Why Is My Hamster Not Eating? (Causes + What To Do)

Hamsters are small, furry creatures that make great pets. They are known for their playful personalities and curious nature. However, when a hamster stops eating, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Let’s learn more about it.

A hamster not eating may be due to stress, illness, teeth problems, changes in diet, or a lack of variety in food. If your hamster stops eating, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Ensure your hamster has access to food, water, and a balanced diet, and avoid sudden changes to their diet.

In this article, we will explore the common causes of a hamster not eating and what you can do to help your furry friend get back on track.

Whether you are a seasoned hamster owner or just getting started, this article will provide you with important information about keeping your hamster healthy and happy.


Picture Credits: Dora, The Syrian Hamster; Instagram Handle: thehamstercalledmouse

How Often Do Hamsters Need To Eat?

Hamsters are omnivores and need to eat a balanced diet to maintain good health. As a general guideline, hamsters should have access to food and fresh water at all times. Here’s what you should feed your hamster:

  • Pellets: Hamsters should be fed a diet of high-quality hamster pellets that provide a balanced source of nutrients. Offer your hamster a handful of pellets each day.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables: Hamsters enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, and green beans, as part of their diet. Offer a small amount of fresh produce each day.
  • Treats: Hamsters can also be given occasional treats, such as seeds, nuts, or mealworms, but these should be given in moderation.

It’s important to avoid feeding your hamster sugary, fatty, or salty foods, as these can cause health problems. Also, avoid sudden changes to your hamster’s diet, as this can upset their digestive system and lead to health problems.

In summary, hamsters need access to food and fresh water at all times and should be fed a balanced diet of pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats.

Recommended Reading: How Often Should I Feed My Hamster? (Owner’s Guide)

Reasons Why Your Hamster Might Not Be Eating

There can be several reasons why your hamster may not be eating. Some common causes include:

Illness

If your hamster is sick, it may not feel like eating. Some signs of illness in hamsters include lethargy, coughing, sneezing, and diarrhea.

If you suspect your hamster is sick, it’s best to take it to a veterinarian for a check-up.

The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.

Common illnesses in hamsters include respiratory infections, tumors, and digestive issues.

If left untreated, these illnesses can become severe and even life-threatening.

Dental Problems

Hamsters have continually growing teeth, and if their teeth become overgrown, it can make it difficult for them to eat.

A vet can examine your hamster’s teeth to see if this is the problem.

If overgrown teeth are the issue, the vet will trim them to a proper length.

Hamsters also need to gnaw on items like wooden blocks and hard seeds to help keep their teeth at a healthy length.

Also Read: Overgrown Hamster Teeth: (+How To Keep Them Short)

Stress

Hamsters can become stressed by changes in their environment, such as a new cage or a new addition to their family.

This can make them lose their appetite. Signs of stress in hamsters include increased aggression, decreased activity levels, and changes in eating and drinking habits.

To help reduce stress, it’s important to provide a stable environment for your hamster, with plenty of hiding places and opportunities for exercise.

Lack Of Variety In Diet

Hamsters need a balanced and varied diet to stay healthy.

If they’re only being offered one type of food, they may lose interest in eating.

A balanced diet for hamsters should include a mix of pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats like seeds and nuts.

Dirty Food And Water Dishes

Hamsters can be picky about their food and water, and if their dishes are dirty, they may not want to eat or drink from them.

It’s important to clean their dishes regularly and provide fresh food and water daily.

Old Age

As hamsters age, their appetites may decrease. It’s important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly.

Older hamsters may also have trouble digesting certain foods, so it’s important to talk to a veterinarian about an appropriate diet for your aging pet.

Also Read: Signs Of Old Age In Hamsters (+How To Comfort Them)

Heat

If the temperature in your hamster’s cage is too high, it can make them too hot to eat.

Hamsters are more comfortable in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).

To ensure that your hamster’s cage is at a comfortable temperature, it’s best to avoid placing it near windows or heat sources, and to provide plenty of bedding material for insulation.

In conclusion, if your hamster is not eating, it’s important to figure out why and take appropriate action. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a stable environment can help keep your hamster healthy and happy. If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.

