Hamsters are docile, playful, active, and generally friendly. My hamster, Harvey, for instance, loves playing outdoors inside his exercise ball under the bright San Diego sky. Overall, hamsters are pleasant; that’s why it can be pretty alarming when we find our hamsters acting weird.
Your hamster could be acting weird because he’s hungry, scared, stressed, or lonely. He may start being lazy and passive or suddenly become aggressive and violent. It’s crucial to identify the cause of these changes and rectify the situation at once.
This article will talk about why your hamster is acting weird and what you can do to help address the situation quickly. We will then discuss what hamsters are really like and what you can do to make your little furry friend happy and healthy. I will also offer some insights on the misconception that hamsters are ideal first pets for kids.
Signs Your Hamster Is Acting Weird (And Why)
It is never a good sign when your hamster starts acting weird. It is crucial to pinpoint the reason for his change in behavior so that it can be addressed at the soonest possible time.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
1. Lethargy
As previously mentioned, hamsters are very active and energetic. If you see your hamster being sluggish and barely moving, take him to the vet at once so he can be evaluated and monitored.
Remember, if you live in a small, rural area like Skyline, Alabama, it can be hard to find an exotic pet vet in an emergency situation. That’s why it’s important to know where the nearest one is before you ever bring your furry friend home.
2. Squeaking
A squeaking hamster is scared, flustered, and confused. This behavior is quite common for hamsters who have just been brought home. You may hear them squeaking a lot during the first few days because they feel unsure about all the changes they see around them. The squeaking should subside as your hamster slowly adjusts to his new home.
If the squeaking persists, try making subtle changes in his environment. Change the color of his food dish or buy him a new toy. Consider taking him to the vet for proper analysis.
3. Not Eating and Drinking
If you’ve had your hamster for quite a while, you will be familiar with his eating and drinking habits. Any changes in these, or utter refusal of food and water, are not good signs. Take your hamster to the vet at once. He could quickly go into dehydration with a body as tiny as his.
4. Not Chewing
Inspect your hamster’s teeth. Are they misaligned? Are his teeth crowded together? Are the front teeth bigger than expected? If you answered yes to any of these questions, bring him to the vet as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that hamsters’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetimes. That’s why it’s so important to continually provide them with adequate chew toys to help keep them filed down.
5. Frequent Burrowing
If you notice that your hamster hides even if he is not resting or sleeping, this is a cause for concern. It could be a sign of stress or anxiety, and you should try to identify the cause immediately.
Maybe your hamster is scared of the new pet in the house. If you m