My Hamster Is Laying On Its Side? The 230 Detailed Answer

You may not know it, but hamsters can get stressed, just like cats, dogs, people, and other animals. Fortunately, most causes of a stressed hamster can be prevented or ameliorated by adapting to their environment.

So, as long as you keep an eye out for signs of stress in your pocket-sized pet, you should be able to ensure your companion lives a happy, healthy, and carefree life. So, how can you identify the symptoms of stress in your hamster? And if you know your hamster is stressed, what can you do about it?

Stress symptoms in hamsters

When your hamster is stressed, you may notice them exhibiting some of the following symptoms:

Hair Loss/Coat Changes Stressed hamsters will sometimes brush or pull out their fur, resulting in bald patches or thinning hair. But even aside from self-inflicted baldness, stress can cause your hamster’s coat to change over time, becoming sparser, greasy, or more tousled.

Stressed hamsters will sometimes groom or pull out too much fur, resulting in bald patches or thinning hair. But even aside from self-inflicted baldness, stress can cause your hamster’s coat to change over time, becoming sparser, greasy, or more tousled. Aggressive Behavior Hamsters that are feeling stressed are much more likely to lash out. So watch your fingers and give your hamster some space while you try to reduce his stress levels.

Hamsters that are feeling stressed are much more likely to lash out. So watch your fingers and give your hamster some space while you try to reduce his stress levels. Cage Biting If you see your hamster regularly biting the bars or plastic of his cage, it could mean he’s feeling stressed.

If you see your hamster regularly biting the bars or plastic on his cage, it could mean he’s feeling stressed. Excessive digging and other repetitive behaviors such as rolling, scratching, licking, or scampering around in circles can be signs of a stressed hamster.

Excessive digging and other repetitive behaviors such as rolling, scratching, licking, or scampering around in circles can all be signs of a stressed hamster. High-Energy Behaviors When people are stressed they sometimes withdraw and have low energy, but stressed hamsters are often hyperactive and restless. It is common for stressed hamsters to run the same route around their cage over and over again, or spend extended periods of time on their exercise wheel.

When people are stressed they sometimes withdraw and have low energy, but stressed hamsters are often hyperactive and restless. It is common for stressed hamsters to run the same route around their cage over and over again, or spend extended periods of time on their exercise wheel. Vocalizing Although you may be used to your hamster keeping you up at night while noisily going about his daily routine, you probably haven’t heard your hamster make his own noises. Hamsters are usually fairly quiet, but when they are stressed you may notice that they are making more noise than usual. This could be their way of letting them know they are nervous, anxious, or desperate.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Causes of stress in hamsters

Hamsters can become stressed for a number of reasons. Hamster stress can be caused by fear. Because hamsters are so small, it’s easy to see why they get scared sometimes. Terrible situations for hamsters include loud noises, rough handling, being held up, sudden movements, or unfamiliar surroundings. For example, when you buy a new cage for your furry friend, even if it’s the best hamster cage, the fact that it’s a new environment that he’s not used to can cause stress.

Hamsters can also become stressed from not getting enough mental and physical stimulation. Boredom and lack of enrichment can lead to frustration and symptoms of stress. Symptoms of stress can also occur when your hamster is unwell or in pain, so it’s important to learn about your hamster’s normal behavior so you can spot changes quickly.

How to help a stressed hamster

The most important thing to do if you think your hamster is stressed is to take him to a vet. The vet can look for signs of pain or illness and offer advice on how to manage your hamster’s stress. Once you are certain that there is no medical reason for your hamster’s anxious behavior, you can start looking for things that you can adapt to his environment or your handling.

You want to make sure your hamster’s home is the perfect size for him, with plenty of room to exercise, eat, drink, and relax. Here are some tips for choosing the right cage size.

Make sure the cage is in a quiet part of the house, away from other pets and without a lot of foot traffic. Regular and thorough cleaning will also help relieve their stress, as will providing them with chews and toys for enrichment. When it comes to handling, it’s not always easy to get your hamster more confident, especially if he hasn’t been handled from an early age.

However, be careful not to smell chemicals or perfume, keep your movements slow, and keep them close to the ground.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Hamster body language guide

If you own a hamster, you will quickly learn and understand their body language if you pay close attention. But here’s a simple guide to what your hamster is trying to tell you:

Happy A happy hamster might stretch and yawn to show they are relaxed. Watching your hamster demonstrate its normal behaviors like preening and digging is a sign that it is happy. If they look back at you and show their ears, that’s a sign they’re interested and curious, not fearful.

A happy hamster might stretch and yawn to show they are relaxed. Watching your hamster demonstrate its normal behaviors like preening and digging is a sign that it is happy. If they look back at you and show their ears, that’s a sign they’re interested and curious, not fearful. Fear A hamster that is frightened or threatened may stand up on its hind legs or roll over on its back and show its teeth. They often puff out their cheeks and hold their ears flat or forward. You may hear them vocalize and if you don’t give them space, they may bite.

A hamster that is scared or threatened may stand up on its hind legs or roll over on its back and show its teeth. They often puff out their cheeks and hold their ears flat or forward. You may hear them vocalize and if you don’t give them space, they may bite. Depressed A depressed hamster may be more lethargic. However, it is common for boredom and under-stimulation to lead to hyperactivity. So, you might find them spinning or rolling repeatedly, biting their cage, or straining their wheel.

frequently asked Questions

(Image credit: Getty)

Do hamsters bite when they are stressed?

Hamsters bite very often when they are stressed. You may feel irritable, threatened, or uncomfortable. If your hamster suddenly started biting or acting aggressively, speak to a veterinarian about the possible causes.

Can hamsters die from stress?

Hamsters are very susceptible to stress and sudden stress can put extra strain on their heart and other body organs. When they are old or in poor basic health, they are even more at risk of dying suddenly from stress.

Conclusion

Although hamsters are tiny, hamster stress is a big problem. If you bring home a ball of fluff, it pays to do some research so you can handle it properly and give it everything it needs to live a happy and relaxed life.

Hamsters sleep during the day, often when the entire household is away, whether at school, work, or running errands. They usually naturally retire to sleep once noon rolls around. If they sleep for a few hours, they usually get up quickly. They then usually fall back asleep only to get up in the evening – and then stay up and at it all night. If you go to bed early and wake up early for the day, you may not see your hamster awake all that often. Hamster plans often work well for people who work late hours. If your work requires you to get up bright and early, a hamster’s use of an exercise wheel could prevent you from sleeping peacefully.

Q:

My hamster escaped into a hole in my counter. I can hear him in the wall but I’m afraid he might get lost. What’s the best way to get him out? Will he naturally return to his cage and come out at night?

A:

Unfortunately, this situation is as scary and frustrating as usual. Hamsters run away and get lost all too easily. But while they rarely return to their cages immediately and without guidance, don’t be discouraged. Over the years we’ve heard stories of hamsters going missing for up to two weeks before they showed up, hungry and disheveled and ready to be spoiled and spoiled again. With the following methods, there’s a good chance you’ll get your hamster home safely.

It’s a mystery why hamsters get lost so easily, as they share many of the same basic abilities as other rodents, such as: B. the ability to follow an odor with great accuracy. But while rats and mice have a reputation for staying in a fairly confined area and returning home quickly, hamsters will inevitably become distracted and wander aimlessly the moment they stray slightly from their familiar surroundings.

Luckily, a hamster’s talented nose also provides the best means of luring him back. The most common way to do this is usually referred to as the “bucket method”. There are countless variations of this, but with the basic concept, you can vary the process with the simplest of means. The technique works as follows.

Place a bucket or deep container on the ground where a hamster cannot escape (not too deep – you’ll see why – just deep enough for the hamster to climb out). Place a selection of tasty hamster food in the bottom. Stack books like a staircase next to the bucket. Also place treats like a few raisins or sunflower seeds on the “steps”. The hamster should climb up the books, fall into the bucket (so it shouldn’t be too deep) and stay there until morning (most hamsters follow an instinct to forage at night, so you’ll probably meet there with success). If possible, set up several of these buckets.

There is a similar procedure that is also very simple. Of course, time is of the essence, so combining these methods and doing whatever you can is an appropriate answer. The second method is to use grocery store-style plastic bags—the slightly stiff, crumpled kind works best. Set these out in various strategic spots around the house and place small bowls in the center filled with fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds, granola, and other flavorful treats (bowls of water will also attract a thirsty hamster).

