. Wilson Cox explains that this often happens when the temperature is around 41 degrees Fahrenheit. A pet’s habitat should be maintained at normal household temperatures to maintain a healthy pet (up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). While this may be normal for hamsters, this should never happen in your home pet.

6. Lethargy

As previously mentioned, hamsters are active and energetic animals. So if you see a hamster that is lacking in energy or is sluggish, have it checked out by a veterinarian. “Any time a hamster is acting lethargic, we worry,” says Ochoa. “Hamsters don’t show any signs of illness until they are very sick.”

7. Do not eat or drink

A healthy hamster should have a healthy appetite. So if your hamster won’t eat or refuses food, something may be wrong. “Because they’re so small, they can get dehydrated very easily, even after just a few hours without eating or drinking,” says Ochoa.

8. Don’t chew

If you notice a malocclusion (teeth not aligned properly) or that your hamster’s teeth look overgrown and you don’t see your hamster chewing regularly – even if you have provided the correct chewing tools – this is a sign of possible concern.

9. Uncharacteristic hiding

Hamsters dig and hide, but mostly when they are sleeping. If your hamster is constantly hiding during regular periods of wakefulness or play, it may be a sign of anxiety or stress. “When a pet is scared, they usually hide a lot,” says Ochoa. “They can do this if a cat [or other animal] is constantly watching them.”

Other signs of hamster disease

In addition to the above behaviors that may indicate an illness or medical condition, other signs to look out for include:

Cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes

hair loss

weight loss

Diarrhea

constipation

Sneeze

Discharge from eyes, nose or mouth

heavy breathing

tumors

“If you notice any of these signs, take your hamster to a small animal vet to discuss your pet’s health,” says Wilson Cox.

To learn more about your hamster, contact a Petco Business Partner or take a look at this hamster guide for additional information.

9 Hamster Behaviors: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A HAMSTER

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Have you thought about adopting a hamster? Then you should read today’s article to learn more about what not to do when welcoming this little rodent into your family. Beginners often lack experience and can make innocent mistakes that could have easily been avoided had they learned more about the true needs of these small creatures.

It goes without saying that hamsters are easier to care for than dogs, for example. Nonetheless, they too deserve a beautiful and peaceful life, so it’s best not to get carried away with the excitement of the moment. Here are some of the MOST COMMON MISTAKES that novice hamsters make, a list not to do:

1) PLACE THE CAGE IN THE KITCHEN OR NEAR AN OPEN WINDOW. Avoid putting your hamster in noisy rooms where people come and go 24 hours a day. Hamsters love quiet places, away from drafts and direct sunlight, away from the TV and kitchen, where the strong smell of food disturbs their finely tuned sense of smell. Make sure he has plenty of things to play with, a plate for his food, a source of water, a bed to sleep in, and more importantly, an exercise bike.

2) ADOPT TWO OF THEM. Hamsters don’t need company, they are loners, really selfish and they don’t like to share their things with other hamsters. If put in the same cage they could fight or mate and then you would have a cage full of hamsters!

3) Feed them only sunflower seeds. Hamsters undoubtedly need to eat sunflower seeds, but just like us, they need a varied diet of healthy foods. So prepare a good mix of seeds (soy, barley and millet), give them lots of vegetables and sometimes indulge in walnuts, almonds and pine nuts.

4) WASH YOUR HAMSTER. Hamsters should never be washed. They are very clean animals and take care of their own hygiene. What you could do is provide them with a small basin of chincilla sand. If you smell unpleasant odors coming from the cage, it might be time to change the litter box!

5) SUDDENLY WAKE HER. If your hamster is sleeping peacefully with that cute little smile under his whiskers, then leave him alone. We know it’s hard not to pat his head a little when you see him like this, but waking him up when he’s fast asleep can actually be dangerous to his health. If you want to play with him, do so in the late afternoon or evening when he is wide awake and rested.

Now that you have a better idea of ​​what NOT to do, get one. And remember, treat your hamster like family, give him lots of love and care every day!

It can sometimes be difficult to tell if your hamster likes you or not because of how he behaves.

Mainly because hamsters can exhibit many different behaviors that mean something different depending on the situation they are in.

Because of this, I’ve explored some of the different ways that help other hamster owners know if their hamster likes them or not.

This way it will be easier to find out if your hamster really likes you or if he is exhibiting a certain behavior for a completely different reason.

A hamster who likes you will show off for you

The first way you’ll know your hamster likes you is if he shows off to you every now and then.

Sometimes a hamster will start showing off as soon as he realizes you’re watching him or if you get around his cage in general. Most of the time they try to show you what makes them happy.

It’s almost like they take pride in what they can do and because they like you, they want to impress you.

However, hamsters don’t just show off in one way, they can try to impress you in many different ways.

For example, they play with some of the different toys that they don’t usually play with right in front of you, or they start running a little too much or a little faster on their balance bike.

So basically what you will see once you get close to their cage is that they start running around and playing a lot more than they normally do.

Also, the time you spend around your hamster can make him happier and like you even more.

Your hamster will try to get your attention if he likes you

Another way a hamster can show they like you is if you notice that they often try to get your attention.

So you can tell they have a liking for you if they willingly come up to you often.

Sometimes, if a hamster really likes you and likes to be around you, they will even try to make contact with you first.

So if you walk past them or put your hand in their cage, you will usually see them coming towards you and trying to play or just interact with you.

Even if they don’t quite understand what you’re saying, if a hamster really likes you and is comfortable with you, they will even start looking for you as soon as they can hear your voice.

An example of them coming to you and trying to get your attention is if you give them some time to play outside of their cage and they still come back to you every now and then.

That way they can come back to you to make them feel comfortable and also so they can check on you and see if you’re still there.

Your hamster will stay after you give him a treat

Most of the time, if a hamster likes you, they’ll stay after you’ve given them one of their favorite treats right out of your hand.

Hamsters can be really curious animals and that’s natural for them, but they only approach and explore when they’re comfortable enough.

Therefore, if they take treats from your hand, they can show that they are starting to like you, or at least feel comfortable approaching you.

But picking up a treat and sticking around to eat it can be a sign that your hamster likes you and actually trusts you, which is even better.

So if your hamster sees that you are holding one of his favorite treats while your hand is near or in his cage, and then he comes up to you and takes it from you, that’s a good thing.

But it’s a really good sign if they take treats or food from you and sit near you while they eat it.

It can mean that they like having you around and are comfortable around you while they eat their little snack.

A hamster that likes you will stretch and yawn around you

If a hamster starts stretching and yawning while you’re around it can be a good sign that it likes you.

This is something you usually see when you are near them or holding them and only after they have become accustomed to you.

The main reason a hamster stretches and yawns may mean that he likes you because it shows that he is comfortable around you and vulnerable enough to do it.

Hamsters won’t show as much vulnerability around you unless they really like you and trust you a lot.

It’s also a really good way to show that your hamster is generally happy too.

However, stretching and yawning can have multiple meanings for them, and sometimes it can even be difficult to tell when your hamster is happy and likes you too.

One way to let them simultaneously stretch and yawn while you’re around them, without showing as many signs of stress, is that it means they’re happy and like you.

A hamster that likes you might respond well to petting

Some hamsters who like you enough will appreciate you petting, cuddling, or just holding them.

So what you will notice is that it is easier to pick them up and pet them while holding them in your hands.

If you cuddle them and give them some attention, you’ll also see that they won’t try to get away from you while you are too.

Although this is not a common experience for most owners, some hamsters may even begin to drift off to sleep while also being held.

However, hamsters don’t exhibit such behaviors until they’re really used to you.

