Why Is My Dwarf Hamster Squeaking?

Dwarf hamsters, being tiny rodents, use squeaking to vocalize. The challenge with this form of communication is the number of things one squeak could mean.

A dwarf hamster may squeak because it is happy, fighting, hurt or sick, communicating with another hamster, scared, does not like being picked up, or it recognizes something. Because the squeaks sound similar in most situations, you must observe your hamster closely to understand what they indicate.

This article will explain all the reasons why a dwarf hamster may squeak. It will also describe several ways in which you can stop the squeaking. Read on for everything you need to know about dwarf hamster squeaking.

8 Reasons Your Dwarf Hamster Is Squeaking

Below are 8 possible reasons why your dwarf hamster is squeaking.

1. Your Dwarf Hamster Is Fighting, Whether Play or Serious

If you have more than one dwarf hamster, fighting may cause them to squeak. They are notorious for boisterous noises during play and real fights.

You must observe during these interactions to ensure nothing gets out of hand. If it is an actual fight, one or both dwarf hamsters can be seriously injured as the ensuing tussle can become quite intense.

Fighting is most often identified by loud and constant squeaking. To prevent severe consequences, you must separate the hamsters at the first sign of injury.

While dwarf hamsters do well in pairs, not every pair is a perfect match. It is therefore essential to see how they interact and if they get along without dominance issues. The best thing is to keep a spare cage on hand at all times in case you need to separate them.

2. Pain or Sickness Is Causing Your Dwarf Hamster To Squeak

While it can be hard to determine if your dwarf hamster is in pain or not feeling well—as it cannot specifically tell you what is happening—squeaking is a sign. There are other symptoms you can keep watch for, including:

Loss of appetite
Immobility
Poor appearance

If your dwarf hamster is entirely immobile, don’t wait to go to the vet, as this could be something serious. An injury and an upset stomach can have the same visible symptoms combined with squeaking.

3. Your Dwarf Hamster Is Communicating

It’s also believed that dwarf hamsters use squeaks to communicate. For most hamsters, softer tones will indicate pleasure and happiness. Higher tones can show irritation or fear. Dwarf hamsters, however, can only squeak, making it more difficult to understand what kind of communication they are exhibiting.

Dwarf hamsters will use single squeaks as a greeting to others. However, they have been found to do this when living alone in a cage, leading to the belief that they can greet their owners.

4. Something Is Making Your Dwarf Hamster Apprehensive

Squeaking can also be the result of apprehension. If you have just brought your dwarf hamster home and placed it in its new cage, there will likely be some adjustment time. It might be nervous and uncomfortable for a few days, leading to some squeaking.

This period is generally temporary until the dwarf hamster settles in and gets used to its new environment.

Also, if you change anything in the immediate surroundings, this can cause apprehension. Something that seems minor to you could be a significant change to your dwarf hamster, making it uneasy. This change could require an adjustment period.

5. Your Dwarf Hamster Is Uncomfortable With Being Picked Up

If your dwarf hamster does not enjoy being picked up, it will let you know by squeaking. It may be very vocal until you put it down.

Moving too quickly when you bring home a new dwarf hamster can result in excessive squeaking because it is not ready to be held. Too much stimulation combined with the moving experience could be agitating it. It’s best to give the dwarf hamster time to adjust to its new home before trying to handle it.

Some dwarf hamsters never enjoy being held and prefer to stay in their cages. So, if you find that your hamster still squeaks months after you’ve brought it home, chances are it will never be comfortable being held.

If squeaking is a new development, it may signify injury or sickness. You may need to take a trip to the veterinarian to rule out anything serious.

6. Your Dwarf Hamster Is Squeaking Because it Recognizes You

Dwarf hamsters tend to pick up on cues. They recognize behaviors such as you coming into the room at feeding time or opening their bag of food. They may squeak in response as they are excited to receive the food.

The more you bond with your dwarf hamster, the more likely it is to recognize you. It may get excited to see you and squeak in response to your presence. Additionally, when it sees you, it might try to tell you it wants something, such as food or water.

7. Your Dwarf Hamster Is Happy

Dwarf hamsters will also voice their happiness through squeaks. This can be joy at playtime, receiving their favorite treats, and settling into a comfortable nest. Their little chirps of happiness can be observed while they run on their hamster wheel or nibble some food.

Thus, squeaking can signify pain, stress, or aggression, but it can also indicate happiness.

8. It Is Mating Time for Your Dwarf Hamster

Female dwarf hamsters become aggressive and vocal when they are in heat. They will squeak and become less friendly during this period, which happens frequently.

Trying to refill the food bowl or getting close to the cage can provoke aggressive behavior from a female dwarf hamster in heat. She may squeak a lot and even attempt to attack you.

How To Prevent Your Dwarf Hamster From Squeaking

You can do several things to help narrow down the sources of squeaking so that you can better understand what your dwarf hamster is trying to tell you.

Pay attention: One of the first things you can try is paying attention to your dwarf hamster. Providing food, water, or cuddles could solve the problem of the hamster squeaking at you. Also, during winter, your dwarf hamster may squeak because it is cold and wants to cuddle.
Provide treats: Another option is to offer treats if the water and food are freshly filled. This is also a suitable method of identifying if the dwarf hamster is physically healthy. If it does not respond or cannot physically make it to you, it is squeaking from pain or sickness and needs medical attention.
It’s a sign of aggression: If you have more than one dwarf hamster in a cage, there could be aggression between them. Separating the ones with the problem could be the solution. By giving them their own space, you will not only prevent squeaking but also prevent unnecessary injuries.
Consult your vet: Finally, if you cannot figure out what your hamster wants, and it’s showing symptoms are a point of concern, take it to the vet. There could be a severe underlying problem you can’t see or understand.

Conclusion

Dwarf hamsters use squeaking as their entire language; from signaling pain and sickness to displaying happiness. Thus, it can be challenging for their owners to understand precisely what they are saying.

Nonetheless, careful observation will allow a better comprehension of what these little creatures want. Remember, it’s critical to go to the veterinarian if signs of pain and sickness are visible, including disheveled appearance, immobility, and loss of appetite.