Again, hamsters instinctively forage at night, so keep listening for the rustling and crackling of the bags after dark. This isn’t a method of capturing the pet, but it will give you peace of mind that it’s still around and at least eating some food. You can find droppings and seed coats in the morning. Because hamsters tend to follow regular patterns of behavior, you may be able to determine a movement pattern that will help you find the pet the next time they go out to eat.

Here’s another trick that is very effective, especially when the missing hamster is a male. If you have a lady hamster in the house, or know someone who has one, get some of her nesting material, the stuff she sleeps in. Handkerchiefs that smell like a woman will get the boys going, believe me. This is a strong instinctive drive. In fact, this is how desert species survive! In addition to nesting material, a bit of soiled bedding can also work in conjunction with the bucket or crumple bags. When you have a male on the loose and a female whose scent can act as bait, it really works like a charm! But that can also help bring a woman back. You can’t ignore their natural curiosity. The lingering smell of another hamster is very stimulating and will lure him out of hiding. This may be because they fear predators in unfamiliar surroundings, but by smelling other hamsters they feel the potential for danger is low and may feel bolder to present themselves outdoors.

As I said, the bucket method will vary depending on the resources available and where you expect the hamster to wander. The photo shows a primitive bucket system created by someone who admittedly wasn’t looking for a lost pet but to get rid of an unwanted housemate who had come in from outside. He didn’t want to hurt the visitor, so I advised him to put a couple of inches of soft bedding at the bottom of the bucket in that case. The little one was found one day, happily munching the peanut butter at the bottom of the bucket, and taken to a field. I’m telling this because while it’s gross and hamsters tend to stay low and don’t climb countertops, the simple physics in this ingenious build demonstrates the concept in a way that’s easy to improvise.

Once your hamster is safe and the emergency is over, you should take a moment to review the importance of securing your hamster’s cage or other housing. Cages come in all shapes and sizes, so there is no single method for securing doors. Don’t rely on an ordinary latch to stay closed, always add an extra strong clip or clamp, which you can easily get at most hardware stores, to keep it closed. Many pet stores also sell clips for this purpose. Likewise, strong clips can be purchased to hold an aquarium’s wire mesh lid to its body. With a glass tank, a heavy weight, e.g. B. a brick, can be placed on top of it, as long as this does not reduce the air surface too much. If you are using one of the cage systems with plastic tubes, secure them with tape as these tubes have been known to detach from the cage body (aided by the hamster’s constant nudging).

This is really common sense advice, but know that hamsters will surprise you! They pack a lot of power into their compact bodies, especially when they’re young and energetic. You can lift a hinged door or hefty wire mesh lid with nothing but “nose power”. You’ll climb onto a water bottle in no time. Wandering is what they do instinctively. It is not a comment on the good care you are trying to give them. You just have to be aware that they will try and protect your home from it. Also, if you play with them outdoors, make sure you can reach the nearest hole in the wall or crawl behind a heavy fridge before they can! And remember that while they may look carefree when frolicking around in the cage, they can always kick in if the ghost moves them.

If the worst happens and your hamster runs away, take some other precautions, such as: Fabric is easy to climb) and be sure to unplug everything you can from the wall so the hamster can’t chew through a live power cord.

Remember that hamsters follow regular patterns and have an instinct for hiding in deep burrows. Your hamster enjoys the comforts of a safe home, and they certainly want to be found as much as you want to find them. So don’t give up and good luck!

Want to learn more about hamsters? Cash:

By: Martha Boden

Featured Image: Via Sara Bisgaard/Shutterstock

If your hamster no longer wants to sleep in his house, there is bound to be a reason for this new behavior. Perhaps your little companion has even decided that his cabin is no longer of any use to him or that it is no longer adapted to his needs and desires. An uncomfortable feeling can also be the reason why your rodent refuses to enter his house again. Therefore, in this article you will discover the different reasons why your golden hamster, Russian hamster, Roborovski hamster or Chinese hamster no longer wants to sleep in his house and what to do to get him to sleep again. in his shelter. Happy reading!

The reasons why a hamster no longer wants to sleep in its house

If your hamster stops sleeping in their house overnight, they may have fully adjusted to their surroundings and have complete confidence. Indeed, if your rodent is no longer a source of stress and likes its surroundings, it is possible that its litter is perfect for burrowing, hiding or seeking warmth, without necessarily having to hide in its cabin.

It is also possible that your little companion finds the cleanliness of his hut unsatisfactory. In fact, hamsters tend to do their business anywhere, including their shelter. They can also store food in their hut if, for example, there is a food shortage or your hamster account is hibernating. For example, the smell of spoiled food or a strong smell of excrement and urine can cause your hamster to leave home. Also, if your hamster finds that there isn’t enough litter in his house, he may prefer to crouch in areas of his cage where there is a lot of litter.

Finally, it’s also possible that you washed your hamster’s cabin with a product that doesn’t suit him at all. It is important to choose neutral and fragrance-free products that will not bother your rodent.

What to do for a hamster to rehabilitate its shelter?

If your hamster has left his hut because of the state of cleanliness of the latter, you must be more careful to use suitable products et not dangerous for his health. Dump out clumps of food that may have expired and given off an odor that bothers your little companion.

Be sure to put enough quality bedding in your rodent’s cage so that it feels as comfortable as possible and finds a source of warmth there when it sleeps.

If your hamster seems happier in his litter than in his clean cabin, don’t force him to hide in his house: he will return there automatically when it’s cold or if something disturbs his rest, and will be put on alert .

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’re worried 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.

Hamsters aren’t just pets – they’re part of the family. While it’s hard to watch your hamster die, you want to make sure he’s comfortable and pain-free to the end.

Keep your hamster’s home as quiet and stress-free as possible to ensure they are comfortable. Do not let other pets or small children near your hamster’s enclosure to avoid further stress.

How do you know if your hamster is dying?

Hamsters have short lives. Once they are 2 years old they are considered older and begin to slow down.

This is because their small bodies cannot maintain their biological processes as effectively, causing them to shut down after only 1-2 years.

Signs that a hamster is dying of old age include:

loss of appetite

dehydration

Puffy or discolored eyes

Trembling as if trying to keep warm

blood in the urine or stool

seizures or tremors

Inexplicable noises

Hair and skin changes, including greasy or matted fur

An unpleasant odor from the inability to nurse

Once your hamster has reached this point, there is nothing you can do to prolong its life.

Hamsters are not biologically designed to live long lives, and veterinarians cannot perform the same surgeries as larger animals because of the complexity and the risks involved.

If your hamster is suffering, your vet will recommend euthanasia. All hamsters must die eventually, but remember the good times and cherish precious memories.

How to comfort a dying hamster

Hamsters are prone to many health problems and quickly succumb to old age. When the inevitable happens, you need to know how to comfort a hamster so that it gets through without stress and pain.

Remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for support when you need it.

Then follow these steps to help a dying hamster:

1/ Quiet environment

Dying hamsters rarely have the energy to do much more than sleep.

Your hamster is likely to hide in its burrow and sleep for up to 24 hours a day, coming out periodically for food and water if it still has an appetite. Make your hamster as comfortable as possible by keeping his room dark and quiet.

This includes the following:

Turning off the TV and radio too close to the enclosure

Prevent through traffic near your hamster

Keep other pets and children out of the room

Resist the urge to give your hamster’s cage a thorough cleaning

Turn off the lights to mimic natural day/night conditions

Too much noise and bright lights will cause stress and anxiety that will make your hamster suffer or hasten death, sometimes both.

2/ Pleasant temperature

Hamsters don’t like temperature fluctuations – they don’t like it too hot or too cold either.

They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F degrees. Anything hotter or colder is uncomfortable for hamsters and will cause them to feel uncomfortable in their last few days.

How to keep your hamster’s room warm enough:

Turn up the heating in the winter

Turn off the air conditioner if it is in use

Provide your hamster with an extra layer of bedding to burrow into

Move the case out of the way of drafts or radiators

Place a heating mat under the cage

Be careful if you have a glass case. As Popular Science explains, glass traps heat and can become uncomfortable in direct sunlight.

If your hamster’s room is too hot, you will need to cool it down by:

Turn down the central heating

Find a fan or air conditioner

Remove excess bedding

Move the case out of direct sunlight

3/ Sit with your hamster

Depending on how well you’ve bonded with your hamster, it may find comfort in hearing your voice.

Don’t talk to your hamster during the day when he’s sleeping, instead spend an hour or two sitting with him at night when he’s more awake.

If your hamster can tolerate being touched, you can hold him for a while. Not only does this give you a chance to say goodbye, but physiology explains how animals release a neurochemical called oxytocin.

