Hamsters are extremely active animals that keep moving from one corner of their cage to the other. Therefore, it can be quite concerning if one day you realize your hamster isn’t moving at all. What does it mean when a hamster isn’t moving?
Your hamster isn’t moving because it could be that it’s hibernating due to the cold weather, it’s feeling scared, or simply not feeling well. Baby hamsters also don’t move much. If your hamster is new to your home, you need to give it time to adjust.
But if you’re scared that your beloved pet may be dead already, read on as I discuss how to tell if a hamster is dead, sick, or simply hibernating.
Reasons Your Hamster Isn’t Moving
Hamsters stop moving for many reasons, as discussed below:
Your Hamster Freezes When Afraid
The most common reason why a hamster isn’t moving if you just got it is fear. Hamsters will temporarily freeze if they’re afraid or surprised to assess the situation and know what to do next. Their eyesight is quite poor, so they listen and sniff out a situation before getting used to it.
During the early days, any loud noise or people coming around can cause the hamster to freeze as a safety mechanism. You can tell they’re freezing like a squirrel in the park because they’re breathing, and their eyes are open. They’ll get more comfortable with the surroundings and start coming out more with time.
The Hamster Is Malnourished or Sick
Like all rodents, hamsters love to move around and eat a lot. If your little pet has stopped doing both, there’s a serious health problem going on. Common issues that can make a hamster stop eating include dental pain or respiratory issues.
The longer a hamster stays without eating, the weaker it gets. After a few days, the hamster won’t move because of a lack of nutrition. In such a case, rush the poor thing to a vet so they can be diagnosed.
Check out, How To Take Care of a Hamster
Your Hamster Is Hibernating Because the Weather Is Too Cold
Another common reason your pet hamster may look dead is that it has gone into hibernation. Hamsters enter hibernation mode occasionally when they can’t handle the cold climate. They slow down their heart rate to almost zero and preserve all their energy and warmth for 24–48 hours.
A hamster shouldn’t be hibernating all the time—it’s not good. So you should ensure your hamster’s home is a bit warm throughout. You can tell your pet is hibernating because the body will feel limp, not stiff, and there’ll be no dead rat smell after a few hours.