What Should I Do If My Hamster Is Not Eating?

Hamsters are omnivorous and should be offered food once or twice a day. It’s important to provide a balanced diet that includes both dry and fresh food options.

For dry food, a hamster can have a small handful (1-2 tablespoons) of a commercial hamster pellet or seed mix once or twice a day.

These mixes usually contain a variety of seeds, grains, and dried fruits and vegetables, which provide the hamster with a balanced diet.

Fresh food, such as fruits, vegetables, and greens, should be offered daily in small portions (1-2 teaspoons).

Some good options include carrots, apples, lettuce, and spinach. It’s important to wash and chop the fresh food into small pieces so the hamster can easily eat it.

In addition to regular food, hamsters should also have access to fresh water at all times.

A water bottle attached to the side of the cage is a convenient way to provide water.

It’s important to monitor your hamster’s weight and adjust their food portions accordingly.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems. If you’re concerned about your hamster’s diet or eating habits, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for advice.

How Do I Get My Hamster To Eat?

If your hamster is not eating, there are a few things you can try to encourage them to eat:

  • Offer a variety of foods: Hamsters enjoy variety in their diet, so try offering different types of food. Offer both dry and fresh foods, including pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
  • Check for signs of illness: If your hamster is not eating, it may be sick. Common signs of illness include lethargy, coughing, sneezing, and diarrhea. If you suspect your hamster is sick, take it to a veterinarian for a check-up.
  • Monitor the temperature: Hamsters are more comfortable in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). If the temperature in your hamster’s cage is too high, it can make them too hot to eat. To ensure that your hamster’s cage is at a comfortable temperature, it’s best to avoid placing it near windows or heat sources, and to provide plenty of bedding material for insulation.
  • Clean their food and water dishes: Hamsters can be picky about their food and water, and if their dishes are dirty, they may not want to eat or drink from them. It’s important to clean their dishes regularly and provide fresh food and water daily.
  • Make food more appealing: You can make food more appealing by adding a little bit of honey or yogurt to the fresh fruits or vegetables, or offering treats like sunflower seeds.
  • Offer food at the same time each day: Hamsters are creatures of habit, so try to offer food at the same time each day to establish a routine.
  • Offer food by hand: Hamsters are more likely to eat if they can see and smell the food. Try offering small pieces of food by hand and see if your hamster takes it from you.

If your hamster is still not eating, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. They can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue and provide appropriate treatment.

How Do You Feed A Picky Hamster?

Feeding a picky hamster can be a challenge, but here are some tips that may help:

  • Offer a variety of foods: Hamsters have different food preferences, so it’s important to offer a variety of foods to find out what your hamster likes. Try offering different types of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to see what your hamster is most interested in.
  • Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to a lack of appetite, so it’s important to provide just enough food for your hamster each day. Offer a small handful of pellets and a teaspoon or two of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Make food more appealing: You can make food more appealing by adding a little bit of honey or yogurt to the fresh fruits or vegetables, or offering treats like sunflower seeds.
  • Offer food at the same time each day: Hamsters are creatures of habit, so try to offer food at the same time each day to establish a routine.
  • Offer food by hand: Hamsters are more likely to eat if they can see and smell the food. Try offering small pieces of food by hand and see if your hamster takes it from you.
  • Provide hiding places for food: Hamsters are natural hoarders and may be more likely to eat if they have a place to hide their food. Try adding a small wooden box or hideaway to your hamster’s cage for them to store their food.
  • Introduce new foods gradually: If you want to introduce a new food to your hamster, it’s important to do so gradually. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount over time.
  • Consult a veterinarian: If your hamster is still not eating, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. They can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue and provide appropriate treatment.

Remember, every hamster is different, and it may take some time to find the right combination of foods that your hamster enjoys.

Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually find the perfect diet for your picky hamster.