The “love hormone” oxytocin lowers blood pressure and lowers cortisol, which helps hamsters feel more relaxed and relieves their pain.

Pay attention to your hamster’s mood. If they want to be left alone, let them sleep and be on their own.

4/ favorite food

You don’t have to watch what your hamster eats in its last few days. Hamsters are food motivated and enjoy eating their favorite treats.

It is better to feed your hamster something than nothing as malnutrition is a serious medical condition. Don’t overdo it because you can make some health conditions worse.

Some of the healthiest treats are:

apples

blueberries

banana

Berry

cucumber

carrot

Simple boiled noodles

seeds and nuts

scrambled eggs

mealworms

5/ painkillers

Dying hamsters sometimes need pain medication to deal with their symptoms. Old age can also lead to aching joints and discomfort that many hamsters struggle with in their last few days.

Look out for the most obvious signs of discomfort, including:

Sudden weight loss

dehydration

difficulty breathing

Increased vocalizations

longer periods of sleep

Your vet can prescribe pain relievers to relieve underlying problems.

6/ Ignore unwanted behaviors

Although living in captivity as pets, hamsters have strong instincts as they are not that far removed from their wild relatives.

Therefore, some dying hamsters react in ways that are not easy to understand and resort to their instincts. For example, your hamster may lash out and become unexpectedly aggressive.

Even if you don’t like this behavior, ignore it. Your hamster means no harm and is probably in pain. If this is the case, avoid touching your hamster and use a soft, gentle tone to communicate with him.

Should I hold my dying hamster?

You have to be careful if you want to hold your hamster while it dies.

For hamsters dying from a painful illness or disease, handling them causes too much pain and stress. Instead, you have to interact with your hamster without touching it.

Not only that, hamsters are prey animals. They have learned to hide when sick to avoid being eaten by larger predators. As a result, they feel threatened if they are treated too much, especially if they don’t have a place to retreat to.

However, hamsters that die of old age may be more susceptible to being held. You shouldn’t treat your hamster for too long at a time, otherwise he’ll use up too much energy.

Don’t disturb your hamster’s sleep to wake it up. While it’s understandable that you’d want to spend time with your dying hamster while he’s still alive, he needs plenty of rest.

If your hamster wants space, you must respect their wishes and leave them alone.

Should I let my hamster die naturally?

Deciding whether or not to let your hamster die naturally is one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer as it depends on whether your hamster is in pain.

The reality is that you shouldn’t let your hamster suffer, especially if they don’t have a quality of life. Likewise, hamsters without an appetite will eventually starve to death. This is a slow and painful way to die, so you should consider whether it’s fair to let your hamster live.

If your hamster seems to have some quality of life and has enough energy to eat, drink, and explore his cage regularly, there is no harm in letting your hamster die naturally.

It’s not uncommon for owners to discover their hamsters sleeping in perpetual sleep without warning. As mentioned earlier, once they start to deteriorate, the process is rapid.

If you are unsure of your options and what is right for your hamster, your veterinarian can help you decide after a thorough examination.

How long does it take for a hamster to die?

Some hamsters die suddenly overnight while others deteriorate within a few days. How long it takes for a hamster to die depends on whether it has a serious medical condition or is dying of old age.

Some diseases, like Cushing’s disease, kill hamsters over a long period of time. Others, like wet tail, affect hamsters quickly, killing within days without treatment.

It is up to owners to monitor their hamsters’ health to ensure they are not suffering. Maintaining good conditions throughout their lives will help hamsters stay healthy for longer.

How to cope with the loss of a hamster

We all deal with death differently, so don’t let anyone make you feel bad or guilty about the feelings you’re feeling. Surround yourself with people who can help you through the grieving process.

You might find the following ideas helpful:

Give yourself time to mourn

Remember that there was nothing you could have done to prolong your pet’s life

Think of the good memories you had with your hamster

Distract yourself from thinking about your hamster’s death by doing things you enjoy

Find a way to bury or cremate your hamster’s body

Say goodbye solemnly

Commemorate your hamster with pictures or a headstone

Write down your feelings or talk to someone you can trust

You may want to consider getting another hamster, but there is no right or wrong time to do so.

Some owners take comfort in having another hamster roaming around their enclosure, while others may have to wait a while before they are ready. Take your time and trust your instincts.

Losing a hamster is a painful process, but it’s one that all owners have to go through. As long as you monitor your hamster and act as soon as he begins to suffer, the end should be quick and painless.

Infection. I did my best to help her, but then I got very sick and couldn’t take care of her 24 hours a day, which made her weaker. She lived with me for about 8 days and force-fed me every few hours, but I don’t think she could have made it even if I hadn’t been ill.”

…”

“I wish I had read this when I was taking care of my hamster. My vet said she had pneumonia or a respiratory condition

Our pets are not just animals, they are family members. They give us love, companionship and many wonderful memories.

A few years ago I got a hamster named “Puffy”. At the time we didn’t want a pet, but my friend returned to Argentina and no one else wanted him.

So my husband and I took him in. We couldn’t let him go with someone we didn’t know, and more importantly, he didn’t know him.

But the little guy won our hearts with his gentle and friendly manner, with his big temper and with his cuddly affection; He became a member of our family in no time.

From then on life with Puffy was full of joy, love and some adventures. Until he was 3 years old.

One day I noticed that he was eating less, drinking less and not moving as much. I tried tempting him with treats, peanut butter was his favorite treat but nothing did.

I took him to the vet but was told he was old and we should prepare for the inevitable.

But how do we do that? All we knew was the active, resilient Puffy. We didn’t know this fragile Puffy.

Nonetheless, we knew he needed us, so we set out to make him comfortable.

Below I detail 5 ways you can make your hamster comfortable as he approaches Rainbow Bridge.

1. Keep them at an optimal temperature

As a hamster ages or is ill, they may have trouble regulating their body temperature.

When they get too cold; They can go into hibernation, which in turn can lead to hypothermia. On the other hand, if they get too hot; They can suffer from heat stress or heat stroke, which in turn can lead to an agonizing death.

How to prevent your hamster from freezing:

Keep the room where they are warm at a temperature between 20°C and 22°C. It is important that the room temperature never falls below 15°C, otherwise they will go into hibernation.

Place plenty of plain, unscented, torn toilet paper in their cage. Not only does this provide them with a comfortable bed to rest on, but it also keeps them warm.

A heat lamp can help keep your home warm. However, make sure the cage is large enough for them to escape the heat if necessary. Also, put a small hamster house in the cage to help your hamster escape from the light. If you choose this option, keep a thermometer in the cage to help regulate the temperature. If the temperature rises above 25°C for a long period of time, your hamster may suffer from heat stress or heat stroke.

Some people recommend heating pads. I won’t do that here. Most (if not all) heating pads won’t work on plastic, so you’ll need to place them in the cage (unless you’re bringing your hamster into a reptile tank). If your hamster gets at it and chews on the cord or pad, the results can be disastrous. A safer solution is to make a heating pad out of flaxseed or rice grains. Place the flaxseed or rice grains in a sock or fleece bag. Place the sock/pouch and a cup of water (next to the pouch to prevent the pad from burning) in the microwave. Heat the pad in small increments. Make sure you test this on yourself before placing it in your hamster’s cage as it can get very hot and you could burn him. The pad keeps the heat for about 1 hour. Don’t leave this pad alternative in the cage to chew on. Once cool, remove and repeat if needed.

Wrap your hamster in a small towel and lay it against your body. This is a great way to spend some time with your dying hamster. However, this only works if your hamster likes to be held. If they start fighting you or biting you, leave them in their cage as it may be a sign that they don’t want to be held.

To prevent your hamster from getting hot:

As mentioned above, hamsters can suffer from heat stroke if they get too hot. To keep your dying hamster comfortable, make sure his cage does not reach temperatures above 22°C.

Avoid exposing your hamster to direct sunlight by the window. Instead, choose a shaded and well-ventilated area of ​​your home.

Consider putting your hamster in a wire cage instead of a glass tank. This will help keep the room well ventilated and reduce the risk of its temperature suddenly rising.

2. Provide them with a clean, quiet, and peaceful sleeping quarters

As your beloved furry friend nears death, he/she needs to sleep more to conserve what little energy he/she may have.

To make him feel comfortable while resting, make sure he has a clean, dark place away from noise, drafts and/or humidity.

If you have 2 or 3 hamsters in a cage, isolate the one that is unwell in their own cage to avoid stress from other animals and activities and to minimize the risk of disease transmission to cagemates.