So when they do that, it shows that they like you and are very comfortable around you.

If this isn’t your experience with your hamster, that’s okay too. Just because your hamster doesn’t like being petted or held doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you.

You have to keep in mind that all hamsters are different with their own special personalities so some of them dislike activities like holding while others really enjoy it every now and then.

It will be easier to calm your hamster down if he likes you

Another thing you will notice about a hamster that likes you is that it will be easier to calm them down.

Hamsters are prey animals, so they can get scared easily, especially if something is larger than them, like their owners.

So if you find it easier to soothe your hamster when he’s stressed, that can tell you that he trusts you and doesn’t see you as a threat, which usually means he’s starting to like you a lot.

You can usually tell this is happening if you talk to them and treat them gently, and that will start to relax them a little.

Only a hamster that really likes you will respond that well if you do this for them.

There are also many other ways to keep your hamster calm, which can help him like you even more.

Your hamster will not try to avoid you

If a hamster likes you, you’ll find that he won’t try to avoid you as hard as he used to when you first brought him home.

They won’t be as aloof as they used to be, but instead will be attracted to you a lot more often.

For example, running away and hiding is normal for a hamster you just brought home for the first time, but once he starts to like you, you’ll find that he stays around a lot more when you’re around .

Hamsters naturally try to avoid predators and what they think are predators.

So if they’re not actively trying to avoid you, it can be a really good sign. It can mean that they like you, trust you, and feel very safe around you.

A hamster that likes you can be more tame

You can tell that your hamster is starting to like you if he acts a lot more tame when he’s around you.

They’ll be relaxed enough while you’re around them to continue playing and doing some of their other normal activities.

They can even sit still when you’re near them, and they won’t feel threatened enough to bite you if your hand is near them.

There are many ways to tell if your hamster is domesticated and there are also different levels of how he is domesticated for him.

Depending on their personality, a hamster that is very domesticated and really likes you will feel comfortable if you pick them up and give them a little touch.

But a hamster that’s been tamed just a little may not be as scared of you, and that’s okay too.

Either way, if your hamster is only a little tamed or very tamed, both can show that they like you to some degree.

You will find that your hamster does not show too many signs of stress

If your hamster likes you, you’ll find that he doesn’t show too many signs of stress when you get around him.

For example, if you get very close to your hamster, you won’t see him flinch or chatter his teeth.

They will also not be aggressive towards you if you try to play or interact with them.

This means you can tell they don’t like you if they act scared around you and try to run away as soon as they see you.

Hamsters are easily stressed and there are many ways to tell when your hamster is stressed.

But if you don’t see them exhibiting these behaviors when you’re around them, then that’s a good sign that your hamster likes you.

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

Is your hamster showing signs of stress or scared? It can be unsettling if your hamster seems scared of you or his surroundings. You may have done something that made your hamster not trust you, or you have a shy hamster who is easily startled. Sudden movements or loud noises can be enough to break the trust between you and your hamster. There are other factors that can contribute to your Hammie’s anxiety, and you’re probably wondering what those are. We did some research to answer these questions and break down how to get your hamster to trust or bond with you.

If your hamster is afraid of you, you need to work towards building trust with your pet. There are a few tips and tricks that will benefit the bond between you and your hammie. Methods of gaining your hamster’s trust include:

Meet all their basic needs

Create a routine

Introduce your touch slowly

Provide enrichment (toys, treats, time to explore)

There are many strategies for building trust with your hammie. Bonding or repairing a bond with your hamster may take a little time and patience, but your efforts will make a difference. Read on as we discuss these confidence-building methods in detail and explain why your hamster got scared in the first place.

What should I do if my hamster is afraid of me?

If your hamster is afraid of you, he may hide from you, shy away from your touch, or in some cases, show aggression. It can make them more difficult to care for and a lot more stressful for their lives. Anxious hamsters may be shaky or jumpy. Have you noticed your hamster exhibiting some of these behaviors? The best thing you can do is repair the relationship and remove any stressors from around it.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do if you have a scared hamster on your hands.

Meet all their basic needs

If your hamster is afraid of you, you need to regain their trust. A good place to start is to make sure they have everything they need to live a happy life. A hamster that has everything it needs and a little more is more comfortable in its surroundings. The basic needs of hamsters include adequate cage space, a fully balanced diet, access to clean water, and environmental enrichment.

If you’ve just brought your hamster home, provide a comfortable area in its cage for it to hide. These hiding spots can offer them comfort as they adjust to their new surroundings. When you meet your hamster’s basic needs, they know they can count on you and will reduce additional stressors from their environment.

For more information, see our Hamster Supply List (Read Before Shopping) blog post.

Create a routine

If you work with the idea of ​​reliability, creating a routine is a great way to build trust in your hamster. Part of the routine is changing water and feeding at the same time each day. With this routine, your fur ball will begin to associate your presence with food and water.

Creating a positive experience for your hamster while your hands are around is a great way to let your hamster know that you are not scary. Over time, their fear of you should lessen. They may even start running over to greet you during these feeding times.

Introduce your touch slowly

Once your hamster is more comfortable with your presence, you should start introducing your physical touch. This should be done slowly, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises. If you have a frightened hamster, it’s best to let them come to you. Attempting to grab or chase your Hammie around can only make matters worse.

Try putting your hands in their cage a little longer after feeding time to give your hamster a chance to approach you. Once they get close enough to your hands comfortably, they can have you picked up. Always move slowly with your hamster and provide some tasty treats during cuddle time. Positive reinforcement is a great way to get your hamster into a more trusting state.

The video below shows you how to introduce your hand to a scared hamster.

Provide enrichment (toys, treats, time to explore)

Providing the ideal environment for your hamster can mean going the extra mile in enriching him. Taking the time to learn what toys and treats they like the most can really help get your hammie out of his shell. Appropriate exercise and mental stimulation will help a hamster feel more secure and comfortable in its environment. This can lead to a significant decrease in their anxiety.

Read more in our blog post What toys should I buy my hamster?

Why is my hamster suddenly afraid of me?

Hamsters are tiny prey. They can be easily frightened. Something as small as a sudden movement can make your hamster fear you. Loud noises, quick or abrupt movements, or new animals or people around can suddenly frighten your hamster.

Waking a hamster from its sleep is a common way owners startle their hamsters. These furry friends are nocturnal. Waking them up during the day can leave them feeling disoriented and anxious. This fearful and confused state can even lead you to get bitten.

Unfortunately, sometimes something you can’t control can startle your hamster. For example, a violent storm or a car alarm. It’s important to regularly work on building trust and bonding with your hamster. This work will help comfort your hamster after anxiety-related setbacks.

How long will it take for my hamster to get used to me?

Every hamster has a unique personality and quirks. It is expected that there will be an adjustment period when you first bring a Hammie home as he gets used to you and his new surroundings. It can take a few days to a few weeks for a hamster to get used to you.

The length of time depends on how much effort is put into bonding with your hamster and their personality. Some of these pets are just shy and may never be the outgoing, cuddly types that other hamsters are. Always set your hamster up for success by providing them with plenty of food and fresh water and by handling them slowly.

Read more in our blog post How To Help A Hamster Adjust To Its New Home.

How do I get my hamster to trust me?

Building trust in your hamster takes time, but it is possible. We’ve touched on key confidence-building methods like meeting basic needs, creating routines, and slowly introducing your touch. If you have a hamster that has been in a very stressful environment before, it may take longer to build trust. You also need to start with a more subtle exposure.

