It can be a tough time for the owners, if beloved Hamster is always scared of them. So, it is evident for Hamster owners to wonder, why their little ones are scared of them? Should we be worried? As a curious Hamster owner, I did some research, and here is what I have learned.
Most of the time a Hamster is scared due to its natural instinct. Being prey animals, they show behavior of running away, hiding, etc. The presence of some other pets, sudden loud noises, shy nature are some of the other reasons due to which a Hamster might get scared.
A scared Hamster may even bite you, if you try to hold them forcefully. Therefore, it is important to be careful with such Hamsters.
Always give your Hamster time to adjust. Spend time with them and make them accustomed of your presence. This will help you build a bond with them.
How Do You Know If Your Hamster Is Scared Of You?
Some of the common behavioral signs that show your Hamster is scared of you are:
- They don’t like to be held: Sometimes Hamsters try to jump off your hand or runs away when to try to hold them. This shows that they are scared of you and don’t want to come near you.
- They don’t eat from your hand: If your Hamster doesn’t take food from your hand, it clearly shows that he is scared of you. Your Hamster will need some time to understand that you and the food are not dangerous.
- Your Hamster bites you: If your Hamster is scared of you and sees you as a threat, then they will try to bite you when you get hold of them. It is a sign of self-protection.
Reasons Why Your Hamster Might Be Scared Of You!
There can be several reasons due to which your Hamster might be scared of you. Hamsters have a natural instinct to hide from anything and everything.
Also, each Hamster has a different personality. Some Hamsters are shy by birth and prefers to spend most of their time hiding in an corner of their cage.
A Few Best Climbing Toys For Your Hamsters:
Some of the reasons your Hamster might be scared of you are:
The Hamster Just Moved Into Your House
Hamsters need some time to settle in their new environment. They can act weird when adopted by a new owner.
With time, Hamsters will start to recognize their owners and their surroundings.
You Made A Sudden Movement
Hamsters can get quite anxious due to sudden movements. You will see that they start to shiver and feel threatened.
We are just huge creatures for our Hamsters. Therefore, sometimes, even small sudden moments can be scaring for them.
Your Hamster Is Shy In Nature
Each Hamster has a distinct personality and act differently depending upon situations.
If your Hamster has a shy nature, he will prefer to spend most of his time in his hideout. You will see that he comes out only to eat or drink.
In such cases, give your time to adjust. Do not be harsh on them. Sit and spend time with them for at least 2-3 hours a day.
Your Hamster Is Scared Of Your Other Pets
Hamsters are tiny animals and will see your other pets as threats. It is important to not leave your other pets (such as dogs or cats) alone with your Hamster.
Also, it is important to introduce your pets at an early age. Early introduction helps them get along well.
How Do I Get My Hamster To Trust Me?
If your Hamster is scared of you, they will hide or start to run in their cage when you are around.
The following steps will help you to build a bond with your Hamster from scratch.
Try To Understand Your Hamster
It is very essential for Hamster owners to observe and understand their Hamsters properly, this will help them to learn a lot about their little ones.
Your Hamster’s body language will tell you about their personality and behavior. Also, never try to get hold of your Hamster forcefully.
Hamsters Need Time To Adjust
Hamsters are shy when you first bring them home. They need time to adjust to their surrounding.
Do not introduce your Hamster to your friends or even other pets until they are comfortable around you.
Hamsters need their own time to adjust to their environment. Once your Hamsters have adjusted in their surrounding, you will see that they will love spending time around you.
Sit Down While Talking to Your Hamster
For Hamsters, we humans are no less than huge giants. Therefore, when we play or talk with our Hamsters, the best way is by sitting on the ground or crouching low on the ground.
This way, we will not be accepted as tall and arrogant animals by our Hamsters. Also, they will feel more comfortable around us.
Also Read:
- How Long Can A Hamster Go Without Water?
- Can Hamsters Have Sand In Their Cage? (Safe + Unsafe Sand)
- Why Is My Hamster Not Moving? (You Must Know)
- Do Hamsters Like Hammocks? (DIY + 10 Best Hammocks)
- Are Hamsters Affectionate? How Do They Show Affection?
Try To Build A Bond With Your Hamsters
It is very important to build a bond with your Hamster to make sure that they are not scared of you. There are several ways to build a bond with your Hamsters. Some of them are listed below:
- Spend time training them
- Hand-feed them
- Groom them
- Play with them
Providing your Hamsters with floor time and a lot of toys with help them trust you even more.
Also, make sure that there are no other pets around when you are trying to build a bond with your Hamster.
Treat Your Hamsters With Their Favorite Food At least Once A Week
Treating your Hamsters with their favorite food once in a while, will make your Hamster trust you even more.
A small portion of treat occasionally is perfect for your Hamsters. However, make sure that you do not make the treats the part of their daily diet.
Overfeeding of treats can make your Hamster sick. Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye out for the same.
You can either get a wooden made hiding spaces for your Hamsters or fleece made snuggle bed, which they can get into and feel at home. These are some of my favorites.
How Long Does It Take For A Hamster To Trust You?
Each Hamster has a unique personality. Some Hamsters start to trust their owners within first six days, while some others take as long as six weeks.
You must understand that patience and handwork is the key. Also, do not scold your Hamster if they are taking a little more time than usual. Scolding could stress your Hamsters.
Give your Hamster some time to settle in their new environment, do not rush into things. Sit around and spend time with them at least 3-4 times a day.
Hand-feeding your Hamsters with their favorite treat will also help you to build a strong bond with them.
How Do Hamsters Show Affection?
Hamsters are affectionate pets. With patience and efforts, any owner can build a strong bond with them.
Some Hamsters may behave extremely moody and cranky sometimes. However, the case is different for some pet Hamsters, who have been around humans since their birth.
To understand the display of emotions by your Hamsters it is important to observe them properly. You will see that your Hamsters behave differently when you are around them.
You will see your little one running around you and climb on to you when they are happy. Hamsters are also known to show dominance and affection by nudging their owners with their heads.
Some of these signs show that the owner has bonded with his Hamster pretty well.
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