Hamsters are known to move even when they are not feeling well. To prevent them from injuring themselves or using up reserve energy, remove all wheels, tubes, and climbing toys from their cage.

However, if you feel your hamster can still handle some exercise, discuss this with your veterinarian. You may be able to add the toy for a short time.

Remember that your vet is there to help your hamster get to the rainbow in the most convenient way. Use their knowledge. Together with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your four-legged friend is comfortable and happy.

3. Avoid dehydration

Hamsters are notorious for not eating large amounts of food, after all they are small. Instead, they like to hide their food. However, like any other living thing, they need food and water to survive.

One of the first signs you notice when your hamster is dying is a loss of appetite and thirst. Their bodies shut down. You no longer feel hungry or thirsty.

Food is not essential for your hamster. They can go several days without food and that’s fine. However, dehydration can cause malaise and be a cause of an agonizing death.

Hamsters need to drink about 10ml (2 teaspoons) per 100g of their body weight. So if your hamster weighs 200g, he needs to drink about 20ml (4 teaspoons) of water daily.

How to check if your hamster is dehydrated:

Look at your hamster’s eyes. If they’re sagging, sunken, dry, dull, and/or listless, you’re probably dehydrated.

If your hamster’s tongue is swollen, he is severely dehydrated and the vet needs to be contacted immediately.

Gently squeeze your hamster’s neck. If the skin quickly snaps back into its normal position, then everything is fine. If the skin holds its shape or moves back to its normal position very slowly, your hamster is dehydrated.

Check the water level in your hamster’s bottle or bowl. If it hasn’t changed much since the last time it was fed, your hamster hasn’t been drinking and could possibly be dehydrated.

If you notice fewer or no urine/damp stains in his cage, or the urine is very dark in color and has a strong odor, your hamster may be dehydrated.

If your hamster is in labor, it may be dehydrated.

To prevent your dying hamster from becoming dehydrated:

Offer them foods that are high in moisture, such as watermelon, cucumber, or apples. Make sure the apple is peeled and the watermelon and cucumber seeds are out. Limit this to very small amounts. Consumed in large quantities, it can cause diarrhea.

Entice your hamster to drink water by placing a dollop of peanut butter on the drinking tube and (if possible) the ball of the bottle. When your hamster loses his tasty treat. You will get a sip of water.

If your furry friend isn’t interested in the peanut butter, take the bottle out of the cage, pick him up, and try to “feed” him by gently pushing the bottle into his mouth. Please stop this process immediately if you notice any signs of stress.

If all of the above attempts fail and your hamster goes 24 hours without a drink, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your vet is nearby, try the following suggestion until you reach your vet. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Using a clean pipette or 10ml syringe, place drops of water mixed with a pinch of salt and sugar or an electrolyte-fortified liquid such as Pedialyte into your hamster’s mouth.

Please do not give pure water to a dehydrated hamster, this will only dilute the already reduced amount of minerals, salts and sugars in your hamster’s body and aggravate the situation.

Also, make sure you don’t force the entire contents of the syringe into your hamster’s mouth at once, or you risk forcing fluid into his lungs, which can likely be fatal.

Note: If your hamster is moderately to severely dehydrated, take him to your veterinarian immediately. You may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous (IV) fluids.

4. Pay attention to them

Although hamsters are solitary by nature, they can bond with their human companions.

When death approaches, your company can give them comfort and reassurance. Unless that was my experience. In Puffy’s final days, he wanted to be with us a lot more. He just wanted to sleep on our laps.

If this is the case for you, stay close to them but read their clues.

If you’re trying to deal with your hamster and he’s trying to escape or bite you, it’s his way of telling you he needs some alone time to try and save that little bit of energy that he might have.

In addition, depending on their disease state, they may experience pain and hurt your hands, although unknowingly or unintentionally.

5. Providing medication to treat pain

This step is important to keep your hamster comfortable in its final few days, but only give medication prescribed by a qualified veterinarian.

Never self-prescribe or you run the risk of aggravating the situation and making her feel worse.

How do you know when a hamster is dying?

Hamsters often make hardy pets, but they are so small that injury, stress, illness or even old age can deteriorate their health very quickly.

if your hamster is 2 or 3 years old, has had a fall or other accident that may injure him, is ill or is stressed; keep a close eye on them. If you see one or more of the following signs, take them to the vet as soon as possible. If it’s a disease, early diagnosis can save your little friend!

Signs to look out for include:

loss of appetite and thirst,

A change in behavior or less activity,

wetness around the tail,

Diarrhea,

huddled in a corner,

A tousled or unkempt coat caused by lack of self-care

sneezing, wheezing and/or discharge from nose or eyes,

hair loss (often a sign of parasites or allergies) and

Don’t move out of his house to be clean.

Is your hamster dying or hibernating?

Unlike wild animals that hibernate, hamsters are not built for it.

They cannot store enough water or extra calories in cold weather to survive hibernation, and thus die if allowed to hibernate.

If your hamster has a slow breathing rate (one breath per minute), is unresponsive to your touch, and/or is cold; he/she must be resuscitated as soon as possible:

Place a heater in the room to bring the room temperature to 20°C to 22°C.

Then take your hamster, wrap it gently in a towel and lay it close to your body.

As soon as your hamster regains consciousness, offer him some water and food and contact your vet immediately.

What Causes a Hamster to Suddenly Die?

With a short lifespan, small size and relatively easy to care for; These little creatures are a hit with families with young children.

However, hamsters are not as easy to care for as people might think and a variety of problems can arise if not cared for properly, potentially leading to death.

Here are a few things that can cause your hamster to suddenly die:

Emphasize

Hamsters are very sensitive to stress. They don’t like change and get anxious quite easily.

A hamster subjected to stress, such as B. an extremely dirty cage, too much or rough handling, or sudden temperature changes among others; over a long period of time can cause serious health problems and some can even be fatal.

Communicable Diseases

Animals raised for pet shops are often mistreated and housed in appalling and overcrowded conditions. This causes stress in hamsters, which in turn can develop communicable diseases such as wet tails, pneumonia, and others.

It is best to avoid buying your hamster from a pet store. Being at the bottom of the food chain, hamsters are good at hiding any physical problems they may have, it’s their survival mechanism.

For you, this may mean unknowingly buying a hamster that may be dying.

My suggestion: get a hamster from a rescue center or from a reputable breeder; someone who raises hamsters for the love and passion for the animals and not for the money he can get.

However, if you just want one from the pet store; Look at the hamster you are planning to get and all the other hamsters he is sharing the cage with. If your hamster or one of the other hamsters is squatting in a corner, has an unhealthy looking coat, has sunken eyes, is lethargic, or has a wet tail. Your hamster may have an undiagnosed illness and he/she is unlikely to stay with you for long.

Wet Cock

Wet tail is a stress-related illness. It’s caused when stress allows the normal intestinal flora (the Campylobacter bacteria) to overcrowd your hamster’s intestines, eventually leading to diarrhea.

It’s often treated with antibiotics, but even with treatment, your little furry friend can die within 48 to 72 hours.

Symptoms to look for are:

foul smell,

Diarrhea,

Lethargy,

loss of appetite,

excess sleeping,

walking with arched back,

Folded ears and/or

Unusual temperament (biting or pinching)

lung infection

Pneumonia is not common in hamsters, but when it does occur it can be extremely contagious.

It occurs when the hamster is exposed to bacterial or viral infections coupled with environmental stresses such as a dirty cage, sudden low temperatures, droughts, etc.

If your hamster has developed pneumonia, you may see the following symptoms:

Fever,

dull fur,

loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss,

constant sneezing and/or coughing,

shortness of breath and/or

discharge of mucus from nose and eyes.

Dirty cage

Hamsters are very clean little creatures. For most of them, there is a clear line between where they sleep and where they go to the bathroom.

However, if your little furry friend’s cage is rarely cleaned, he won’t be able to tell where the sleeping quarters are and where the toilet is.

This will cause your hamster a lot of stress, and potential stress can cause illnesses like a wet tail

Chemicals left in the cage from cleaning

A hamster cage and all toys, bowls and bottles should be cleaned at least once a week, sometimes twice depending on how much your hamster urinates.

But what you use to clean your hamster’s cage can potentially be deadly.

The hamster’s HQ should be clean with non-toxic soap and warm water. Chemicals such as disinfectants and/or bleach can be harmful if left in the cage.

To avoid harm to your little friend after cleaning the cage, rinse it with plenty of clean water before allowing it to dry and refilling it with your hamster’s belongings.

heatstroke

Hamsters do not respond well to extreme temperature changes.

