If you are new to hamsters as pets, you might find yourself in a position to wonder why your hamster hides so much.
Hamsters normally like to borrow and hide because they instinctively stay hidden from predators in their natural habitats. Their crepuscular lifestyle might also make it seem as if they hide more than they actually do. If your hamster spends some time being out and active, then your pet might be doing fine. However, if you notice a sudden change in the hamster’s behavior, or other problems, such as poor appetite, then the hiding behavior should be evaluated.
It is important to distinguish normal behavior from excessive hiding that could be indicative of stress or health concerns.
Instinctive Burrowing And Hiding Behavior
Hamsters spend a good portion of their lives in hiding.
In the wilderness, they hide to increase their chances of surviving. They burrow into the sand to hide from the sun and predators, and to sleep. Since hiding is so important for them, their habitat in your home needs to have a thick layer of bedding the animal could hide in as needed.
Your pet probably prefers to be out of sight for sleeping and spend some time hiding when awake. However, your hamster should have periods of activity at least in the evening and at night. During those times it should be out eating, exploring, or exercising in its wheel.
Consider Changes In The Hamster’s Behavior
If your pet seems healthy and content in general, then hiding habits are likely not concerning. These are some general indicators of a hamster’s well-being:
- The hamster eats the food: stuffs its cheeks, chews a lot, and drinks water
- The animal exercises in its wheel and explores the environment
- If your hamster plays with you and takes food from your hands, that is a good sign of wellness
If you notice that your pet does not come out during the times when it should be alert and active, consider the possibility of your hamster being either physically unwell or stressed out for some reason.
When You Should Be Concerned About Your Hamster’s Hiding
The context is always important. If you have had your hamster for some time and know him well, you have probably learned his routines and typical behaviors. Any sudden change should make you suspicious of a problem.
If your hamster suddenly becomes less interactive and begins to spend more time in hiding, pay close attention. If he continues eating, drinking and voiding appropriately, you could probably watch him for the time being. However, if other changes, especially in eating and voiding, present along with the hiding behavior, consider taking your furry friend to a veterinarian.
Changes In Health Status
In general, any of the following changes should be a red flag to you:
- To reiterate, a change, especially a sudden one, from the hamster’s baseline behavior is cause for concern
- He hides more than usual or he hides in the evening and at night, does not come out for his normal activities
- He refuses food or water
- He looks thinner
- Suffers from diarrhea
- Do not breathe the same: breaths fast or with a lot of effort
- He generally looks sleepy or lethargic
- The fur has changed in quality and possibly looks duller or drier
- Your hamster’s eyes look unhealthy: swollen, cloudy, or having some drainage
If you notice any of those problems in your hamster – whether or not they concur with excessive hiding – consider taking your hamster to a veterinarian.
Stress
If your hamster generally looks healthy but hides more than he normally does, there could be something in particular that causes stress to him and could be eliminated quite easily:
- First, consider any recent changes in your household. Could any change have affected your hamster?
- Is the cage placed in a less-than-ideal location: too much light or noise? Guinea pigs are very sensitive to sounds.
- Do you have another pet who might be spending some time near the cage? A cat or a dog will view a hamster as prey and the hamster will sense that.
- Even we or our children may inadvertently stress out the hamster by checking on him frequently, for example.
How To Encourage Hamsters to Come Out
If you think that your pet is generally okay and is just being shy in your presence, there are a few things you could try to encourage your hamster to spend more time out exploring. Of course, the time of day has to be right for him to venture out.
- Approach him slowly, gradually when he is already awake. Speak and make light noise to let him know you are there. If the hamster has been in your household for at least a few days, reach out and pick him up and contain him with your hands, pet him slowly. Everything you do should be directed at making your pet feel safe and comfortable.
- Avoid bothering your pet when he is resting, be respectful of the hamster’s sleep cycle.
- You could put several treats and pellets around the cage to entice him to explore.
- Have some toys, including chew toys available to keep the hamster engaged.
- Dim the light in the room earlier – that might make your hamster feel like he has more time suitable for exploring.
Finally
It is mostly a matter of determining whether your hamster is healthy or if the hiding manifests the presence of a problem.
It can be frustrating for a child in the household if his or her pet hamster is always hiding and it certainly can worry the grown-ups. But more often than not it is the hamster’s sleep cycle that makes it feel as if he is always sleeping and hiding. Assess your pet’s presentation in general, and if something else catches your attention and concern, consider following up with a veterinarian.
