Why Do Hamsters Freeze? (Know The Fact-based Scientific Reasons)
Have you ever noticed your hamster just sitting there, completely still and seemingly unresponsive? You might think something is wrong with your furry little friend, but fear not!
As it turns out, hamsters have a unique ability to freeze in certain situations. For example, when your hamster is scared or surprised, it will show “freezing” behavior. Additionally, there are other reasons for doing it as well.
In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind hamster freezing and explore the different reasons why these cute critters turn into little statues. So sit back, and get ready to learn all about the frozen wonders of the hamster world.
Why Do Hamsters Freeze? (In depth)
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Here’s a brief view of the main causes and solutions of why hamsters freeze:
Prime causes | Solutions | |
1. | 1. Temperature too cold | Rewarming and providing supportive care |
2. | 2. Sudden surprise or fear | Removing the cause of fear/surprise |
3. | Chronic stress | Removing any stress-inducing neighbors in the cage Providing a healthy diet Making scope for the hamster to play outdoors in the sun. |
4. | Underlying medical conditions | See a veterinary doctor ASAP |
Causes of Natural Freezing Behaviors in Hamsters:
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As we have found out, common reasons behind the hamster freezing fall into 2 main categories:
1. Freezing Due To Cold Temperature
National Geographic tells us that Hamsters are small, furry creatures that are native to the deserts of Europe and Asia. In their natural habitat, they are not adapted to survive in freezing temperatures for long periods.
So, when exposed to cold temperatures, hamsters will respond by slowing down their metabolism to conserve energy. This is known as “torpor“, as supported by a 2017 study published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology (Springer). It allows them to survive in cold temperatures by reducing their energy needs.
When a hamster is frozen, its body temperature will drop, causing its metabolism to slow down even further.
This can cause the hamster to become inactive and appear to be unconscious or “freezing.” However, it is important to note that this is a normal response for a hamster and is not necessarily a sign of illness or injury.
2. Freezing Due To Fear Or Surprise
Besides the cause of cold temperatures, hamsters may also exhibit freezing behavior in response to surprise or fear.
This is known as the “freeze response” and is a natural survival mechanism that allows the hamster to avoid being detected by predators.
When a hamster is surprised or frightened, it will freeze in place. At the same time, it becomes completely still and unresponsive in an attempt to blend in with its surroundings. This can make it difficult for predators to detect the hamster and allows it to escape danger.
The freeze response is an instinct for hamsters and can be triggered by various stimuli, including loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar objects.
It is important to note here that a hamster’s freezing behavior in response to surprise or fear is not a sign of illness or injury and is not something to be concerned about.
However, if your hamster is frequently exhibiting freezing behavior in response to surprise or fear, it may indicate that it is experiencing chronic stress.
Causes Of Unnatural Freezing In Hamsters
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It is normal for hamsters to exhibit freezing behaviors in certain situations. There are also causes of unnatural freezing behavior that can be harmful to their health.
Some common causes of unnatural freezing behavior in hamsters include:
Being kept in an environment that is too cold
If a hamster is kept in an environment that is too cold (even if it’s in your room), it can be affected by hypothermia.
Underlying medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause hamsters to exhibit freezing behavior. For example, a hamster may be more prone to freezing behavior if it has a neurological disorder.
Chronic stress
Hamsters can become stressed from changes in their environment or from being handled too much. And stress can cause them to exhibit freezing behavior.
Some common causes of stress in hamsters include:
- The presence of potential threats in the house, such as dogs or cats. Hamsters are naturally prey animals and may become stressed if they feel threatened by larger animals.
- New neighbors in its cage: Hamsters are territorial animals and may become stressed if they are housed with other hamsters or animals that they do not get along well with.
- Lack of a healthy diet: A 2010 research published in Nutrition & Metabolism (Springer) Journal entails that Hamsters require a specific diet that contains a nice amount of Fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, grains, fibers, pellets, carbs, etc. If they are not receiving the proper nutrition, they may become stressed.
- Lack of activity in the sun: Hamsters are active animals and require time outside of their cage to explore, exercise, and interact with their environment. A lack of activity can lead to stress.
Symptoms Of A Frozen Hamster
Some common symptoms of a frozen hamster include:
- Cold to the touch: A hamster in hypothermia will feel cold to the touch, even if it is covered in fur.
- Slow or shallow breathing: A frozen hamster may have slow or shallow breathing, which can indicate that its body is struggling to maintain a normal temperature.
