1: Open Spaces
- Hamsters feel exposed in wide-open areas with no cover - that's why they often freeze or dash for shelter when out of their cage. In the wild, open spaces = predators.
- How to help: add tunnels and extra clutter to the open spaces in your hamster's enclosure!
2: Heights
- Even though they love climbing, hamsters don't have good depth perception. Many will freeze, panic, or try to jump from high places, which can be dangerous.
- I like using bendy bridges as platforms and layer moss and other substrates to help with this.
- How to help: add tiered platforms! Syrians should not have platforms higher than 6 inches and for dwarves 3 inches.
3: Sudden Movements and Loud Noise
- As prey animals, a clap, sneeze, or even the sound of footsteps can trigger a "freeze, flee or hide" response.
- How to help: of course we can't control sneezes, but we can approach our hamsters with caution in mind.
4: Strong Scents
- Hamsters rely heavily on smell. Strong perfumes, chemicals, or the scent of a predator (like a cat) can make them stressed or fearful.
- How to help: wash your hands of pets before you greet your hamsters and avoid strong perfumes or cologne
5: Being Grabbed From Above
- In nature, predators swoop down (hawks, owls, etc.). So being lifted from above without warning can terrify them.
- How to help: make sure your hamster has full visibility of your hand before you pick them up
6: Unfamiliar Hands
- Hamsters can be cautious around new humans until they learn their scent and voice.
- How to help: pass your hamster from your hands or use a hide to pass your hamster.
What about you?
Hamsters aren’t so different from us, and sometimes we can share in these fears!
Did this help you understand your hamster any better?
Let us know!