Hamster Not Eating But Active

If your hamster is active but not eating, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

  • Illness: Hamsters can become ill and lose their appetite, so it’s important to check for signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or diarrhea. If you suspect your hamster is sick, take it to a veterinarian for a check-up.
  • Stress: Hamsters can become stressed due to changes in their environment or routine, so it’s important to minimize changes and provide a secure and comfortable living space.
  • Tooth problems: Hamsters have continuously growing incisors, and if their teeth become overgrown, it can make it difficult for them to eat. It’s important to check your hamster’s teeth regularly and provide plenty of opportunities for gnawing on appropriate chew toys.
  • Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to a lack of appetite, so it’s important to provide just enough food for your hamster each day. Offer a small handful of pellets and a teaspoon or two of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Dirty food and water dishes: Hamsters can be picky about their food and water, and if their dishes are dirty, they may not want to eat or drink from them. It’s important to clean their dishes regularly and provide fresh food and water daily.
  • Teeth grinding: Hamsters naturally grind their teeth to keep them from overgrowing, and if they are grinding their teeth excessively, it can indicate discomfort or pain.

If your hamster is still not eating despite being active, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.

They can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue and provide appropriate treatment.

Hamster Not Eating or Moving

If your hamster is not eating or moving, it’s a cause for concern and may indicate a serious problem. Here are some possible reasons for this behavior:

  • Illness: Hamsters can become ill and lose their appetite, so it’s important to check for signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, or diarrhea. If you suspect your hamster is sick, take it to a veterinarian for a check-up.
  • Stress: Hamsters can become stressed due to changes in their environment or routine, so it’s important to minimize changes and provide a secure and comfortable living space.
  • Tooth problems: Hamsters have continuously growing incisors, and if their teeth become overgrown, it can make it difficult for them to eat and move. It’s important to check your hamster’s teeth regularly and provide plenty of opportunities for gnawing on appropriate chew toys.
  • Overheating: Hamsters are sensitive to heat, and if the temperature in their cage becomes too high, it can lead to heat exhaustion and make it difficult for them to move or eat. It’s important to provide a suitable environment with proper ventilation and a temperature range between 60-70°F.
  • Pain or injury: Hamsters can become injured or experience pain, which can make it difficult for them to eat or move. Check your hamster for signs of injury, such as wounds or broken bones, and seek veterinary care if necessary.
  • Old age: As hamsters age, they can become less active and lose their appetite. It’s important to provide a comfortable and suitable environment for your aging hamster and consult a veterinarian for any age-related concerns.

If your hamster is not eating or moving, it’s best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can help determine if there is an underlying medical issue and provide appropriate treatment.

Recommended Reading: Why Is My Hamster Not Moving? (+What To Do?)

What Are The Symptoms Of A Sick Hamster?

There are several symptoms that can indicate a sick hamster. These include:

  • Loss of appetite: If your hamster stops eating or drinking, it may be a sign of illness.
  • Lethargy: Hamsters are naturally active creatures, so if your hamster becomes lethargic and shows a lack of energy, it may be a sign of illness.
  • Diarrhea: If your hamster has loose or watery stools, it may be a sign of an underlying digestive issue.
  • Coughing or sneezing: Respiratory issues such as infections or allergies can cause coughing or sneezing in hamsters.
  • Changes in behavior: Hamsters may display changes in behavior such as increased aggression, hiding, or lethargy if they are feeling unwell.
  • Changes in coat or skin: Changes in the appearance of your hamster’s coat or skin, such as bald spots, rashes, or scabs, may indicate a skin or coat issue.
  • Abnormal discharge from the eyes, nose, or ears: Any discharge from the eyes, nose, or ears may indicate an infection or injury.

If you observe any of these symptoms in your hamster, it’s best to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment of any underlying health issues can improve the chances of a full recovery.

How Long Can A Hamster Go Without Eating?

Hamsters are small animals with high metabolic rates, and they can become sick or even die if they go without food for too long.

On average, a hamster can go for about 24-36 hours without eating before their health is affected.

However, the exact time can vary based on factors such as the hamster’s age, size, and overall health.

It’s important to provide your hamster with a consistent and balanced diet and make sure they have access to food and water at all times.

If you notice that your hamster is not eating, it’s important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Mohini

Hello, I am Mohini, the founder of this blog. I am a qualified Animal Nutrition. I am here to help everyone understand their pets better.

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