When your hamster starts acting hyper out of nowhere, you might assume they’re happy, but is that the case? What causes this behavior, and should you be worried?
Hamsters can appear hyper when stressed by factors such as bright lights, loud (and sharp noises), intense smells, limited space, extreme temperatures, other animals, and illness. Boredom can also make your hamster hyper, especially when there’s nothing to keep them busy.
This article discusses the signs and causes of stress in detail. We’ll also look into the causes of boredom and ways to deal with them.
Why Is My Hamster Squeaking All of a Sudden?
Hamsters are generally quiet creatures; they don’t make noises very often. If they start squeaking, there’s a big chance that something is wrong, and you might need to make some adjustments.
Hamsters rarely make squawking noises, so it’s best to assume something’s wrong, and you should immediately handle the situation by seeking medical advice or dealing with the cause(s) yourself. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why your hamster is hyper all of a sudden.
Your Hamster Is Stressed
When hamsters are stressed, they try to relieve that feeling by running around, climbing, biting, and scratching, which explains why they appear hyperactive.
This might be confusing for first-time owners as they might mistake hyperactivity for comfort and satisfaction, which is rarely the case.
Strange noises aren’t the only signs of stress in hamsters. You can often quickly identify the signs and take the necessary steps to help your hamster feel better.
Here’s a list of some of the possible signs of stress in hamsters:
- Biting
- Scratching (themselves, others, and objects)
- Climbing
- Escape attempts
- Aggression
- Fur loss (and skin problems)
- Shaking
- Hiding
Causes of Stress
Hamsters are highly susceptible to stress; they get stressed out by the smallest of things and can quickly develop health issues or succumb to the consequences of stress. You should be able to identify the causes and handle the situation accordingly.
Here are some of the most common sources of stress in hamsters.
Limited Space
Hamsters need a lot of space. They have a lot of energy and need the space to release it. Running around, climbing, and playing with toys are important activities for mental and physical stimulation, which ensures they remain healthy.
Unfortunately, a large number of first-time owners often buy cages that are way too small for their precious pets. You’d also get stressed and depressed if kept in a limited space; it’s not beneficial to anyone or anything.
As such, it is essential to choose the right-size cage to ensure your beloved hamster is as comfortable as possible. Large cages accommodate toys, hiding places, wheels, and food sections, which are vital to the well-being of your hamster.
Noises
Hamsters are susceptible to noise. Their hearing is fantastic, and they greatly rely on this sense to navigate life.
Several rodents have fantastic hearing, including hamsters, rats, and mice. Rats are among the animals with the best hearing worldwide; they can hear sounds between 200Hz and 90,000Hz.
On the other hand, Hamsters can hear sounds under 100Hz and up to 46,000Hz, which is very impressive. Loud noises can stress them out, but they can also hear high-frequency sounds.
High-Frequency Sounds
High-frequency sounds or ultrasounds are sounds over 20,000Hz. We can’t hear these sounds, but plenty of animals can. These high-frequency sounds can agitate your pets, which you should avoid if you want to keep your hamster happy and healthy.
Here’s a list of things that can produce ultrasound:
- Some instruments
- Sensors
- Alarms
- Computers
If they look like they’re sniffing the air and possibly even stand up on their hind legs, that might indicate discomfort due to a sound that’s bothering them. However, they could also be curious, looking for the source of an intense smell when they do this.
Intense Scent
Intense smells often trigger a stress response in hamsters. You might not even notice it, but they will. We don’t nearly have the excellent sense of smell hamsters have, so you’ll not be in a position to note whether a scent is bothering your pet or not.
Here are some of the scents that might be bothering your hamster:
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruits
- Scented sprays
- Cleaning product
- Perfume
- Vinegar
You should pay attention to the products you use near their environment and make changes accordingly.
Bright Light and Sudden Movements
Hamsters have a horrible sense of sight. During the day, their vision is minimal because there’s usually a lot of light; that’s when they spend most of their time sleeping. During the night, when it’s dark, they have slightly better vision.
It’s essential to keep bright lights out as they can blind your hamster.
Sudden movements are also anxiety-inducing for your pet. I strongly advise against placing their cage near a pathway or a space where a lot of people generally walk by. Letting other pets and children approach the cage freely is also not ideal.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures and sudden temperature changes are horrible for your hamster. They like temperatures between 65°F (18.33°C) and 75°F (23.89° C), according to the Aspen Commons Animal Hospital website.
Temperatures over eighty degrees Fahrenheit (26,67 °C) can quickly kill a hamster. Anything over their preferred temperature can make them sick and cause a life-threatening heat stroke.
Temperatures that are too low can cause stress and lead to hibernation, which they are not equipped for. A hibernating hamster is the last thing you want as an owner, and you should ensure it never occurs.
Other Animals
Hamsters are very territorial, so animals or people in their personal space can cause extreme stress and aggression.
You shouldn’t put multiple hamsters in the same cage because they aren’t social. Letting your other pets near their cage, specifically when they’re big, can make them feel threatened and stressed.
Additionally, most hamsters don’t appreciate being touched a lot, especially by people they haven’t bonded with. Touching them when they don’t want to be handled will inevitably cause stress.
Illness or Pain
Illness and pain can make anyone feel agitated and stressed. It’s even more frustrating for tiny pets like hamsters that can’t rationalize pain and prolonged discomfort.
Stress is a natural response to physical pressure. It is vital to identify illness and pain in your hamster early on and visit a veterinarian to help them.
Your Hamster Is Bored
Hamsters are generally active creatures; they have a lot of energy. Your hamster may appear hyper because it cannot release its energy.
Hamsters get bored quickly when they have no mental and physical stimulation. You can’t put your hamster in a tiny cage with food and water and expect it to be content. These tiny furballs need to expend their energy and will almost certainly come off as hyperactive if not properly stimulated.
Here are some ways to ensure your hamster isn’t bored:
- Place it in a big enough cage.
- Purchase enough toys.
- Provide plenty of bedding for it to dig through.
- Give it the necessary personal attention.
- Allow it some time outside its cage in a safe environment.
Conclusion
When your hamster is acting hyper, it’s often not a great sign. You should figure out what’s causing the behavior and deal with the issue accordingly.
You can usually easily identify signs of stress and boredom, so helping your pet shouldn’t be an issue.
If you can’t figure out what’s happening, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for further advice.