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Questions
- Why Do Hamsters Squeak?
- Why Might a Hamster Make Squeaking Noises While Sleeping?
Just like our larger furry companions, hamsters use lots of different means of communication including body language and vocalisations. Understanding what your hamster is trying to tell you takes knowing their different little noises, especially when they match up with their body language as they can sometimes sound similar. A hamster’s squeak can mean several different things, so it may take looking at the bigger picture to really understand what they’re trying to tell you.
We’ve gathered all the information you need to know so you can stop asking yourself the question: why is my hamster squeaking?
Why Do Hamsters Squeak?
Understanding beloved hamster, a little better will give you the ability to care for them and know exactly what they need, when they’re asking for it. While a squeak may mean they’re just happy to see you, it can also be a sign of distress. It’s key to helping when they need it that you know the difference between these communications.
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It can sometimes take looking at a wider picture and assessing if anything looks wrong or out of place if they don’t seem to be squeaking because they’re excited or relaxed.
Every hamster is an individual and may use their voice to communicate at different times so it’s all about learning what your furry friend is trying to tell you.
They’re Showing Their Happiness
Hamsters can squeak quite often when they’re happy about something. It’s a delighted little noise that’s high pitched and usually quite short and sharp. To understand when this kind of noise is done out of happiness, you must look at the context it has happened in.
If you’ve just cleaned their cage and popped some new hamster toys in there, it could quite easily be a noise of delight while they explore the new gifts you’ve given them. Whereas a worried hamster will hide away from scary things so if they’re running around and checking out their new toys, it’s probably out of excitement.
Similarly with food, if you give your beloved pet some fresh fruit to have a nibble on or if you start to rustle the bag of their favourite treats, they might squeak out of happiness.
Understanding when they’re happy is about looking at everything else that’s happening around them. Happy squeaks usually only occur once or twice so if it’s long and drawn out, it’s likely to mean something else. Pay attention to their body language too, if they’re having a cuddle with you and give a nice big yawn and a stretch with a few squeaks, they’re happy and relaxed with you so there’s no need to worry.
A Persistent Squeak Could Show Their Frustration
If a squeak is longer than just a couple of short ones and is more drawn out, your hamster is likely telling you that they’re annoyed or unhappy about something.
Frustration and fear are also common reasons why a hamster might squeak at you. If you’ve just welcomed them home and go to interact with them, they might use this to tell you that they’re not ready for close handling.
You should build up any kind of handling first by getting them used to you approaching them with your hands. A good way to make them more comfortable is to use hamster friendly treats and let them approach you.
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While it may seem like they’re angry with you, most of the time when a hamster squeaks in frustration at handling, it’s more than likely a fear response.
A hamster doesn’t want to avoid being picked up because you offended them in any way, it’s just they don’t feel comfortable with it yet. A squeak is nothing to be worried about, it’s actually a very good sign that they’re communicating with you, letting you know it’s too much too soon. You can use it as a measure of how comfortable your new friend is with you.
If you try to handle them or spend time with them when they’re tired, they can squeak at you to show frustration and express to you that they just want to go and sleep.
They’re Asking for Help
Sometimes if you’re slightly out of sight your hamster may use their squeaks to try and draw your attention to something. As their owner, you are their primary caregiver so when they need something, they’re likely to want to get your attention on them. It could be something simple like their water bottle being empty, something may have turned over in their cage and they want you to fix it. Or maybe you’re a little late getting up and they’re demanding their food bowl be filled!
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When hamsters enjoy spending time with you, they can even squeak to ask to be let out of their cage to interact with you. If you go through the process of their basic needs, from being fed and watered and they’re still squeaking for attention, it could be a sign of pain and discomfort. It’s best to check for any injuries and seek advice from the vets at the Community Pet Clinic.
Why Might a Hamster Make Squeaking Noises While Sleeping?
Not much is known about hamsters' sleep cycles and what their brains do while they sleep.
Many owners assume they dream like our doggy friends but, there’s little to no research around this. A few little squeaks and some movement seem to be normal when they’re asleep but if this happens every night, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
If a hamster has a respiratory infection, you may sometimes be able to hear a noise like them squeaking as they breathe. This could be viral, or it could come from sleeping on bedding that isn’t suitable for them. Hamster bedding should be dust free, so they don’t get any nasty respiratory issues.
Bedding like high quality hay or Carefresh Confetti is ideal for them to sleep on. If you continue to hear noises whenever they sleep, you should get in touch with your vet to perform a full health check and make sure they’re well.
For all of your hamster essentials to make sure your beloved companion has everything they need to be happy and healthy, take a look at our wide range of products in-store and online to suit every furry individual.