A helpful, no-fuss way to get your hamster to trust you can often be by hanging around their cage. Try talking or singing near his cage to get your hamster used to your presence. Take at least five minutes each day to gently rest your hand in your hamster’s home.

You can try putting his favorite treats on your hand and leaving them in the cage afterward. If at any point your hamster seems excited or upset when you are interacting with him, give him a break. It’s important not to exhaust your hamster or push him past his stress threshold.

Small confidence-building exercises every day are key to building a relationship between you and your hamster. Before you know it, you can collect them and have some adventures outside of the cage.

Read more in our blog post, How to get your hamster to like you.

How do you bond with a scared hamster?

Bonding with a frightened hamster is rewarding for you and comforting for him. To bond with a frightened hamster, you start by calming it. Slow, calm movements are key when you are near a frightened hamster. Always try to give your hamster something positive after handling them or doing any confidence-building exercises.

You can reward them with tasty treats or toys, or try to fit your bonding attempts around feeding time. Bonding occurs when your hamster begins to associate you with positive situations in their life, such as food or comfort. You can tell the bond is forming when your Hammie is expecting you or is trying to get your attention. A bonded hamster is often curious about what you’re doing and will be happy to be scooped out and taken out of their home to explore.

Bond with your hamster by creating a safe, clean and interactive environment around them. Move slowly, speak softly, and give them enough mental stimulation to keep your furball happy.

Read more in our blog post How should you play with your hamster?

in summary

If your hamster is afraid of you, you need to work on building trust and bonding with your hammie. Confidence is built by meeting their daily needs, having a routine, and acclimating your pet to your presence and touch. Rebuilding trust or bonding with your hamster will take time. How long it takes to form these bonds depends on the effort and personality of the hamster.

These small pets are easily frightened. Ensuring that their surroundings feel safe and enriching will make it easier for them to return to a calming state. Your Hammie will let you know when he’s comfortable with you. The process takes time and patience, but the commitment makes it all worth it. We hope you found this article helpful when it comes to dealing with a frightened hamster.

Looking for more ways to interact with your hamster? Check out our blog post 9 fun things to do with your hamster.

Hamsters speak to express a variety of emotions. Your hamster may squeak while being fed or playing with its toys. He may squeak or scream when scared or angry. A big part of interpreting your hamster’s vocal sounds is observing what happens when your hamster makes the sound. It also helps if you can identify what noises are normal for your pet to make. Some hamsters will squeak whenever you feed them or play with them, while other individuals are largely silent and rarely make a sound. It is possible that a hamster will occasionally scream because it has learned that it can. Name this one the dwarf that cried wolf.

How do hamsters communicate with each other and with humans?

Whitney is a hamster parent and has raised a variety of species.

The hamster call

Hamsters are usually very docile and calm animals, but you may notice them trying to tell you or another hamster something – be it happiness, contentment or aggression.

In most cases, you won’t hear your hamster’s sounds as much of their vocal communication is ultrasonic so other hamsters can hear, but human ears won’t detect it. Below are common behavioral cues that have been observed in hamsters.

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Hamster to Hamster Communication

If you have more than one hamster, you may notice some of these behaviors.

body language

Body language is very important for communicating with animals. Posture determines signs of aggression, stress, or sexual tension between hamsters.

Circle and Sniff: When two hamsters check each other out by circling each other in a “T” configuration. An upright hamster sniffs the other hamster that is lying down. One hamster may even try to knock the other hamster over by biting the underside. The hamsters switch positions and keep circling as they decide which hamster will be the dominant of the two. The submissive hamster is the one that leans back on its legs in a more or less upright position to keep it balanced.

When two hamsters check each other out by circling each other in a “T” formation. An upright hamster sniffs the other hamster that is lying down. One hamster may even try to knock the other hamster over by biting the underside. The hamsters switch positions and keep circling as they decide which hamster will be the dominant of the two. The submissive hamster is the one that leans back on its legs in a more or less upright position to keep it balanced. Face to face sparring: The attacker will attempt to bite the submissive hamster in the stomach while remaining upright and attempting to push the attacker away. It can be difficult to tell which hamster is which as they switch positions quickly. The more submissive hamster is the one standing more upright with paws outstretched and moth open. The upright position is an alert position typically used to ward off danger.

Appeasement: Hamsters will extend a paw and avoid eye contact to placate the approaching hamster.

Hamsters will put out a paw and avoid eye contact to placate the approaching hamster. Rolling Fight: The aggressive hamster will stand upright or on all fours as it lunges at the other hamster and bites the middle. The fight usually ends when a hamster freezes prone, which is a surrender signal.

The aggressive hamster will stand upright or on all fours as it lunges at the other hamster and bites the middle. The fight usually ends when a hamster freezes prone, which is a surrender signal. Fighting and Flying Escapes: High-pitched squeaks signal something is about to escalate. Both hamsters will roll over and fight, usually resulting in them inflicting wounds on each other. When the fight gets serious, the submissive hamster tries to escape, but the dominant hamster won’t let him and follows him around the cage.

High-pitched squeaks signal something is about to escalate. Both hamsters will roll over and fight, usually resulting in them inflicting wounds on each other. When the fight gets serious, the submissive hamster tries to escape, but the dominant hamster won’t let him and follows him around the cage. The Chase: A dominant hamster chases the submissive hamster, which can turn very badly when the submissive hamster has no way out. You can usually stop this with a few squirts of water.

A dominant hamster will chase the submissive hamster, which can turn very badly if the submissive hamster has no escape route. You can usually stop this with a few squirts of water. Tail Slap: A submissive hamster will slap its tail up and arch its back up to stop any aggression. He can even walk slower and have a stiffer gait while the dominant hamster can mount the other hamster.

Auditory cues

Hamsters squeak and talk a lot, especially when housed with other hamsters or when restrained. If you pay attention to the sounds, you can figure out what your hamster is trying to tell you.

Mating Calls: Female hamsters will call when they are in heat, nursing, or when the days are short. Females call when no males are around. Males call when they find a female.

Female hamsters will call when they are in heat, nursing, or when the days are short. Females call when no males are around. Males call when they find a female. Teeth chattering: This is typically a sign of fear or aggression in male-to-male hamster encounters, but can also be heard in female-to-female encounters. When a hamster tries to protect its cage from an intruder, you may notice the rattling noise.

This is typically a sign of fear or aggression in male-to-male hamster encounters, but can also be heard in female-to-female encounters. When a hamster tries to protect its cage from an intruder, you may notice the rattling noise. Echolocation: Because hamsters have poor eyesight, they use echolocation to explore and navigate.

Chemical Notes

Hamsters use chemical cues to communicate messages through smell.

Flank Scent Glands: Most often, the scent glands are the most common chemical clue. Syrian, Romanian, Turkish and Roborovski hamsters have pairs of flank scent glands on each hip. These glands are used to mark territory by rubbing their sides against a vertical surface. Flank markings can occur in a non-social or social setting. They can be a status marker to determine dominant or submissive hamsters.

Most often, the scent glands are the most common chemical clue. Syrian, Romanian, Turkish and Roborovski hamsters have pairs of flank scent glands on each hip. These glands are used to mark territory by rubbing their sides against a vertical surface. Flank markings can occur in a non-social or social setting. They can be a status marker to determine dominant or submissive hamsters. Other Scent Glands: Dwarf hamsters like the Campbell’s hamster and winter white hamster have six pairs of scent glands, located on the ears, abdomen, and genitals.

Dwarf hamsters like the Campbell’s hamster and winter white hamster have six pairs of scent glands located on the ears, abdomen and genitals. Salivary Glands: Hamsters can recognize familiar hamsters by their breath.

