HAMSTER BEHAVIOUR
When bringing a new hamster home, do not expect that it will come into your hands immediately as the hamster will still be afraid and shy of you. In order to have your hamster to trust you, you should occasionally give him treats and avoid handling him until he will gain trust in you and will come on your hands on his own. This usually takes days or even months! Patience is an important factor. Also, to avoid any bites from your hamster, make sure that you wash your hands well after handling any food or else the hamster could bite you, (as the hamster would think that your hand is food!).
GENERAL HAMSTER BEHAVIOUR
If a hamsters lies on its back, it means that the hamster is frightened. Usually hamsters squeak when playing with each other if they are housed together - housing hamsters together is only ideal for dwarf hamsters.
Hamsters often rub their flanks along objects to leave their scent. They have a scent gland which is in the middle of their body on their stomach. This is used to mark their territory. A hamster that yawns and stretches itself means that it is feeling happy and comfortable.
HAMSTER LANGUAGE
Grooming: When a hamster grooms itself, it will start washing its feed, hands and fur. Grooming means that the hamster is feeling secure and happy.
Listening: A hamster will stand tall on its back legs with ears up. It means that the hamster is listening to something that captured his/her attention.
Scent Gland marking: When a hamster rubs his hips (in the case of a syrian hamster) or when a dwarf hamster rubs his/her belly, against objects this is my territory to mark his cage and the hamster's territory.
Squeaking: When a hamster squeaks loud singly or quickly repeated, it means that the hamster is agitated or wants attention. Dwarf hamsters may squeak when they play fighting for dominance, or a real fight and may squeak. Hamsters squeaking also takes place when a hamster is startled and also in some cases while asleep dreaming!
Teeth Grinding: It is a chattering sound which means that the hamster is irritated and wants to be left alone. It is also a warning before the hamster bites.
Hissing: Hamster hissing is the loudest noise. This mostly happens in a crouched position, mouth wide open, teeth showing, front paws raised and means that the hamster is very upset and frightened or the hamster was startled.
IF YOUR HAMSTER ESCAPES
Close all the windows and doors and put some hamster food and some vegetables on the floor. Be always on the look out when you walk, as you might not see your hamster and could hurt it. If the hamster is hungry, surely it will come out for the food. Also you can place it's cage (open) on the floor; usually if the hamster sees the cage, the hamster will go in it. Or else you may opt for the hamster bucket system. Place a bucket with a stand for the hamster to climb into – and place some hamster food and vegetables in the bucket. When the hamster reaches the top, he will go smell the food, fall into the bucket and will be unable to climb up again. The only problem is that the hamster could get injured when it falls into the bucket, so pile up lots of soft bedding for a soft landing.
Click here to see how a hamster escapes from his cage. Several other hamster videos, including another video of a hamster escaping, can be found here.