Exposing a hamster to temperatures above 22°C can cause heat stroke, which can potentially be fatal.

The danger zones are inside cars or next to a window with direct sunlight.

If you see your hamster dribble, move sluggishly, or lie flat on the cage floor. If his/her body is limp and/or trembles when touched, your hamster is likely suffering from heat stroke.

If you see any of the above signs; take action quickly.

The first step is to move your hamster to a cooler area.

Then place them on a damp towel or spray them gently with cold water. Or just blow on them. Any of these actions should bring him back to life fairly quickly.

Just be careful, this awakening can be very abrupt and as a result you can hurt yourself.

To avoid possible injury, hold the hamster over your lap or a table if he moves very suddenly.

Once your furry friend is awake, make sure to rehydrate him with small amounts of watery foods like cucumber or watermelon; or plain water if they take it.

Finally, call your veterinarian and request urgent advice.

fumes

One of the beauties of having a pet hamster is that they and all of their stuff are small, so they can be placed anywhere that won’t get in the way.

However, what many owners don’t know is that these guys have a very well developed olfactory system.

Therefore, the fumes from a boiler or heater can be fatal to a hamster.

Last good buy

Losing our beloved furry friends isn’t easy, but planning ahead of time whether to bury or cremate your little friend can help you make the decision that’s right for you rather than making it at the last minute when you’re grieving and under stress stand .

Although we expected that when Puffy left us. I avoided thinking about his death for as long as I could, until one day time caught up with us. he lay in his cage, his limp body cold. I took him to the vet to confirm that he was indeed dead.

The dreaded words of the vet were finally here; ‘I’m sorry for your loss. Puffy is gone and there is nothing else we can do for him. What do you want to do with his body?’…

What? to do with his body? I do not know…

My thoughts and heart were with my kind, brave, cuddly hamster, not the limp Puffy in front of me.

In hindsight, I wish I had thought about what to do with his body beforehand…

I’m someone who likes to have all of my ducks in a row, but I felt so out of control at the time. So my husband had to take control. In the end he was buried in a shoebox at the end of the garden.

would I have chosen that? no But we live in New Zealand and it would take weeks to get the pet cage we wanted. So we had to put it in a shoe box.

There are many decisions to be made. Would you like your furry friend buried or cremated? Would you like a communal or private cremation? Do you want an urn to keep in your home or one to bury?

Let’s break down these questions.

Funeral vs Cremation

The funeral provides you with a permanent place to visit and honor your pet. Burial can be at a pet cemetery, at your home, or even some human cemeteries with a pet section.

If you want to bury your pet at home, read our post Is it legal to bury your pet in the yard. Some counties/cities in the US do not allow pet burial at home, and some have specific rules that you must follow if you want your hamster to return to Mother Earth. This article will walk you through that process.

Cremation allows your pet to return to its natural state more quickly. You can spread your hamster’s ashes around the garden or keep them at home.

When you talk about cremation, you may hear the terms communal cremation and private cremation: communal cremation means your pet is cremated at the same time as other pets in the same cremation chamber. This means you cannot recover your pet’s ashes. The cremation service will collect and dispose of the ashes of all pets in the cremation chamber. Most cremation services scatter the ashes after each shared cremation. For a hamster, this service costs between about $15.00 and $40.00. A private cremation means that your pet is cremated individually in a cremation chamber and the ashes are returned to you. Ashes can be returned in a standard wooden urn or plastic bag. Or you can choose a personalized urn from the crematorium. However, this can be more expensive and choices may be limited to those you can find on the web. Private cremation for a hamster costs around $200 + the urn or memorial you choose.

Whether you choose to bury in a pet cemetery or cremate your furry friend, your hamster will be picked up from your veterinarian or at home and transported to the final destination. However, if you want to bury your hamster at home, the body will have to be transported by you.

Choosing a pet urn

When choosing the urn from the internet, consider your budget, the size of the urn, whether you want to bury the ashes in a biodegradable urn or a non-biodegradable urn, or whether you want to keep the ashes at home:

Budget: Urns can range in price from as little as $30 to $300 and up.

What Size Urn Do You Need?: The general rule for determining the appropriate size for an urn is: for every pound (454 g) of your hamster’s total weight, you need one cubic inch (2.5 cm) of space plus 10 cubic inches (25.4 cms) for good measure. Example: If your hamster weighs 300 grams, you need an urn that is at least 18 cm tall.

The Urn: The choices are endless. To keep the ashes at home, you can choose animal figurine urns, wooden pet urns, pet photo urns, natural stone pet urns, metal pet urns, etc. To bury the ashes in the garden, you can choose either a biodegradable or non-biodegradable pet urn.

If you’re considering a biodegradable urn, we’ve reviewed the best biodegradable pet urns on the market so far. This article was written for you and your furry friend. For your hamster there is an urn for him/her to rest in peace; and for you, it provides the practicalities you need when choosing an urn: cost, size, and materials used.

Remembering your hamster

There are many ways to memorialize your hamster:

Write an obituary

Hold a memorial service

Create a photo diary

Plant a memorial garden. This is a great way to create a place of peace, solitude, and tranquility to reflect on the wonderful memories your furry friend left you.

If a memorial garden is the path or one of the paths, you are choosing to cherish the memory of your hamster; Our article 10 Best Garden Plants for Pet Memory is a must read. This article will give you the various factors to consider for a thriving memorial along with a description of our 10 favorite shrubs and trees for a memorial full of colour, succulent smells and a spot of comfort to you and the animals like birds, bees and butterflies.

How do you say goodbye

Make sure all family members have a chance to say goodbye.

For children, many books can help explain the process of death and grief.

As a farewell, some people give their hamster a treat on its last day. This can be a dollop of peanut butter or some broccoli.

Their happiness is our comfort, their comfort is our happiness.

mourning a pet

Losing a pet is difficult for everyone, but the grieving process is different for every family member.

Some people find the grieving process harder than others. Some people are sad all the time, while others experience their sadness in waves. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

Feeling sad and lonely is a normal reaction to the loss of a pet. Trying to ignore this emotional pain will usually make it worse.

If you’re having a hard time, make sure you take time for yourself, don’t let others tell you when it’s time to move on or how you should be feeling, and talk, talk, talk.

There are many people you can talk to who can help you deal with grief. The ASPCA has a pet loss hotline (1-877-474-3310) with a grief counselor on the other end.

A hamster will temporarily “freeze” out of fear or surprise. Their eyesight is poor so they have to listen and sniff to find out what’s going on. You can change your hamster’s environment to make it less stressful. Making sure there are no other pets prowling and keeping sudden noises to a minimum is a good start.

This “freezing” behavior is not usually due to a health condition. However, if your hamster does this all the time, you might want to get him checked out by a vet.

Sometimes hamsters freeze and listen for danger – the danger in this photo is obvious enough!

The usual cause of hamsters still standing is fear. If the pet is new, this will happen in the early days. It will be an unfamiliar environment for the pet and there will be many new things to get used to. Hamsters become nervous when they hear threatening noises. This could be something that isn’t immediately obvious to you, such as: B. a noise on the television, mobile phone or radio. Like all rodents, hamsters have very good hearing. Have you seen squirrels “freezing” at the local park? The same thing happens there.

By stopping moving, a hamster can focus its senses on the threatening/unusual sound or smell. In the wild, freezing when they hear a sound allows them to gauge if danger is nearby and reduce their chances of being spotted by a predator.

When your hamster goes into hibernation, you must act quickly to save his life. Get your hamster to a veterinarian as soon as possible. On the way to the vet, you must try to warm him up. Gently wrap your hamster in a warm cloth and take him to a warm place. Gently massage and rub his body and limbs to wake him up. When he starts showing signs of life, offer him water with a syringe or dropper. You only need to offer him a few drops of water at a time so he can safely swallow the water. Once you get to the vet’s office, she can give your hamster IV fluids to help him regain fluids.

There’s a reason hamsters are popular family pets: they’re cute, take up less space than most other pets, and they have personalities well beyond their tiny size. Here are some typical hamster behaviors:

1. Sniff things out

When you welcome a hamster into your home, expect him to wiggle his little nose… a lot. Hamsters don’t have good eyesight, but what they lack in visual acuity they make up for with a particularly keen sense of smell.

The sniffing is often accompanied by a standing up on its hind legs, which your hamster might do if it feels the need to investigate further and/or to better sniff out any perceived nearby threats. Your hamster may also perk up when sensing a whiff of treats.