Hamster-to-Human Communication

Most likely you are more interested in how your hamster is trying to communicate with you. It’s fairly simple, and for the most part you can figure out what your hamster is trying to tell you just by paying attention. Basic communication cues will be physical and auditory cues.

What does stretch mean? 1/2

body language

Rummies in clean litter: the hamster is happy and sees if he has hidden something to eat.

The hamster is happy and looks to see if it has hidden any food for it. Watches with prick ears: Curious but calm.

Curious but calm. Cleans itself: Hamster is looking for confirmation that everything is fine. When the hamster is out of the cage and cleaning up with you, it’s content and comfortable with the situation.

Hamster seeks confirmation that everything is ok. When the hamster is out of the cage and cleaning up with you, it’s content and comfortable with the situation. Stretches: Feels good and relaxed.

Feels good and relaxed. Ears forward, breast pockets inflated: the hamster is unsure and may feel the need to flee.

The hamster is unsure and may feel the need to flee. Stands on hind legs and boxes: The hamster feels threatened and counters with aggression.

The hamster feels threatened and responds with aggression. Startled When You Approach: The hamster will not feel safe and may require gentle handling and less strenuous play outside of the cage.

The hamster will not feel safe and may require gentle handling and less strenuous play outside of the cage. The ears are laid back: the hamster is suspicious and observes attentively; he may be angry or feeling aggressive.

The hamster is suspicious of something and observes closely; he may be angry or feeling aggressive. Flips on its back and shows teeth: The hamster is scared and wants you to back off.

The hamster is scared and wants you to back off. Crawls along the bottom of the cage, especially near the walls: the hamster is unsure and frightened.

Auditory cues

Chatter: The hamster is either excited or nervous. In some cases, the hamster may show signs of aggression or fear.

The hamster is either excited or nervous. In some cases, the hamster may show signs of aggression or fear. Loud squeaking: The hamster may be hurt, uncomfortable, threatened, agitated, or just want attention.

The hamster may be hurt, uncomfortable, threatened, agitated, or just want attention. Hissing: The hamster is irritated, upset, and scared

The hamster is irritated, upset and scared. Click: Happy and content

Happy and content Teeth grinding: Very irritable and wants to be left alone.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this content is correct and truthful and does not replace formal and individual advice from a qualified professional.

© 2010 Whitney

Carl Broadbent on March 22, 2020:

I firmly believe that hamsters and other small pets have the ability to hear and understand their owners.

CelesteTheViking on December 04, 2017:

I KNEW my hamster echolocated! I recognized what he was doing but had no idea hamsters could actually do that!

. on July 15, 2013:

My larger hamster uses his body to corner my smaller one and will then steal whatever food he has in his paws… I can’t separate them, but I’ve also noticed he’s acting kind of gross. .. Is this just normal behavior or should I be worried?

Nicole on 04/06/2013:

Where did you find the information about hamsters using echolocation? I felt my hamster vibrate and wondered if it was echolocation, but can’t find a reliable source to back this up. Thanks very much!

Dubuquedog trainer from Dubuque, Iowa on February 14, 2012:

Interesting – some of these behaviors are feline and some are canine.

Chelsea on September 06, 2011:

hello x

You know when you say click well, when you pick up my hamster and show his tummy he clicks and squirms away so I’m a little confused about that? x

Sasuke on July 13, 2011:

I have a couple of cute hamsters named Chico and Chica. They are amazing! Anyway, I think Chica (that’s the girl) might have some babies. 😀

Sasuke on July 13, 2011:

Thanks man those details about hammies totally helped me. 😀

taipan541 on August 23, 2010:

hey thanks It really helps me a lot.. um maybe you wrote these facts, how about you write the solutions to face each of these problems?

Whitney (author) from Georgia on May 16, 2010:

This means that you have to separate the two hamsters. It really sounds like one is bullying and trying to dominate the other.

Lucy on May 15, 2010:

What does it mean when one hamster attacks and the other rolls onto its back?

Whitney (author) from Georgia on March 19, 2010:

Regarding what exactly?

gecko_boy on March 19, 2010:

hello agen can you refer me to a russian dwarf hamster site???

Jens Solitude from Delaware on February 24, 2010:

“Teeth Grinding: Very irritable and wants to be left alone.” – and I thought it was just me. 🙂 Very informative hub, thanks for the good read.

Keeping a hamster may seem a bit complicated and even scary at first. After all, they are so tiny! Luckily, it’s not quite as complicated as it first seems. With a little skill, you can easily hold your hamster. The important thing is to hold them tightly and gently as you don’t want them to pop out of your hands.

If you accidentally startle your hamster while holding him, you could be at risk of a bite. Hamsters bite to defend themselves. If they don’t like what you’re doing, they’ll often bite you to let you know. You will likely get bitten a few times while owning a hamster – hopefully this article will reduce the number.

1. Wash your hands

Hamsters have a strong sense of smell, so you should wash your hands before holding them. If you have any strange smells on your hand, your hamster may get scared. You should also use unscented soap, as heavily scented soaps can also cause the hamster’s sense of smell to become overwhelmed. You also reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria and viruses to your hamster, which can make them sick.

2. Let your hamster sniff you

You should insert your hand into the cage and leave it there for a few moments to encourage your hamster to smell it. You should not grab them as this can cause the hamster to become scared and bite. It can also cause your hamster to become fearful of you in the long term, which may prevent them from letting you hold them in the future.

Leaving your hand in your hamster’s cage for a second will allow him to get used to your smell and your hand before you pick him up.

3. Wait for your hamster to crawl into your hand

Turn your palm up and wait for your hamster to crawl into your hand. This may not work at first, especially if your hamster is not used to you. They may be afraid of your hand and avoid it. However, after a few sessions, they will get used to your presence and will crawl into your hands.

If your hamster won’t crawl into your hand, pick him up by picking up the litter he’s sitting on. You shouldn’t grab them as this can make them scared and bite. It can also make them anxious in the long term, which can lead to more bites in the future.

4. Allow your pet to warm up for you

It’s usually not a good idea to force your hamster to hold him for a long period of time when he’s first adopted. This can cause them to become anxious and stressed, which can cause further illness and similar problems. Stress can be a serious problem for hamsters, so you should limit it as much as possible. Depending on how anxious the hamster is, you may only want to put your hand in his cage the first few times. If they are afraid of your hand, don’t pick it up right away.

Give your rodent enough time to warm up and get comfortable with you before you decide to pick it up. Don’t force it if your rodent is scared and biting.

5. Hold onto your hamster

When holding your hamster, you should hold it close to your body. Use two hands and move slowly. Don’t jerk or move quickly. This reduces the risk of your hamster panicking and trying to jump, which can result in injury. It’s best to sit on the ground so potential falls are minimal if you decide to jump.

If your rodent is particularly fidgety, you can place it on the ground between your legs to keep it from falling. The point is to keep your hamster as safe and secure as possible.

6. Give a treat

You should give your hamster a treat, especially the first few times. Treats are always a good thing. If your hamster gets a treat when you hold it, he’ll look forward to your cuddles. If they are anxious, this is an appropriate way to help them get out of their shell.

Of course, you should make sure you only feed safe foods. Many fresh vegetables are safe for your hamster, make sure you do your research.

7. Keep meetings short

Don’t hold your hamster for very long at a time. A few minutes are enough at first. Any longer and you may be at risk of stressing your pet. Being held can be a bit scary, especially in the beginning. After a while, your hamster will warm to your presence and you will be able to hold him longer.

