Hamsters are adorable and popular pets that can provide hours of entertainment and companionship. But do you know what your hamster is really doing when you’re not around? Hamsters have a lot of surprising and secret behaviors that reveal their personality, mood, and needs. In this article, we will explore some of the amazing secrets of your hamster’s behavior and how you can understand and interact with your furry friend better.

Hamsters are Nocturnal and Crepuscular

One of the most obvious secrets of your hamster’s behavior is that they are nocturnal and crepuscular animals. This means that they are most active at night and during dawn and dusk. Hamsters have evolved to avoid predators and harsh weather conditions by sleeping during the day and foraging and exploring at night. This is why you may hear your hamster running on their wheel, chewing on their toys, or digging in their bedding when you’re trying to sleep.

If you want to see your hamster more often, you can try to adjust their sleeping schedule by providing them with a dark and quiet environment during the night and exposing them to natural or artificial light during the day. However, you should not force your hamster to wake up or stay awake when they are naturally sleepy, as this can cause stress and health problems. You should also respect your hamster’s need for privacy and avoid disturbing them when they are sleeping or resting in their nest.

Hamsters are Social and Territorial

Another secret of your hamster’s behavior is that they are social and territorial animals. Hamsters have complex social structures and communicate with each other using sounds, scents, and body language. Hamsters can form bonds with their mates, siblings, and offspring, but they can also fight with other hamsters over food, space, and dominance. Hamsters need a spacious and enriching cage that can accommodate their social and territorial needs, as well as their natural behaviors such as burrowing, nesting, and hoarding.

Hamsters are Intelligent and Curious

Another secret of your hamster’s behavior is that they are intelligent and curious animals. Hamsters have a good memory and can learn new skills and tricks, such as navigating mazes, solving puzzles, and responding to commands. Hamsters are also very curious and love to explore their surroundings and try new things. Hamsters need a lot of mental stimulation and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. You can provide your hamster with various toys, treats, and activities that challenge their intelligence and curiosity, such as tunnels, balls, wheels, bridges, ladders, hideouts, chew toys, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

You can also train your hamster to do some simple tricks, such as coming when called, standing on their hind legs, or rolling over. Training your hamster can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with your pet and improve their behavior. However, you should be patient and gentle with your hamster, and use positive reinforcement and treats to motivate them. You should also avoid punishing or scolding your hamster, as this can cause fear and stress. You can learn more about how to train your hamster here.

Hamsters are Clean and Grooming

Another secret of your hamster’s behavior is that they are clean and grooming animals. Hamsters spend a lot of time grooming themselves and keeping their fur, skin, and nails in good condition. Hamsters use their teeth, tongue, paws, and saliva to clean and comb their fur, remove dirt and parasites, and spread their scent. Hamsters also groom each other as a way of showing affection and social bonding. Hamsters need a clean and comfortable cage that can support their grooming habits, as well as their other needs. You should provide your hamster with a soft and absorbent bedding material, such as paper, wood, or hemp, that can be changed regularly. You should also provide your hamster with a sand bath, which is a shallow dish filled with chinchilla sand or dust, that they can use to clean their fur and remove excess oils. You should avoid using water or soap to bathe your hamster, as this can damage their fur and skin and cause hypothermia.

You can also help your hamster with their grooming by trimming their nails, brushing their fur, and checking their teeth and ears. However, you should only do this when necessary and with caution, as hamsters can be sensitive and nervous about being handled. You should also consult your veterinarian before attempting any grooming procedures on your hamster. You can find more information and tips on how to groom your hamster here.

Hamsters are Adaptable and Resilient

Another secret of your hamster’s behavior is that they are adaptable and resilient animals. Hamsters have a remarkable ability to survive and thrive in various environments and situations. Hamsters can cope with extreme temperatures, droughts, predators, and human interference by using their instincts and skills. Hamsters can also recover from injuries and illnesses, and even regenerate some of their body parts, such as their teeth and toes. Hamsters are amazing survivors that can overcome many challenges and hardships.

However, this does not mean that hamsters do not need proper care and attention from their owners. Hamsters still depend on you to provide them with a safe and comfortable home, a balanced and nutritious diet, a regular and consistent routine, and a lot of love and respect. You should also monitor your hamster’s health and behavior, and consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness or injury. You can learn more about how to care for your hamster here.

Hamsters are Fun and Lovable

The last secret of your hamster’s behavior is that they are fun and lovable animals. Hamsters are not only cute and fluffy, but also playful and friendly. Hamsters can enjoy playing with you and their toys, and can even show affection and gratitude by licking, nibbling, or cuddling with you. Hamsters can also have their own personality and preferences, and can express their likes and dislikes through their behavior. Hamsters are wonderful pets that can bring joy and happiness to your life.

However, you should also remember that hamsters are not toys or accessories, but living beings that have feelings and needs. You should treat your hamster with kindness and respect, and never harm or neglect them. You should also understand your hamster’s body language and signals, and respect their boundaries and moods. You should also spend quality time with your hamster and bond with them through positive and gentle interactions. You can find more tips on how to bond with your hamster here.

Conclusion

Hamsters are amazing and fascinating animals that have a lot of secrets and surprises. By learning more about your hamster’s behavior, you can understand and appreciate your pet better, and provide them with the best care and environment possible. You can also have a stronger and deeper relationship with your hamster, and enjoy their company and companionship. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and discovered some of the amazing secrets of your hamster’s behavior.