2. Explore

A hamster spends a lot of time navigating its environment and memorizing the layout. This is where his whiskers come in handy; they literally help him get a better sense of the world around him.

3. Stuff the cheeks

If you see your hamster’s cheeks suddenly bulging to the brim, don’t fret; It’s not hamster mumps. Just like squirrels, hamsters can be true food eaters, cramming food into their cheeks (in some cases expanding them to the point where they almost double their head size!) in order to bring large amounts of food into their special, self-proclaimed lair can spots in tunnels hidden in their bedding or other areas of their living environment.

4. Busy digging

There may be a lot of wobbling under your hamster’s bedding/litter. This is your little furball that will burrow in to create covered areas where it can retreat or hide its extra supplies of hamster food.

Expect to do some digging after changing your hamster’s bedding material. after all, he has to start all over again!

5. Make yourself disappear

You may be wondering where your hamster is. Hamsters like hiding places; whether they have burrowed stains in their bedding, in a hamster-sized igloo, or under hamster toys.

Give your hamster some privacy – hamsters are prey animals, after all, and staying out of sight is their best defense in the wild.

6. Go all night

Don’t expect your hamster to go to bed if you turn off the light at night. Hamsters are nocturnal and can be busybodies at night. If you can’t sleep to the sound of your hamster exercising on its exercise wheel, consider moving the cage.

7. Sleeping while you’re awake

If you haven’t noticed that your hamster is most active at night, you might be a bit confused as to why your little Hammy sleeps all day. Don’t worry, your hamster isn’t bad; He just has a different sleep pattern than you.

And if your home falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t be surprised if your hamster goes through a mini-hibernation and sleeps a little longer than usual.

8. Chew like crazy

A hamster’s teeth are constantly growing, so your pet will look for things to chew on to keep their teeth in check. Give your hamster suitable objects to chew on, such as a piece of hay or a log, and sit back and enjoy watching him hold it in his tiny hands as he chews.

9. Leave a mark

You may notice your hamster hitting things with its flanks (hips). He’s not uncoordinated; he claims the item/spot as his own! Hamsters have scent glands (which other hamsters can smell), but the exact location varies by species of hamster.

Syrians have a scent gland on each hip, while dwarf hamsters have a single scent gland on their underside, just below where you would expect their belly button to be.

10. Squeaks or hisses

A hamster that makes an audible noise is generally not a happy hamster. An angry or frightened hamster might squeak or hiss to make it even clearer that they are quite angry.

11. Lean back

Some hamsters prefer to lie on their backs when sleeping or just relaxing. In this favorite pose, allow your Hammy to relax and wait for him to regain his feet before attempting to lift him.

12. Care

Hamsters have a reputation for being extremely cute and nothing is cuter than a hamster combing their fur, much like we run our fingers or hand through our hair to keep it in check.

By: Laura Döring

Feature Image: Gina Cioli/Lumina Media

When hamsters have balance problems and are constantly tripping and falling, they are suffering from a problem with their balance system. The vestibular system is the mechanism in the inner ear and brain that helps mammals—including us—balance.

A hamster suffering from such a condition will tilt its head to one side and wobble when walking. The problem is usually in the ear part of the vestibular system, an infection, or a tumor (although sometimes brain damage is the cause). Ear infections can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics by a veterinarian. A more serious problem like a tumor will be more difficult to treat. The first thing to do in any case of an unbalanced hamster is to consult the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

A hamster that is unsteady on its feet could be suffering from an ear infection

Another cause could be that your hamster is having a stroke. If he staggers when he walks, tilts his head sharply, or walks in circles, these are all indications that he may have recently had a stroke. Stroke can have minor or major effects depending on the severity of the attack, but the effects of even fairly severe strokes usually wear off over time. Get advice from a veterinarian.

Hamsters can exhibit many different behaviors throughout the day, and these behaviors can have multiple meanings.

Behavior that usually means they’re sad can sometimes mean something else, like fear.

This can be a bit confusing at times, so I did some research for my fellow hamster owners on ways to tell when a hamster is sad.

That way, it’s easier to tell if your hamster is really sad or if the behavior he’s showing means something else.

A sad hamster can appear lethargic

One of the first ways you can tell if your hamster is sad is by his acting lethargic rather than energetic or playful.

You can say they are acting lethargic if they seem to be sleeping more than usual and are also not coming out of their house as often. Sometimes this can also be accompanied by a loss of appetite.

So when your hamster is sad, you may see that he is not eating and drinking as much as he normally does, and you may not see him as often because he is hiding in his little huts.

That being said, if a hamster sometimes acts lethargic, it’s not always out of sadness and can sometimes be taken as a sign of a health problem.

So if they are acting lethargic and you think they might have some sort of health issue then your best bet is to take them to your local veterinarian.

Sad hamsters can exhibit repetitive behaviors

Another way to tell your hamster might be sad is if you notice him exhibiting a lot of repetitive behaviors.

An example of this is when you see your hamster pacing up and down in its cage.

Sometimes they will walk up and down random spots and sometimes along the sides of their cage.

If they start pacing closer to the walls of their cage, it can mean they’re sad, but it can also mean they’re worried about something.

Another example of repetitive behavior from a sad hamster is when you notice him moving his bedding to the same spots over and over again.

This can be something like taking your bedding out of your hut and putting some of the same bedding in it over and over again.

Sometimes they do the same thing, taking their toys in and out of their hut as well.

When a hamster is sad, it may be overly aggressive

Hamsters that start to get sad might also start to become overly aggressive throughout the day.

So if you have a hamster that is normally cool and calm and is starting to get more aggressive than usual, it may be a sign that he is starting to get sad.

One way they can show this aggressiveness is by hitting on you when they wouldn’t normally do such things.

So if your hamster starts to get aggressive towards you, but you know he’s used to you or used to having your hand around, then something may be wrong.

They might also start moving objects around their cage aggressively when they’re sad, so keep an eye out for that as well.

A sad hamster may start biting its cage

A sad or frightened hamster may start biting its cage aggressively more often than usual.

When they start doing this, it can appear like they’re trying to escape, and that can look really alarming at times.

But biting their cage usually means they’re sad or scared because they’re in a cage that’s too small for them.

Hamsters need enough space to run around and play and if they don’t have that space they can feel cramped which can lead to them becoming sad.

That being said, hamsters will chew on almost anything they can get their hands on.

Sometimes this can just be due to boredom or not having enough chew toys to chew on.

Sad hamsters can climb up their cage more often

As I said earlier, hamsters have many different behaviors that can mean multiple things, and one of those behaviors is climbing up their cage.

A hamster can sometimes climb onto its cage when it’s sad, but it can also mean it’s trying to escape or just being bored.

So to determine if your hamster is climbing because he’s sad about something, you need to know if that’s an activity he normally does.

For example, if your hamster has climbed his cage since you got him and he’s behaving normally for the rest of the day, then he’s probably fine.

Some hamsters just climb on top of their cage because they like doing it and it’s completely normal for them.

However, if he has just started climbing into his cage and you know full well that he has never exhibited this type of behavior before, then this may be a sign that your hamster is sad.

Over-grooming can be a sign of a sad hamster

Hamsters can groom themselves for many reasons, but they mainly do it to groom themselves, which is perfectly normal when they do this.

But when her grooming becomes excessive, then you know something might be wrong.

Over-grooming can be a sign that they are sad or worried about something.

So you will see them constantly grooming their bodies even if they are clean more than a few times throughout the day.

However, over-grooming yourself can also indicate that they also have some sort of skin issues.

So if you notice that their skin is looking too dry or their coat is getting patchy after all the grooming, then they could have health problems.

If that’s the case, it might be time to take your hamster to your local vet, or if you don’t have time to drive to the vet’s office, you can consult an online vet.

A hamster that is sad may start lying down in random places

When your hamster is sad, you may see them lying in places that may appear random.

Lying down and relaxing is normal for hamsters most of the time, but if you notice this behavior more and more it may be a sign that they are feeling sad or depressed.

Hamsters usually lie down in their little huts and sometimes they go to the corner of their cage to do this.

But if they start to lie down in the open parts of their cage instead of their normal places, then it can mean that they might be sad.

Hamsters are prey animals, so it is not normal for them to stay in the open parts of their cage for long periods of time.

They are more likely to settle down in places, like their home, where they can feel safe and comfortable.

So if you start seeing them lie down in places that aren’t normal, then you can tell something is wrong and your hamster might be sad.