8. Carefully place your hamster back in its cage

Hamsters tend to jump when you put them back in their cage. It’s important to pay special attention to this step to avoid injuring your hamster. You should preferably clasp your hands to keep your hamster from jumping, but don’t squeeze them as this can potentially scare them.

Once your hands are secure in the cage, remove your top hand and let your hamster walk off your hand. Don’t drop them as this can cause them to become anxious.

9. Hold your hamster often

You shouldn’t hold your hamster for very long at a time. However, you should hold them regularly and often. This will help them get used to the process and get used to you. Once a day is often enough, but you can keep them up to 3 times a day if they take good care of them. Don’t stress your rodent too much, but don’t wait many days between sessions either.

Looking for other hamster guides? To attempt:

Selected image source: Attila Bódis, Pixabay

Hamsters can experience happiness, optimism, sadness and depression much like we do, suggests a new study detailing a way of measuring the emotions of these cute and cuddly popular pets.

While testing is best left to scientists, the bottom line is clear: hamsters love extra comforts, like comfy hammocks, plenty of bedding, ledges, chew toys, and snacks. Without these and other benefits, the furry rodents are showing signs of depression, shows the study published in the new issue of the Royal Society Open Science.

Wild animals love wheels too: photos

Authors Emily Bethell and Nicola Koyama of Liverpool John Moores University explain that “cognitive measures can detect changes in emotions that are not detectable by behavioral observation or traditional behavioral testing of emotions alone”.

In other words, a person could spend all day watching a hamster without really knowing how they are feeling. That’s not to say the rodents don’t experience a lot of emotions. Instead, we don’t easily recognize their social cues. It’s not like a hamster can look up, smile and say, “I feel great today!”

To circumvent this problem, scientists have developed a “go/no-go” task to measure the level of optimism, which in turn is associated with feelings of happiness or sadness in humans and other animals.

In this case, the researchers trained 30 captive-born male Syrian hamsters to approach a drink station in one location to receive a reward (i.e. walk towards the sugar water) and not to approach a drink station in another location to receive a reward to avoid aversive liquid (“No Go”). The scientists then created ambiguous situations where the hamster was unclear whether the drinker was offering a treat or the bad-tasting liquid.

Video: Dogs have feelings too

The scientists added a series of controls and additional behavioral tests to overcome potential limitations, such as: B. odors released from the drinks.

Before the tests, some of the hamsters were raised with multiple comforts like soft extra beds, while the others received only the basic amenities. Hamsters receiving the additional “enrichments” repeatedly showed greater optimism in their decision-making throughout the study.

Bethell and Koyama wrote that “the addition of extra cage enrichment resulted in a more ‘optimistic’ judgmental bias in the hamsters. Removing the extra enrichment items (back to the standard enrichment conditions to which hamsters were accustomed) resulted in a negative bias.”

Similar studies have involved rats, mice, cats, dogs, suckling calves, sheep, chickens, honeybees, rhesus monkeys, marmosets, starlings, pigs, horses and goats.

The human hamster wheel increases productivity

The researchers explained: “To date, studies have shown that manipulations thought to produce a negative state (such as judgment bias are thought to result from a negative shift in the underlying emotional state.

They continued: “Positive manipulations (e.g. adding environmental enrichments) generally result in increased responses (more ‘Go’s) on one or more of the ambiguous probes.

Happy people are known to make more optimistic decisions, while depressed individuals tend to make more negative assumptions, so human studies support the overall findings of the new research.

One might say that it is common sense that a pampered person or pet is happier than one without such amenities, but as mentioned earlier, it is difficult to prove this for animals whose visual and auditory communications we do not understand .

The researchers hope their work “will lead to improved welfare assessments across species.”

