August 4, 2024, 8:25 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Many people now know that hamsters are demanding pets. But even if you go to great lengths to provide them with a species-appropriate life, it can still happen that they give you the cold shoulder. PETBOOK explains the reasons why some hamsters don’t like their owners.
The enclosure is ready and appropriately furnished for the hamster, but the new roommate doesn’t seem interested in you? Some hamsters may give their owners the impression that they are not fond of them. Yet, you’ve gone to great lengths to provide them with a life that is as species-appropriate as possible. And then there are all the other hamster owners who proudly present their pets on social media, cuddled up on their hands, while your own hamster hides, hisses, or growls when you approach it. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that hamsters dislike us as people. In fact, there are usually reasons for their behavior that have to do with the way they live.
Hamsters are afraid
Hamsters are prey animals and rank quite low on the food chain. This means that there are many animals that like to eat these small rodents. To survive, hamsters must always be on guard against anything bigger than them. Therefore, it’s no surprise that humans can appear to be a significant threat to them. Especially when we try to reach for them, even if our gesture is meant to be friendly.
Hamsters that are afraid usually flee. However, some hamsters may also switch to defense mode, exhibiting behaviors such as hissing, growling, or biting.
Hamsters are not socialized
Hamsters are loners. Unlike dogs and cats, they do not live together in social or family groups. However, this does not mean that they cannot build up a relationship with their owner. However, it’s beneficial for them to become accustomed to people as early as possible.
As a rule, hamsters do not move in with their owners until they are five weeks old at the earliest. Depending on how they have grown up and what they have already gotten to know during this time, they react more or less anxiously when they meet their new owners for the first time.
Ideally, the little hamsters have already had contact with people during their first few weeks and have had good experiences. However, this is not always the case. Many hamsters available for purchase in specialty stores come from breeding operations where conditions can be substandard. 1
The hamster has had a bad experience
If a hamster has already had bad experiences with people, it will avoid them in the future. Especially if you adopt animals from animal welfare organizations, they may have been rescued from poor conditions. This not only causes the hamsters to react with fear, but also with aggressive behavior such as biting.
If a hamster has learned that biting is a successful strategy to be left alone, it may exhibit this behavior more frequently and readily in human company. However, this does not mean that these animals are incapable of forming a bond with humans. It simply requires a lot of patience and sensitivity. After all, it takes many good experiences to make up for a bad one.
Personality and genetics
Like all animals, hamsters have their own personalities. Some are simply shyer or more timid than others from birth. While certain species, like the Syrian hamster, are known to be outgoing and curious, individual behavior ultimately depends on the animal’s genetics.
Hamster is in pain or ill
If the hamster withdraws or reacts defensively toward its owner, this may also be due to illness or pain. In the wild, hamsters would try to hide the fact that they are unwell so that they wouldn’t end up as easy prey. An injury or illness is therefore often not immediately apparent to the owner. However, it can cause the hamster to react aggressively when you touch it.
Especially if the hamster is otherwise open and friendly, you should be suspicious if it suddenly withdraws or bites. Hamsters often exhibit aggressive behavior not out of dislike for us, but rather due to being unwell. Therefore, it’s important to consult a veterinarian in such cases.
Hamsters are being kept incorrectly
Just 30 years ago, hamsters were considered undemanding pets, ideal for children. Today, most rodent lovers know that the animals have high demands for their housing and, above all, their enclosure.
If hamsters do not have enough places to retreat to or opportunities to satisfy natural needs such as digging, nest building, or sand bathing, this can put them under stress. This causes hamsters to interact less with us or even display aggressive behavior towards their owners.2
How to make sure the hamster likes you
Hamsters often simply need time to acclimate to their new home and their human companions. This can take several months, especially if they have not had early contact with humans. It is important not to pressure them too much. Although it may be tempting to pick up these little fur balls, it’s best to start by simply sitting next to the enclosure. This allows them to get used to your voice and smell.3
As soon as the hamster no longer runs away or goes into defense mode the moment you approach, you should first try to create a positive association by offering them a snack. Patience is also required here. Do not expect the hamster to immediately eat from your hand. As soon as this step has been completed, you can try to lure them onto your hand with the help of the snacks.
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Conclusion
The fact that a hamster withdraws, hisses, or even bites when approached does not necessarily indicate that they dislike you. They usually show this behavior out of fear, stress, or because we humans do not yet understand their body language.
As owners, we should show understanding for this and not expect them to develop an intimate relationship with us in the shortest possible time just because we provide them with food and a huge enclosure.
By nature, hamsters are solitary creatures. However, this does not mean that they are not open to interaction or even cuddles with their owners. The important thing is that the little rodents feel safe, and this can take time, depending on their genetics, previous experiences, and state of health.