When it comes to adopting animals some of the questions parents have are:
- Will you take care of it?
- Does it make a big mess?
- Does it make lots of noise?
- How expensive is it?
Since hamsters are one of the most common animals parents tend to get children, let’s talk about how loud hamsters can be, or if they are quiet.
Non-Vocal Sounds
Hamsters are fairly quiet during the day, but since they are nocturnal creatures they will be making a fair amount of noise, especially if they are exercising. I would recommend getting yourself a nice big cage or make yourself a nice big enclosure and investing in a quiet hamster wheel. This is actually where the majority of the noise is going to come from. You may also want to invest in some tubing or quieter activities for your hamster to do. Some of my favourites include wooden houses, seesaws, and bridges.
Vocalizations
Hamsters aren’t the loudest creatures, but they do vocalize fairly frequently. Not every vocalization is going to be good though, so you may want to get to know the different types of vocalizations that your little one has to make sure you are learning to understand what they need or want. Let’s split up what some of the vocalizations mean
I’m Scared!!!
The most common scream that comes from hamsters is fear. Since they’re small creatures it’s fairly easy for them to get scared. If they are scared they will commonly stare at the object while screaming or if they have been abused they will scream every time they have been picked up. Sometimes hamsters will scream while being passed around to a new person, so make sure you socialize your hamster slowly and get them used to you long before you start passing them off to your friends.
I’m Happy!
This usually takes form in a squeak and often happens when you give your hamster cuddles or hand them a treat. It can also be paired with some adorable hamster yawning or stretches. If your hamster isn’t enclosed on their own, they may also squeak happily at their siblings when playing or running around. Your hamster may also chirp softly when they are happy.
Leave me alone/Don’t Touch Me!
Have you ever been annoyed with someone and they keep trying to cuddle you or give you hugs? Well, hamsters hate this too! While they can be cuddly pets, sometimes they’re really not in the mood and will let out a series of persistent squeaks. This happens most commonly when a hamster is in a new household and is anxious about their new owners. Take some time to socialize your little one and take note of everytime they squeal when you handle them. You may be petting them in a way that they don’t like, or holding them too tight. After a while, this should stop altogether.
I’m Angry!
Hamsters, like cats, can be aggressive and will hiss. Although they usually flee and hide, if they are forced to confront their “foe” or predator they will bare their teeth and let out a loud hiss. They will then proceed by attacking the predator and while attacking they may actually scream.
HELP! I Need Something!!
Just like cats and dogs, hamsters do want attention. Hamsters enjoy being let out of their cage every so often. If your hamster is persistent or repeats the same pitched squeak/squeal this often means they need something. Make sure to check their food and water supply as well as if their cage is messy or clean. If the squeak or squeal continues to be persistent make sure to check your hamster’s body for any signs of injury.
Squeak, squeak, SQUEAK!
Hahaha. What’s wrong friends! What’s wrong! 😉