Why Do Hamsters Suddenly Freeze? – 7 Possible Reasons
Hamsters use body language to communicate their emotions, like when they are afraid, startled, and happy. But what does it mean when these little rodents freeze abruptly? It can be scary, right?
So then, why do hamsters suddenly freeze? One reason hamsters freeze is to listen to threats since they cannot see the danger from a distance. In addition, hamsters will freeze when they hear sudden and loud noises, quick movements, and when startled. If you have a female pet, it may also stay still when in heat.
Now, if you are curious to know more about why do hamsters freeze sometimes, read on.
Why Do Hamsters Suddenly Freeze?
Your hamster could freeze temporarily for various reasons. After all, freezing is typical behavior among all hamster species. Let’s check out the reasons.
1. Unfamiliar and loud sound
![why do hamsters freeze sometimes](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/why-do-hamsters-freeze-sometimes.jpg)
One of the reasons “why do hamsters freeze sometimes” is because of unfamiliar and loud noises. This is because of their sensitive hearing. Generally, your hamster’s ability to hear is usually at a level of 60 dB SPL. Their average best hearing sensitivity, on the other hand, is 1dB at 10kHz.
Therefore, if your hamster hears a strange and loud noise in the house or outside, it might suddenly stop moving. The noise could be a dog barking or someone screaming. But with time, this behavior usually goes away once they become familiar with most sounds.
2. Being on high alert
Hamsters are born completely blind. But even when these pets grow, their eyesight still remains poor. Typically, these pets usually see things in black and white. And for anything beyond 3-4 inches, it will appear to your hamster as fuzzy and blurry.
Therefore, you will see them freezing when on high alert as they try to listen to something. For example, when you slam the door, your hamster will freeze and be on a high lookout. This allows your rodent to determine if there is a danger since it cannot see far enough.
3. Out of fright
![Hamster Freeze for Fear](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hamster-Freeze-for-Fear.jpg)
Your hamster may also freeze temporarily because of fear. This can happen, especially when the pet is still new in your house. After all, the environment is unfamiliar to your hamster, and so are you.
Besides that, other things that might scare your little rodent, causing her to freeze, include:
- Strange smells
- Noises from the radio or TV
- Unceasing exposure to light
- Switching on lights suddenly at night
- Sound of a vacuum cleaner
- Movements from your pets like cats
Check out this video of a hamster freezing out of fear:
4. Unexpected movements
Hamsters are nocturnal animals. Therefore, they will sleep all day long and stay awake at night while you are sleeping. If you make sudden movements during the day, your hamster may freeze, thinking it’s a predator.
On the other hand, your pet could also stop moving if you walk too fast near its cage. This can happen at night when they are active. Some hamsters will even stop running their wheels suddenly because of unexpected movements.
5. When startled
Hamsters are known to scare easily. Sometimes, your little rodent may freeze and shake if you or something else surprises them. For instance, if your child or another pet enters their room suddenly. Or when you unexpectedly switch on the lights at night.
6. Hiding from predators
Hamsters are prey for many animals, including domestic dogs. As such, your little rodent may sit still when they feel something is a threat to them. The reason they freeze in place is to hide from a potential predator. This is because the predator may not easily spot them as long as they don’t make any movements.
7. Mating season
A female hamster usually goes into heat after every four days. This can last for 4-23 hours at a time. During this time, if you touch your hamster, it will freeze and move close to the ground with its tail up. Your hamster will freeze in a ready position, waiting for a mating partner.
Why Is My Syrian Hamster Freezing Cold?
![Why Is My Syrian Hamster Freezing Cold](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Why-Is-My-Syrian-Hamster-Freezing-Cold.jpg)
Wondering why is my hamster freezing cold? Well, while your pet rodent may be furry, their coats are not insulative enough to withstand much cold. This is true, especially in the winter. So, if the indoor temperatures are exceedingly low, your hamster will likely freeze cold and shiver a lot.
Unfortunately, your pet could freeze to death if the temperatures get extremely cold, below 59-degree Fahrenheit. Because of this, your hamster’s room should neither be too chilly nor too hot. The right temperature should be between 60- and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why Is My Hamster Not Moving?
![Why Is My Hamster Not Moving](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Why-Is-My-Hamster-Not-Moving.jpg)
When your hamster is hibernating, it won’t move but will remain in a frozen position for days. This happens mainly in the winter when you expose your little rodent to cold temperatures for extended periods.
During this time, your hamster will take short and uneven breaths. Their body, especially the nose, ears, and feet, may feel cold to the touch. Additionally, your hamster could stop moving simply because it’s dead.
How Long Do Hamsters Freeze For?
![How Long Do Hamsters Freeze For](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/How-Long-Do-Hamsters-Freeze-For.jpg)
It depends on the cause of their freezing. If your hamster is freezing because of hearing unfamiliar sounds, it will stay in that position until the noises are gone. This may last for several minutes. However, if your hamster freezes out of fright, it will stop freezing after ascertaining the potential threat is no longer there.
During the mating season, your female Syrian hamster will get out of its freezing position immediately after a male partner comes. But overall, hamsters usually freeze for 3 to 5 minutes unless they are hibernating.
What Should You Do When Your Hamster Freezes?
![What Should You Do When Your Hamster Freezes](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-Should-You-Do-When-Your-Hamster-Freezes.jpg)
There are a lot of things you could do. But first, you should leave your hamster alone for a minute. Then, you could try talking to them if they don’t get out of the freezing mode. Your familiar voice might calm the hamster down.
Alternatively, you can give your little rodent a treat. However, you must ensure to approach its tank slowly, so you don’t scare it more. You can also pick your hamster up and try petting it. Most importantly, you must minimize making quick movements near your hamster’s cage.
FAQs
In this section, we will respond to frequently asked questions on the topic, ‘why is my hamster freezing.’
1. Why Does My Dwarf Hamster Freeze And Shake?
When your dwarf hamster is scared of a potential threat, it will sit in the cage frozen and shaking. Freezing allows your hamster to listen keenly for any signs of a predator. This is because it can be hard to spot their threat from a distance due to their bad eyesight.
2. Should I Be Worried When My Hamster Freezes?
No. Freezing among hamsters is a natural behavior. This happens when your pet tries to listen to something or hide from its predator. However, if the freezing lasts for a longer time or occurs frequently, you can take your hamster to the vet for a checkup.
3. Why Do Hamsters Freeze And Stick Their Tail Up?
Your female hamster may show this behavior when it’s in heat. It will freeze if you touch its rear end or back when it’s on heat. Then, your pet will stick its tail in the air to prepare for mating.
Outro
Because of their bad eyesight, your hamster will freeze when they want to listen to something. Sometimes, it could stay still when startled, frightened, surprised, or in heat. Another reason ‘why does my hamster freeze suddenly’ could be because of extreme cold.
On the other hand, sometimes your hamster may freeze or stop moving when it is hibernating. This can last for at least 3 days. However, it could last a few minutes if the freezing is not because of hibernation. And during this time, you can try calming your pet down by talking or giving it a treat.