The True Cost of Buying and Owning a Hamster

If you’re thinking of getting a hamster, you need to read this. I only had a vague idea before I got my teddy bear. I knew I wanted a cute and cuddly orange hamster and I knew nothing about hamsters. Then, through trial and error, I found out how to properly care for a hamster and how keeping a hamster is life changing. I will talk about that here. How much does a hamster cost, how much does it cost to get him food and bedding, cages cost, everything. Table of Contents So what does a hamster cost, purchase and monthly expenses? How much is the hamster? How much does a hamster cage cost? DYIHow much a hamster wheel can costHow much an exercise ball will cost for your hamsterHow much hamster food will costHamster health and vet visitsHamster transport cageThink about this before getting a hamsterAre you providing the hamster with the right conditions?Do you have time to play? Your hamster?Is there someone who can look after your hamster when you’re away?Do you have a quiet,quiet place for your hamster?The average lifespan of a hamsterHow a hamster will change your lifeA word from Teddy So ​​how much does a Hamster costs, purchase and monthly expenses ? To be fair, the hamster itself is incredibly cheap. A Syrian hamster costs around $5-10, while a dwarf (whether Roborowski, Campbell, Siberian, or Chinese) is slightly cheaper. Monthly expenses only include bedding and food/treats, which can vary depending on what you feed your hamster. An estimate would be around $10 a month for food and bedding. There are initial expenses like cage, wheel, exercise ball, toy and so on. A bare minimum considering cage size and wheel and ball size would be $225, of which the cage is the most expensive. Here is a complete hamster supply list with everything you need if you decide to get a hamster. Apart from that, which I will detail in this article, there are the effects that the hamster has on your life. After all, owning a hamster is a responsibility and you need to think about this before getting a hamster. Now let’s get into the details of how much a hamster costs. All expenses in this article are in US dollars for consistency throughout the article. How much for the hamster? Hamsters are actually very cheap. In it you will mostly find them along with fish in terms of cost. For example, my teddy was $4.90. This is incredible when you own a pet that will be by my side for the next 2-3 years. Now Teddy is a Syrian hamster. A dwarf type costs less, but how much less depends on the pet store where you pick them up. But on average, hamsters cost between $5 and $10, with the dwarf species being on the cheaper end. You can also get hamsters from a private breeder. But in these cases, you need to make sure these breeders treat their hamsters humanely and have the parents medically screened frequently. A private breeder costs no more than the pet store, and getting a baby hamster from a friend is basically free. But you must be sure that the hamster parents are healthy before having your baby hamster. Visit your friends who have hamsters a few times to check on the female to see how her litter is doing and choose the one you like. In short, a real hamster can cost anywhere from $5 to $10, even free if you know someone who recently had a litter. What a hamster cage costs This depends on what type of cage you want your hamster to have. Usually the minimum cage size for hamsters is 24 x 12 inches and about 12 inches high. That is 61 x 30.5 cm and about 30.5 cm high. This is the minimum for a Syrian hamster, but this also works for dwarf hamsters. When it comes to cage size, it’s best to opt for larger cages. Because the hamsters need more space than the absolute minimum. Of course it also depends on your home. Is there somewhere to put a large glass tank? Do you often have to move the cage? How much space do you have in the room you want to keep the hamster in? What is your budget ? A large enough cage will cost anywhere from $120 to $150 plus handling and shipping if you order online. Picking it up from a pet store will save you on those taxes, but may be more expensive overall. There are generally 3 types of cages: Plastic – the most common after metal, can easily accommodate tube accessories. Not the most breathable, be careful what kind you get. I leave you an Amazon link to the one I have, you can check it there as well as the prices. Metal/Wire – very breathable but you need to be sure the distance between the wires is less than half an inch so the hamster can’t escape. Here’s an Amazon link to a good sized wire cage that also has a moveable tier. Glass tanks – these can come in larger sizes than plastic or metal cages, but they need to stay in place. You need plenty of space and a wire mesh for the top of the tank. I looked around and found a pretty good one on Amazon, you can check it out here. A word about glass tanks. They are great for hamsters but ordering online is a little tricky with shipping. Sometimes the glass comes whole and the tank is fine, sometimes it’s broken. In all honesty, your best bet is to pick up a glass container at a pet store or some other place where you can inspect it yourself and bring it home yourself. If you want a much more detailed breakdown of each hamster cage and what type you want for your hamster, you need to read this article on the best cages. You’ll find the same Amazon links as above but discussed in more detail, along with pictures. It has all 3 types of hamster cages, their pros and cons and how to clean and care for the cages too. A hamster cage may seem expensive at first glance, and at first glance it is. But you only need one, and your hamster will use it all his life. You don’t buy something like that every few months. Don’t make the mistake I made and save on the cage. I ended up changing 3 cages just because I didn’t want to spend a bit more on the first purchase. The first 2 teddies I got were too small for an adult Syrian hamster. How Much Does Hamster’s Bedding Cost Hamsters need a lot of bedding, and the most readily available is wood shavings. The best bedding for your hamster is aspen wood shavings, if they are available in your area. If not, another option would be paper sheets. Bedding will last for several weeks or even months depending on how much you give your hamster and how often you change it. If you want to learn more about how often to change your hamster’s bedding, what kind is safe and how to choose the right one for him, I recommend reading this article. It includes the types of bedding available as well as a list of unsafe bedding to avoid. For example, my teddy bedding costs about $12 and 3.2 kg/7 lbs and is good for about 3 whole months. I change all his bedding every week and his corners a little more often. So that’s $15 every 3 months, 4 times a year. $5 a month for something to help keep the hamster warm really isn’t much. A great option for aspen bedding is this one from Kaytee. It’s twice the size of my teddy so it can seriously hold your hamster for half a year if not longer. Aspen litter is one of the safest types you can get for a hamster. You can check the offer on Amazon here and also read the reviews. You can also get paper bedding for your hamster if there is no aspen where you are. Here is an Amazon link for a paper litter that will last your hamster around 3 months. Paper sheets are slightly more expensive than wood chips. It’s up to you what you think will work best for your Hammy. I use wood chips as they are easy to find in my area. A few torn paper towels are sufficient as nesting material for the hamster to place in its nest. Or unscented, plain squares of toilet paper. Teddy shoves the paper into his cheek pouches and then starts taking it out at his house and decorating the place. How much will the hamster’s hideout cost As for the hideout for the hamster, he will spend most of his time in his hideout. Hamsters only need a small amount of space to build their nest and a good hiding place will protect them. A good hiding place is made of wood. It keeps the hamster warmer, absorbs moisture and prevents condensation, and is safe to chew on. Hamsters will chew absolutely everything, including their hideout, so get a wooden one. If you want to learn more about what type of hiding place a hamster needs in general, you can check out this article. In the second half of the article, you will learn how your Hammy uses its hiding place and how to clean it properly. I bought my teddy in plastic at first and kept it for a while until I noticed that it keeps moisture inside which kept teddy’s nest wet in a few places. So I got him a slightly larger, sturdier blade. I am leaving you an Amazon link for a wooden hide that looks very similar to the one I have for my teddy bear. The thing about hiding places and toys for hamsters, they are mostly too small for Syrian hamsters. Most of these are geared towards dwarf hamsters. But I’ll show you one big enough for a Syrian hamster to fit inside and be comfortable. So the stash would be somewhere around $10, which again is something you only buy once. Even if your Hammy will chew and chew and chew on it, this hiding place will last for years to come. Hamster toys, bought and homemade The hamster toy must also be made of wood. This is because hamsters are chewing on everything again. When the hamster isn’t chewing on his toy, he’s chewing on the bars of his cage, or his hiding place, or his water bottle, anything. A hamster’s teeth never stop growing, so he always has to file them down. And wood is the best material for their teeth as it will file them down without hurting the hamster. There are a whole range of toys that you can get your hamster, some you can buy and some are best if you make them at home. For example, cardboard tubes left over from paper towels (which you may have in your kitchen) are great for hamsters. Cut a few holes in it and you’ve got a game of hide-and-seek that an adult Syrian hamster can fit into. Again, Syrian hamsters need a lot more space than a dwarf, so use caution when choosing toys for your hammy. I link you to an article on the best toys to buy and DYI for your hamster friend. You’ll find some links to Amazon deals on the toys that are best if you don’t invent them (like a wheel) and some ideas on what to make at home. Everything I link in this article is also suitable for a Syrian hamster as I was looking for this when I was getting toys for my teddy bear. The cost will depend on what you end up getting for your hamster. Again, these are one-time purchases for your hamster that he will use throughout his life. So it could cost anything from nothing (like the paper