Why Is My Hamster Acting Weird?

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Hamsters are beloved pets that nearly everyone has been compelled to adopt at some point in their lives. But like other pets, hamsters might exhibit signs of unhappiness or boredom when their needs aren’t met. So why is your hamster acting weird? 

Hamsters are known to become restless and act weird when bored, if their cages are too small, or if they don’t have enough entertainment. Aggressive behavior may be a sign of illness, as can excessive grooming and scratching.

Keep reading to learn why your hamster is acting weird, and the steps you can take to address the situation. 

5 Causes of Unusual Behavior in Hamsters

Hamsters aren’t as time-consuming as dogs or reptiles, but they’re very clear on what they like and don’t like and will make sure you know which is which. And since they can’t bark or meow, they’ll show their dissatisfaction through their actions and behaviors. 

A hamster will start acting out if it’s:

  • Bored or understimulated
  • Sick or infected with pests like mites
  • Afraid and uncomfortable 
  • Injured
  • Hungry or thirsty

The below table illustrates each type of concerning behavior and potential reasons why your hamster could be acting out.

IssueReason for BehaviorLevel of Concern
Lethargy or unresponsiveness. A slow or unresponsive hamster could be suffering from an underlying illness that makes it lackluster and lethargic.Hamsters are also known to become lethargic if their environment is too cold or if there’s a sudden drop in temperature. However, hamsters are also known to hibernate, so this could be the case. A severely unresponsive hamster is a huge concern, and your hamster needs to be assessed by a vet. Hibernation isn’t anything to worry about, but be sure to read up on the signs of hibernation. 
Repetitive behavior and restlessness.Hamsters repeat certain actions, like pacing, climbing, and biting their cage when bored. They may also feel cramped and need a larger space with more toys. This isn’t a major concern as long as you actively remedy it as soon as possible. A bored and cramped hamster is an unhappy hamster. 
Fear and anxiety.Some hamsters are naturally nervous by disposition, but if your hamster is concerningly shy and reclusive, it doesn’t feel safe.A hamster can feel threatened by people, loud noises and activity, or other hamsters.A fearful hamster is a cause for concern, but the solution usually lies in keeping your rodent roommate in a quiet environment with plenty of hidey-holes.
Aggression towards people and other hamsters.Hamsters play-fight with each other but can quickly become aggressive and territorial. Hamsters kept together in a small space will become restless and take it out on each other.If a hamster is aggressive towards you, it could be that it doesn’t trust you or that you’re holding it wrong. Alternatively, it may just be really hungry. This can be easily remedied. Hamsters with adequate space and entertainment are much happier than those without. If your hamsters aren’t getting along, you need to separate them before they injure each other.If a hamster is aggressive towards you, act on this immediately. Get them used to being handled and be very kind and gentle with them. 
Excessive grooming and scratching. Grooming is part of a hamster’s daily routine, but if the grooming is excessive, your fuzzy friend could be telling you they’re stressed and agitated. Scratching and grooming to the point of drawing blood is a sign of a deeper issue, like mites or mange. Grooming to the point of injury is a serious problem and needs medical attention as soon as possible. 

Why Is My Hamster Acting Aggressively Towards Me?

It can be hard to figure out how your hamster feels about you but rest assured, tame hamsters enjoy spending time with their humans and receiving affection. 

If you don’t handle your hamster and allow it to get accustomed to you, it can end up viewing you as a threat instead of a protector. 

Hamsters deal with stress in numerous ways, especially when it comes to a perceived threat:

  • They’ll become scared and hide.
  • They’ll freeze and become unresponsive. 
  • They start becoming aggressive and possibly scratch or bite.

Countless people have been bitten by a hamster, which usually happens when they’ve newly adopted a hamster or don’t know how to handle it correctly. 

Here are a few tips for making your hamster feel more comfortable around you, so they don’t perceive you as a threat and behave aggressively:

  • Meet their needs. Hamsters won’t be eager to spend quality time with you if you haven’t fed, hydrated, and entertained them. Be sure to create an enriching environment for your hamster and provide its basic needs. 
  • Don’t force contact. Make your presence known by placing your hand in your hamster’s cage, but don’t grab them and force them out of their safe space. 
  • Spend time with them habitually. Let them out of their cage daily, and allow them to explore the environment. This means letting them wander around on your bed, floor, lap, etc. Ensure that the environment you introduce the hamster to outside its cage is safe and quiet. Also, secure the area so they can’t escape, and don’t introduce other pets (cats, etc.) to the environment.

Conclusion

If you notice that your hamster is exhibiting some odd behavior, chances are it is responding to an underlying medical condition or discomfort in its enclosure. 

As such, you should ensure your hamster is comfortable, stimulated, and has all its basic needs met. 

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