13 steps to tame your hamster without getting bitten

When I first got my teddy I knew very little about hamsters so I made a few mistakes when taming him. Here I want to show you what you need to do to make sure you tame your Hammy and not get bitten in the process. My teddy bear is a Syrian golden hamster, but these instructions will work with any breed of hamster. However, be warned that the dwarf species are more difficult to handle and tame because they are so small. Table of Contents So how do you tame a hamster? What you should know before trying to tame your hamster Some breeds of hamster are more difficult to tame Be patient and consistent. Give the hamster some time. Make sure the hamster has enough space Annoy the hamster Make sure your hands are clean Make a habit of talking to your hamster Start by giving the hamster a small treat through the cage bars Put your hand in the cage, with a treat in your palmFeed the hamster from your hand dailyFeed some food in your other palm so it crosses over your handsGently pick up the hamster when you give him a treat in your palmpick the hamster higher and put yours other hand on himStart “walking” your hamster over your hands A word from Teddy So ​​how do you tame a hamster? In short, you can tame your hamster by building trust with him. Getting the hamster used to you, feeding him slowly from your hand and only touching him for a short time at first is a good start. Most hamsters get scared when you pick them up, so you’ll need to adjust to this slowly over the course of a few days or even weeks. This is the most basic and important information I can give you about taming a hamster. Everything else is just patience. But I’ve given you a guide to everything you need to know and do when trying to tame your hamster. Here’s a quick overview, and we’ll cover each entry in detail in the rest of the article. Give the hamster some time, it can take a couple of weeks. Make sure the hamster has enough space in its cage and a hiding place. Get your hamster a running wheel for all his energy. Don’t tease the hamster, they are not easygoing like puppies Make sure your hands are clean before handling the hamster. Make a habit of talking to your hamster. First, give the hamster a small treat through the cage bars. Place your hand in the cage with a treat on your palm. Feed the hamster from your hand daily. Place some food in your other palm so that it crosses over your hands. Gently pick up the hamster when you put a treat in your palm. Lift the hamster higher and place your other hand over it. Start Walking Over Your Hands With Your Hamster We’ll cover each item on this list, let’s talk a little bit about hamsters. They aren’t bred like dogs to trust people from the start, and they won’t jump at you to show affection. So reading a hamster’s reactions will be different than any other common pet. This is another reason to take things slow and make sure you have enough patience with your furry friend. What you should know before attempting to tame your hamster A few things to keep in mind and it’s for your own good and that of the hamster. Keep in mind that hamsters are very different from many pets and seem aloof most of the time. Some Breeds of Hamsters Are Harder to Tame In fact, almost every hamster species other than the Syrian is harder to tame. This is because they are so very small and will not sit still for very long. Smaller hamsters, like the dwarf hamsters, are fast, very hyperactive and some of them are almost impossible to house, more on that in this article on Syrians vs. dwarfs. This means if you try to pick up your Hammy, it will jump off and scurry away faster than you can move. It also means they won’t stay in your hands for more than a few seconds, so you need to keep moving your hands. This will make it much easier for the hamster to fall out of your hands and could injure itself. There is also the problem of short-term memory. Dwarven types can forget interactions within 24 hours, so it’s best to interact with them daily. Syrians have longer memories and will remember you for up to a week. Still, all hamsters need constant stimulation. Be patient and consistent Taming your hamster will take time. It may take a few days or it may even take a few weeks. It depends on several factors, but it’s mostly the hamster’s personality and your patience. It’s true, there are some hamsters who never want to be touched. And there are hamsters that get scared very, very easily and shy away from you. If that’s the case with your Hammy, there’s not much you can do. They each have their own personality. My teddy, for example, is not the cuddliest ball of fluff. He’s curious and will come up to you, but doesn’t like being handled too much and won’t really let you pet him. He’s fine if you pick him up for a minute, but if he’s in his cage and you try to pet him – no. The point is that the process of taming your Hammy may take longer than expected. Or the end result may be different from what you wanted or expected. But it is important to be consistent and patient. Even after you’ve tamed your hamster, it’s important to continue touching and petting them, as well as talking to them. Hamsters can forget, so they need constant stimulation. Now let’s dive into the whole process and how to get started. Give the hamster some time. Your hamster may accept you quickly, or it will never bond with you. Keep trying and be consistent with the attention you give him. Keep in mind that dwarf hamsters may take longer to get to know you well enough. Syrians typically take less time to tame and are not as prone to biting or pinching. That being said, all hamsters will need some time to get used to you. The smell of your hand, your voice, everything takes some time to get used to. Go slowly, step by step, and don’t try to pick up the hamster once you’ve gotten it from the pet store. Instead, build on actually being able to hold your hamster. Start small by feeding your Hammy through the bars first until he becomes comfortable with your smell and associates it with “good.” Make sure the hamster has enough space. This is very important for a hamster. Actually for every animal. Space is their territory, and how free they feel affects how relaxed they are. So if your hammy is in a cramped, tiny cage — like the square, colorful ones they give you at the pet store — he won’t be a hammy. Even if it’s a dwarf hamster, it still needs a lot more space than these cages. For more information on choosing the right cage for your Hammy, see this article on the best cages. You will also get the minimum cage requirements and what to look for in a new cage. Your Hammy’s cage is important, and so is its hiding place. He’ll use that to… well, hide and sleep and eat and sleep some more. So it’s important that you actually provide your Hammy with a hiding place. Hamsters will use the litter in the cage if they have no other option, but they will not feel comfortable. For more information about a hamster’s hiding place and how to make sure you get a good hiding place, you can read this article. Get your hamster an exercise bike for all his energy Hammies need lots of exercise. Especially the smaller breeds like Robo, Campbell and Siberian are always on the move. Chinese and Syrians can become lazier as they age. A hamster with a lot of pent-up energy will not be easy to handle, will bite you and is likely to squirm in your hand a lot more. So it’s in your best interest to give your hamster plenty of exercise. He needs to know where and how to roam as hamsters can travel up to 9 km/5.5 miles in a whole night. Imagine keeping that hamster locked up! Here you can learn more about a hamster’s usual running routine and why it needs to run in the first place. And you can also find out more about running wheels for hamsters in this article. Don’t Annoy the Hamster It’s important to remember that hamsters aren’t like other pets. They don’t take pranks or jokes well because they are easily startled and take everything seriously. They have to if they want to survive. So seemingly harmless things like pulling at his whiskers or an ear or suddenly waking up will not be welcome. Unfortunately, hamsters are much more serious than puppies, who will forgive you if you shut up. It’s best to leave the hamster alone, he’ll come out of hiding when his time is up. So don’t try to tease or tease the hamster in any way. After all, you are trying to build a good relationship with him. He is supposed to trust you, and his trust is very fragile. Make sure your hands are clean Hamsters are very sensitive to smells, so your smell is very important. This also means that they are very sensitive to anything that is on your hands. Maybe moisturizer, or maybe you just peeled an orange, or you touched a tube of sanitizer. In any case, wash your hands thoroughly. Opt for an unscented or very, very lightly scented soap when handling your hamster. Overly floral or fruity soap — if it smells particularly sweet — will trick your hamster into thinking you actually have vanilla and coconut on your hands. The hamster itself is very clean, so washing your hands afterwards is not a problem. I still recommend washing your hands after handling the hamster, but it’s not mandatory. Make a habit of talking to your hamster. Your Hammy will also recognize your voice as it is also sensitive to noise. So by making sure your hamster recognizes your voice, you make the taming process a lot smoother. You can do this by talking to your Hammy every time you see him. He won’t look like he’s going to react, but hamsters aren’t very expressive. Trust me when I say he’s listening to you, especially when he gets closer or looks your way. Choose a soft, deep voice as his ears are very sensitive and there is no point in being loud around him. Talking to your hamster also helps disarm some weird moments. For example, if he suddenly freezes or is a bit scared of you. Lowering yourself to his level and talking to him will make you look a lot less menacing. Start by giving the hamster a small treat through the bars. The steps before this one were more to set the tone for your hamster. This is the first thing you need to do to show your hamster that you mean no harm. So bring a treat for your hamster, it can even be something as simple as a sunflower seed or a peanut. It needs to be big enough that you can hold one end of it and your hamster can grab the other end through the bars. Your Hammy approaches, sniffs the treat and immediately gets to work. His love of food will outweigh his fear of you and he will grow closer. He might even touch your finger with a paw. This may seem like a small thing, but it is actually your first contact for your hamster! Do this often throughout the day and continue to do this after you have tamed your hamster. It will help keep your bond tight. Here is a concise list of what hamsters can and cannot eat. You will also find out which treats are also available for hamsters. Place your hand in the cage with a treat on your palm. This is the biggest step you will take. Your hamster has never had your hand in its cage. He will ignore it for a long time if you just put it there. He also becomes curious and comes to sniff and nibble. And if you’re not used to it and he’s not careful, a bite may occur. So it’s best to reach into his cage with a treat in the palm of your hand and just leave it there for a few minutes. Your Hammy will come right away to examine it. He’ll recognize your scent but probably doesn’t trust you just yet. You may see funny things like your hammy straining his neck to get the treat but not touching your hand. He’ll give in one day and actually put a paw on your hand. Whoa, big move! Feed the hamster from your hand daily Give your hamster food from your hand as often as possible. You can even hand your Hammy his full portion of food. A full portion for a Syrian is 2 teaspoons of dry food and one teaspoon for midget types. This is for a daily feeding. If you hand feed him every day, you will feel his paws on your hand more and more often and realize that they are cold. This is normal for them and they are fine. Be careful because if your hammy is about to finish eating from your hand, he will grab the lines of your hand. That’s where the food will collect and your Hammy will look for it. He may nibble your hand a little, but he doesn’t bite. Unless you suddenly pull your hand away in shock, in which case you will startle him, and he will definitely bite. (If you like this article so far, you can pin it to your Pinterest board by clicking the image below. Article continues after image.) Put some food in your other palm so it crosses over your hands . Now you can try putting some food or more food in the other hand. So if you put your one hand in your hamster’s cage with some food, he will touch it. He might even climb it. Then place your second hand next to your other hand with some food. Your Hammy will learn to walk over your hands like this and will trust you. Repeat this one more time, many times throughout the trail and it may take a while but your hamster will learn to trust you. If you want, you can even use your hands to build some kind of board for your hamster to walk on. Just put a bit of food at the end farthest from your hamster so he almost has to cross both hands to get his food. Gently pick up the hamster when you put a treat in your palm. Once you’ve familiarized your hamster with each step up to this point, you can try gently picking him up. Do this in his cage or glass container and don’t pick him up. The reason for lifting your hamster just a few inches off the ground is to get him used to the movement. Hamsters startle very easily so he needs this training part. Place your palm in the cage with some food, and when your hamster has climbed into your hand, slowly lift the hand. Your hamster will likely walk away as soon as he feels your hand moving, that’s okay. Keep trying. That’s why he needs training. You may find it jumps off your hand if you hold it up for more than a few seconds. So make sure you bring him back in a short time. Lift the hamster higher and put your other hand on it. If your hamster is used to everything by now, then great. This step will be a bit more challenging for him as you won’t be putting him down anytime soon. Once your hammy is secure in your hand, place your other hand on top of it and lift it higher than usual. Only do this for a short time and not very quickly. It will be new to your Hammy so make sure he is comfortable with every step up to this one. Make sure both hands grip the hamster securely when you pick it up. If the hamster falls from a higher place, it will hurt itself. So it’s best not to hold him up for too long. Start walking your hamster over your hands Once your hamster is comfortable, you can start moving your hands so he can walk over it. It looks like you’re washing your hands. Do this in your hamster’s cage first, as it will likely move faster than you think. You need to make sure that when your hamster jumps out of your hands, it lands somewhere soft, like in its cage. And that was the final step in training and taming your hamster. If he’s comfortable being picked up and runs over your hands when you hold him, he’s pretty tame. Now all hamsters are nervous and won’t sit still, so don’t judge your Hammy too harshly because it won’t stay still in your hand. If he wants to be let go, it will be obvious and he might just jump. So always be very close to or above your hamster’s cage. A word from Teddy I know it can be a bit difficult to tame one of us Hammies. But it’s worth it when you talk to us and we look you straight in the eye. I certainly don’t like being touched for more than a minute, but maybe your Hammy loves hugs, who knows? We all have our own personality. If you want to learn more about us Hammies, you can check out the articles below. You’ll find information on how much water we hamsters need, what room temperature we need to be comfortable, and even why we eat our own poop! …