towel tubes) to $22 for a grave tower. It’s up to you, but remember that even if you make them all at home, your Hammy will need a few toys. This is how much a hamster wheel can cost Hamsters need a lot of exercise, and fortunately you only buy a wheel and ball once. In fact, anything but food and bedding will keep the hamster forever. Don’t make the mistake I made when I got my teddy bear. I saved on the cage, but also on the wheel. At first I left him the little plastic wheel that came with the cage, too small even for a Syrian baby. Then I bought him a bigger metal wheel, a 7 inch/18 cm wheel. Which was fine, but only for a while. One he grew to his full size, he needed a bigger one. Again. So I bought the largest I could find, a 9″/23cm, which fits much better. When buying an exercise bike for your hamster, you need to consider how big it will grow as an adult. An adult Syrian hamster needs at least 18 cm to run free. A dwarf hamster can get by with just 13 cm, but that’s the minimum. If you want to learn more about choosing the right exercise wheel for your hamster, this is a must read. You will also learn how much exercise a hamster needs and how much they can walk in one night! An exercise wheel big enough for a Syrian hamster can cost around $30, which will last him a lifetime. How much does an exercise ball cost for your hamster Like the exercise wheel, an exercise ball is a great way to give your hamster a chance to safely exit his cage. You can put the hamster in his exercise ball and let him roam around the house. Or you can use it as a temporary place to keep him while you clean his cage. If you want to learn more about how to care for your hamster when he’s sitting in his exercise ball, you can read this article. You will learn how to properly introduce his exercise ball to him, make him comfortable and how to keep the ball clean. Hamster exercise balls cost around $8 plus shipping and handling if you order online. If you get it from a pet store, it may cost less in taxes, but it’s a bit more expensive overall. Again, this is a one-time purchase item, like the wheel and cage and hideout. For example, my teddy has had his ball since he was little and I just found out that I should get him a ball big enough to fit him as an adult. All hamster exercise balls are made of hard, durable plastic, so under normal circumstances you will not need to replace them. Unless someone is stepping on the ball or a large pet or child is playing with it, it should remain intact even if it hits the furniture. How much does the hamster food cost? The food is the cheapest on this list in my opinion. This is partly because you can feed the hamster the food you eat, or you can get him a pre-packaged food mix. If you decide to feed your hamster whole foods from home, this grocery list article will help you figure out what type of foods are safe and unsafe for a hamster. Overall, I would recommend feeding your hamster a pre-packaged food mix. These usually have kibble which will keep for a long time and is better suited to a hamster’s usual diet and what they will normally find in the wild. If you only feed your hamster from your fridge or pantry, their food will cost next to nothing. But you run the risk of not meeting his nutritional needs or overfeeding him. If you use a pre-made mix, it can cost as much as $10 both online and at a pet store. I get Teddy a 1 kg mixed feed with grains and pellets and some seeds. It lasts about as long as the bedding, so 3 months. So that’s $10 every 3 months which I also supplement with some veggies or cooked chicken when we cook. Hamster Health and Vet Visits Hamsters are not really sickly animals by nature. They stay healthy for a long time, but as soon as they get sick, they need immediate attention. I can’t give an estimate for that, as it can vary greatly depending on the hamster’s illness. The most common problems a hamster can encounter are wet tail, diabetes, hypothermia, dehydration, starvation and colds. Of course, there are many other problems that can arise, but these are the most common. And most of these are easy to fix if caught in time. Getting the hamster to a veterinarian within 24 hours of developing an illness or injury will save them in most cases. But I can tell you that if you keep your hamster in the right conditions, feed it properly, give it plenty of space and exercise, it will do just fine. A visit to the vet is basically free. Just be aware of the temperature in the room you’re keeping it in – more on that here. Hamster Transport Cage Your Hammy will probably never have to leave your home again. But there may be moments when he needs to go to the vet or you are relocating and can’t move him throughout his cage. A transport cage can be an old, smaller cage that your Hammy had when it was a baby, or you can buy one made specifically for temporary storage. Like everything else for the hamster, you only buy this once. And a transport cage can cost anywhere from $10 to $30, and some species can be used as a permanent fixture for your hammy’s habitat. If you want to learn more about traveling with your hamster and how to make sure he’s comfortable during the trip, check this out. You’ll get some ideas for hamster travel cages and how to keep him safe during travel as well. Think about it before you get a hamster When I first got my teddy I didn’t really have any information about hamsters. Having seen one or two already, I knew they were small and fluffy and needed a cage and didn’t live more than a few years. My girlfriend fell in love with the idea of ​​teddy in an exercise ball running around the house, so we went in search of an orange Syrian hamster. When we got him we spent a whole evening looking at him how cute he is and how much energy he has. We wouldn’t trade it for anything, even if it’s a bit over the top at times, like waking us up in the middle of the night with a squeaky wheel. We had no idea what to expect and there were some strange surprises. But I think there are definitely some things that you should think carefully about before getting a hamster. Can you provide the hamster with the right conditions? By this I mean that hamsters need certain conditions to live. There is temperature, spacing, bedding and food, and toys that need to be considered. If you can not keep the hamster at a temperature of 20-23 ° C, with a cage of 24 x 12 inches and about 12 inches high (that is 61 x 30.5 cm and about 30.5 cm high), if you don’t, get one. Hamsters need the right conditions, along with the right amount of bedding and food, to stay healthy and happy. Do you have time to play with your hamster? In fact, hamsters are a hybrid of nocturnal and crepuscular. This means that some come out at night and others only at dusk and dawn. Their wake times can change over time, but that’s how they usually work. If you work a very early shift, with a very early bedtime, you may miss your hamster waking up. Or you can just catch about an hour or half of playtime with him before you need to sleep. I would recommend a hamster to those who don’t have an early shift and can stay up past 10pm without worrying about how tired they will be tomorrow. Taming your hamster will require a lot of interaction with him, and sleeping when he’s awake makes that more difficult. Is there someone who can look after your hamster when you’re away? There is no good reason to take the hamster out of its habitat or your home other than a vet visit or something larger like moving house. Travel can stress the hamster too much, so it’s best to keep them in one place. But if you have to go out of town for a few days, do you have someone to come over and feed him? A friend or family member or even a neighbor who has the time and inclination to come by every night and feed the hamster, see if he’s okay, check on him. Do you have a quiet, quiet place for your hamster? Even if you have a particularly rough home, with 4 small children, 2 dogs and a parrot, you need to have a quiet place. Hamsters need a quiet place where they won’t be disturbed while they sleep, which is most of the day. So keeping him in the living room with barking dogs and people running around is neither healthy nor comfortable for your hamster. If you can keep the hamster in a quiet space where nothing can disturb him, that’s great. The attic, closet, or basement are not good places for your hamster, even if they are quiet. (If you like this article so far, you can pin it to your Pinterest board by clicking the image below. The article continues after the image.) The Average Lifespan of a Hamster Hamsters are fairly short-lived. Both Syrian and dwarf hamsters live two to four years as pets under the right circumstances. They can die young, around 4 weeks of age, if they develop wet tails and aren’t treated quickly, or they can develop diabetes when they’re older, among a host of other problems. But generally, your furry friend will stay with you for 2 to 4 years, with dwarf hamsters being the longest-lived of all. So if you decide to have a hamster, keep in mind that wood shavings, a furry face, and nightly play with a walnut or toilet paper roll will be in your life for the next 2-4 years. How Having a Hamster Will Change Your Life Overall, owning a hamster is not that difficult. When I first got Teddy I didn’t know what to expect but I’m glad I got him. He taught me that some things need to be done his way (like leaving plenty of counter space for him at night). And a lot of things that would annoy me during the day would just go away when I play with him. A hamster or pet in general will bring a smile to your face with anything this ball of fur does. Once you have a hamster, you become more aware of how warm or clean your home is (like bedsheets strewn everywhere) and even the noise level. You become a very responsible person when you know you can’t really take him everywhere like a cat or dog to find someone to take care of him. And you will see a piece of cardboard and know exactly what he would do with it. A word from Teddy I hope you found everything you were looking for here. I know that we hamsters can seem like forgetful pets compared to bigger ones like cats or dogs. But we are a whole different breed of pet, with lots of love and fun tricks to offer. So think about it well enough before you get one of us hammies to live with you. We need a place to stay but if you can give us some space in your life we ​​will put a smile on your face everyday. If you want to learn more about us hamsters, you can check out the articles below! You will find out why we need so much exercise, how we eat right and much more….

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