- Lack of movement: A hamster suffering from hypothermia or frostbite may be completely still, with little or no movement.
- Pale or blue skin: A hamster affected by hypothermia or frostbite may have pale or blue skin, which can indicate that it is not getting enough oxygen to its body.
- Tissue damage: Frostbite can cause tissue damage to a hamster’s ears, paws, and tail. It shows frostbite if you notice any signs of discoloration, blisters, or blackened tissue in these areas.
Here are some tips for identifying these symptoms and seeking veterinary care as soon as possible:
- Monitor your hamster’s behavior and temperature regularly, especially if it’s exposed to cold temperatures
- Keep your hamster warm and dry, providing a comfortable and safe environment
- If your hamster has frostbite, do not try to thaw it out at home, as it can cause more damage to the tissue. Instead, seek veterinary care immediately
Treatment For A Frozen Hamster
To improve your hamster’s chances of survival after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, act immediately.
Here are some steps you can take to help your frozen hamster:
Rewarming
The first step in treating a frozen hamster is to gently rewarm it by placing it in a warm, draft-free location and using a heating pad or warm water bottle to increase its body temperature gently.
Supportive care
Once your hamster’s body temperature has returned to normal, it is important to provide supportive care to help it recover from the effects of hypothermia.
This may include providing a warm, comfortable environment, a balanced diet, and any necessary medical care.
Vet check-up
It’s crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible, as a frozen hamster can have underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
A veterinarian can evaluate your hamster’s condition and provide any necessary treatment to increase the chances of a successful recovery.
Prevention Of Hamsters Freezing
Preventing hamsters from freezing is essential for their well-being. Here are some tips to help keep your hamster warm and comfortable in cold weather.
Provide appropriate bedding
Use warm and cozy bedding, such as fleece or soft cotton, to keep your hamster warm.
Avoid using bedding that is made of materials that can absorb moisture, such as straw or hay. This can make your hamster more susceptible to hypothermia.
Provide shelter
Provide your hamster with a shelter, such as a small igloo or a cozy nest, that it can retreat to if it gets too cold. Also, make sure the shelter is well-insulated and has warm, soft bedding.
Control the temperature
Keep your hamster’s cage in a warm, draft-free location, and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. The ideal temperature for a hamster’s cage is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Provide a heat source
Provide your hamster with a heat source, such as a heating pad or a small lamp, to keep it warm. Make sure the heat source is safe and can’t be accidentally knocked over.
Offer a warm drink
Offer your hamster a warm drink, such as water or herbal tea, to help keep it warm from the inside.
Since your hamster can also freeze due to fear or a sudden surprise, here are a few tips to prevent that as well:
Keep your hamster’s cage out of reach of any neighboring pets
Place your hamster’s cage in a location that is out of reach of any neighboring pets, such as cats and dogs. This is to protect it from potential threats.
Use a cage cover
Use a cage cover to provide your hamster with a sense of security and block any neighboring pets’ view.
Provide your hamster with a hiding place
Provide your hamster with a hiding place, such as a small tunnel or a cozy nest, to give it a place to retreat to if it feels threatened.
Keep your neighboring pets away from the hamster’s cage
Keep them away by keeping doors and windows closed to prevent them from getting too close.
Use a barrier
Use a barrier, such as a baby gate, to keep neighboring pets away from your hamster’s cage.
Train your neighboring pets
Train your neighboring pets to leave your hamster alone and not approach its cage.
Seek professional help
If your neighboring pets are causing stress to your hamster, seek professional help from a trainer or a behaviorist to help you manage their behavior.
FAQs
Let’s get to know some of the most frequently asked questions related to this topic:
Q: For how long do hamsters freeze?
When hamsters freeze due to fear or surprise, it can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
On the other hand, when it comes to freezing due to coldness, the length of time can vary depending on the severity of the cold and the hamster’s overall health.
A hamster may only be inactive for a few minutes in mild cases. But if the cold is severe, it may be inactive for even half an hour.
Q: Why does the hamster freeze when he sees me?
This behavior is actually very common in new pet hamsters. For the first few days in your home, your hamster sees you as a new “foreign” hostility. It might freeze as a defensive response. But don’t be worried because it will go away very soon.
Conclusion
In essence, now know all things about freezing when it comes to hamsters. You know the difference between normal freezing behaviors and those that are cause for concern.
If your hamster is frozen due to fear or surprise, try to remove the source of fear or surprise. Plus, keep your little friend warm, comfortable and stress-free, and enjoy the unique behaviors of your hamster.