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Do hamsters like to be petted? This may seem like a ridiculous question to the avid hammie enthusiast who might respond with a sardonic “Does fish like water?” Surely the hamster, the ultimate cuddly and affectionate animal, lives to be petted, cuddled and otherwise fondled by you, its adoring owner. And while this is mostly true, the fact is that hamsters – much like humans – only want to be touched at certain times, in certain ways, and under certain conditions. In this article, we will teach you, as a devoted and loving hamster owner, how to take care of your hammie; how to properly pet the pet that brings back so much joy and affection.

The simple answer to the question, “Do hamsters like to be petted?” is yes, absolutely. Hamsters, like the vast majority of pets, crave attention from their owners. And for both you and your hammie, a cuddle can mean a time of great connection and relaxation; those few precious moments each day that you can spend time with your beloved pet.

So yes, hamsters generally like being petted – but not always, and not under all conditions. You can also master a specific, almost flawless technique for successfully petting a hamster. “Can’t we do anything in life these days without mastering a technique?” you might ask yourself at this point and roll your eyes skyward. “Even pet our damn hamsters?” Point taken. However, as a concerned pet owner, you certainly want to pet your hamster in a way that is safe and healthy for them and that will not harm or frighten them in any way. In other words, if you pet your hamster according to our guidelines, you can significantly reduce your immediate chances of being hissed, scratched or bitten – need we say more? Read on now for the complete guide to petting your hamster as it applies to virtually all hamster species including Syrian, Dwarf/Roborovski and Siberian.

How do I pet my hamster?

Is there a scientific formula that applies to petting a hamster of all things? Well, no, but we can offer you a fairly fail-safe step-by-step painting process that will allow you to handle your hammie in a way that’s safe and productive for both of you. This process is aimed at the care and protection of the hamster, which is a delicate and sensitive creature that requires great and very careful care. With that in mind, please take the time to educate yourself and your family members (especially any children and young people in the home) in the proper and correct way to pet a hamster. The suggested step-by-step process includes: • Hold your hamster in the cradle of your hand and place your other hand on its back. • Run your middle and index fingers over the surface of the hamster’s back. • Stroke the hamster with light, tender movements. • Avoid pressing hard on the hamster’s fur or making sudden, jerky, or quick movements. • Look for signs that your hamster is happy, relaxed and enjoying the petting. What are these signs you ask? Ah, we’re so glad you asked…

How do I know my hamster likes to be petted?

As you know, while your hamster is certainly a brilliant and wondrous creature, he cannot verbally convey his feelings to you. So if they really appreciate your stroking technique, there’s no way your hammie can give you a spirited paw-up sign and declare, “Great job man! Keep it up!” Still, your hamster will show his/her general approval of your “petting” process in his/her own way. These include:

Chirping and happy squeaking

If your hamster responds to a pet the same way it responds to a treat, chirping and squeaking to its heart’s content, then you’re probably doing something right!

The relaxation of her features

Much like a contented cat, a hamster enjoying being petted may narrow or close its eyes, pinch its nose, or wiggle its ears to show sheer elation.

The relaxation of their bodies

A well petted hamster can nestle deep in your palm; This will facilitate further stroking and cuddling as thanks for your tender and well-managed affection.

Sleep

Lulled by your stroking movements, your hamster may fall asleep right in your hand.

How should I pet a new hamster?

Everything is new for the inexperienced hamster owner. From the moment you bring your little stuffed animal home, you will no doubt be faced with endless questions about its care. How do you feed your hamster? How do you clean him/her?

And how do you pet him/her?

Very carefully.

In fact, you may want to avoid petting your hamster for the first few days of his presence in your home. Give them time to adjust to their surroundings before making physical contact with them. When you finally pet her, do so slowly and with great care.

Yes, we have step-by-step instructions for that too. Are you surprised?

Here it comes:

Start with short, light strokes. When feeding or playing with your hamster, you can pat him on the back lightly and gently; Monitoring their reaction to this gesture. Refrain from jerky or jerky movements. If you move too fast or at a steep angle, you could startle your hamster. Look for signs that your hamster is happy with the petting process, as discussed above. Similarly, monitor your hamster for signs that he is not pleased to be petted – not yet, anyway. What are these signs? Again, we’re so glad you asked!

How can you tell if your hamster doesn’t like being petted?

Just as your hamster can’t tell you that he prefers your stroking technique, he can’t say the opposite either; that they want you to stop and stop all the petting from hell! Luckily, however, your hamster has his own special ways of telling you to say no on the pet.

These include:

Hissing and sharp, repetitive squeaks. These are the noises hamsters generally make to express their fear, anger, or dissatisfaction. If your hamster repeatedly hisses or squeaks when you pet them, stop all contact immediately.

Biting, clawing and pinching. squirm or run. If your hamster is trying to escape your grasp in any way, then he/she may have a genuine aversion to petting.

Hamsters don’t like to be held:

How can I convince my hamster to like petting?

Petting is an important part of the bond that forms between a person and their pet. And while you should respect your hamster’s signs that he doesn’t want to be petted, you may be able to gently introduce him to the concept by:

Hold your hammie. Holding your hamster in the palm of your hand first and allowing them to explore and get used to your grip may make them more amenable to the concept of petting.

Pat before petting. Try patting your hamster’s head occasionally before moving on to longer pets.

treats. Those who caress and treat at the same time have the best chance of success in this area!

If your hamster just doesn’t like being petted, then you have many other ways to show him your love: talking sweetly to him, giving him toys and treats, etc. Pet Hamsters, then please learn how to properly pet your pet!

What noise does a hamster make?

Most animals have a specific sound they make. Dogs bark, cats meow, cows moo, but what noises can a hamster make and what do they mean?

The most common sounds a hamster makes are squeaks, squeaks, hisses, or grinding of teeth, all of which indicate that your hamster is frightened, excited, or startled. While a hamster in distress is even able to let out a high-pitched scream.

We all know that hamsters are anything but quiet – especially at night when they’re burning off energy, but by and large our hamster Oscar is quite discreet. The only time we heard his voice was in the early days of ownership and handling, when he occasionally let out a small squeak. But is this normal or are hamsters supposed to make noise?

How do hamsters show their emotions?

Studies have shown that hamsters have emotions and will experience intense feelings just like you and me. However, since they cannot verbalize them like humans, they have to find an alternative way of expressing them.

This can be as simple as twitching their whiskers to let you know they’re curious, or freezing in place to show you they’re scared. however, they also use an auditory form of communication.

What do hamster noises mean?

The most common sounds your hamster will make are squeaks, squeaks, and screams, although they may also grind their teeth and hiss. In order to properly interpret these sounds, you need to analyze what your hamster is doing while making the sound. Hamsters are unique, and while one hamster may squeak with delight, another may do so in fear.

Generally, however, hamsters make noises to let us know they are scared, angry, or in pain.

Squeaks and squeaks – A little squeak can sound adorable, but actually, it could be your hamster’s way of alerting you to something more sinister. However, the occasional squeak shouldn’t be a cause for concern as your hamster is just trying to let you know how he’s feeling.

Oscar only squeaked a few times, but each time it was a direct reaction to being picked up too roughly or feeling scared in unsafe hands. This behavior soon stopped once he was tamed and used to us.

Hamsters can also squeak and squeak when fighting for dominance. If you keep a couple of dwarf hamsters together, you should keep a close eye on them to make sure they get along well.

Screams – It is very rare to hear a hamster scream. It’s loud and nerve-wracking, but essentially born out of fear. It’s your hamster’s way of letting you know that he’s petrified and needs more time to get to know you and his surroundings better.

Hissing – Hamsters can be aggressive, but like cats, they often give warning signals beforehand. If your hamster doesn’t want to be touched or cuddled, he may try to hide or flee, show his teeth, or crouch low. But if stubborn hands keep pursuing it, it can hit back with a hiss. But be warned, a hiss will inevitably lead to a pinch.

Teeth grinding – This chattering noise generally means your hamster is irritable and wants to be left alone. By baring and grinding their teeth, they give a visual and verbal warning, generally before planning an attack.

Happy hamster sounds

A happy, healthy hamster might show appreciation by making a few short, high-pitched squeaks of excitement. They also make a clicking sound known as bruxing when they rub their bottom and top teeth together. This is often a ritual they participate in when they are feeling calm and content.

What does it mean when your hamster coughs or sneezes?

Hamsters sneeze and cough for the same reasons we do. They can become irritated by something like dust or a strong odor, which can cause them to cough or sneeze at times.

Alternatively, persistent coughing and sneezing combined with a runny nose and eyes may indicate your hamster has an allergy to things like food, chemicals in the air, or items in his cage. If it causes them serious health problems, you should seek veterinary advice.

Hamsters can get colds and catch them from their owners. Therefore, if you suffer from a seasonal cold or flu it is always best to keep handling of your hamster to a minimum and always remember to wash your hands before (and after) lifting them.

Conclusion

Most of the time, hamsters are quiet, unobtrusive pets who only really let us know they’re around when they’re gnawing on their bars or turning in their wheels. And while they may emit behavioral cues like jerking, preening, or sniffing, they’re unlikely to verbalize their feelings.

However, if your hamster squeaks, squeaks, yells, or hisses, don’t ignore the message he’s trying to convey. Instead, give them extra security and space to make them feel happy and content in their home.

Owning a cuddly ball of fur like a hamster seems like it should involve lots of love and cuddling. However, before you can be open with your hamster without scaring him, you need to put in a little time and work.

You need to bond with your hamster so that he trusts you and feels comfortable around him.

Before you do anything, it’s important to realize how intuitive animals are when perceiving human emotions. Don’t try to rush or get impatient while working with your hamster. Instead, be slow and kind, paying special attention to how they seem to be feeling at each step of the bonding process.

Start from the beginning and work your way to the more challenging sections. Follow these steps to bond with your hamster.

1. Make sure you have met your hamster’s needs.

The first aspect of bonding with your hamster is also the most important. You must ensure that all of the hamster’s life requirements are met and preferably exceeded. Your hamster won’t be able to live a healthy and satisfying life if he doesn’t have the materials to do so.

Start with her enclosure. There are different types of hamster cages that you can buy, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Critical aspects include:

Despite being small creatures, hamsters are mentally active and enjoy having enough space to exercise and explore. They should be provided with toys and a wheel to exercise in, and the cage should have a floor deep enough for them to burrow into the nesting material below.

The typical recommendation is that your hamster’s cage should be at least 2 square feet.

Once you’ve found a quality cage that will fit your hamster well, it’s time to choose the perfect spot for it in your home. It shouldn’t be in a drafty area or one with direct sunlight, but instead the ideal spot is one that stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s also best to move your hamster to a quieter area. These creatures are nocturnal animals and will not do as well if disturbed frequently during the day.

Pro tip: Cover their enclosure with a light cloth for a few days so they can acclimate to their new surroundings without feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar outside world.

2. Put your hand near your hamster in its enclosure, but don’t grab it.

Most animals, including hamsters, are much more sensitive to smells than humans. They associate some smells with safety and others with danger. They need them to associate your smell with certainty, making them comfortable around you.

Begin by placing your hand outside of the mesh or wires of your case. Don’t get so close that they can still reach you. Allow them to sniff you or just get used to your being around.

You can also take a piece of cloth from an old sweater or shirt and put it in their cage to help them get used to your scent around them.

If your hamster seems comfortable around you, try dipping your hand into his enclosure. Don’t be the one who approaches the hamster first. Put your hand in it and let it be quiet.

When they are comfortable, these naturally curious creatures come up to sniff and explore this fascinating new object.

If it doesn’t happen right away, give it time. Try dipping your hand in several times when they’re awake so they gradually get used to you being there.

Pro tip: When hamsters are scared, they can bite pretty hard. Never sneak up on them or try to touch them when they are sleeping. It will be an unpleasant surprise for both of you.

3. Offer your hamster health treats from your hand.

Once they seem like they’ll befriend your presence, bribe them by offering them healthy treats. If you’ve learned that they prefer a certain type of fruit or vegetable, offer one of their favorites.

Don’t do this every day as too many treats can cause health problems in hamsters. These creatures are prone to obesity, and their bodies don’t easily digest the sugars found in many fruits.

Just give them small pieces of fruit. Start by putting them in their food bowl so they know what’s on offer. Work on keeping it in your hand so eventually they have to take it away from you to get it.

4. Try gently lifting your hamster up.

Once at this point, the hamster is likely to be comfortable with you being close. It’s time to try picking up the fluff ball for the first time. Approach your hamster slowly. Hopefully they’re at a point where they’re willing to come to you or are neutral about your presence.

Lift her up safely by wrapping your hand around her stomach and chest. Gently scoop the hamster out of the enclosure. You may learn to step on your hand to get lifted out, but first you need to do that scooping motion.

Never pick up your hamster by the tail or any other means other than the chest and abdomen. If you cause your hamster any pain, it is unlikely that he will want to continue the bond and may be afraid of you.

5. Give your hamster time to explore outside of the enclosure.

The process listed will probably take no more than a week to set up with patience and persistence. It’s important to work through these steps in a relatively short amount of time, as hamsters need plenty of exercise to stay healthy, so they should be given the opportunity to explore their home.

Start the time outside the enclosure by allowing the hamster to explore and climb on you. You can walk up and down your arms and legs or over your shoulders. Gently pet them as they move so they become familiar with your scent and associate calm with you.

Once you’ve done this a few times for several days, drain them in a closed area. Hamsters are tiny and insidious, so make sure you keep an eye on them and can’t escape them.

You can incorporate toys into this playtime so they don’t just explore on their own but spend quality time with you.

Pro tip: sit on the ground with them so you’re up to par, and they can also try to explore around and on you.

Featured Image: JarkkoManty, Pixabay

Some rules…

* Do not put fingers in the cage or allow loud noises near the cage.

* The early evening is the best time to make progress in training.

* Do not attempt to hold a hamster while it is sleeping or eating.