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, as they are nocturnal creatures. This means that hamsters tend to make some noise at night especially if they are exercising on a loud hamster wheel.
A great way to help avoid these nocturnal noises is by getting yourself a nice big cage or make yourself a nice big enclosure and investing in a quiet hamster wheel. The bigger the enclosure, the more space the hamster has to run, making them get tired again or less likely to chew on cages.
Other things to keep your hamster busy can be extra pieces of tubing, 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 hamsters are small creatures it’s fairly easy for them to get scared. If they are scared they will commonly stare at “their predator” while screaming. In cases where a hamster has been abused, they will commonly scream every time they get picked up.
Sometimes hamsters will scream if they are passed to a new person. This can be avoided by socializing your hamster. Slowly get them used to you and over then allow them to sniff and get used to your friends before passing them along.
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 hamsters can be cuddly pets, sometimes they’re 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 every time 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. That being said, hamsters also need to be 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 to see if their food or water supply is low. Change their bedding if their cage looks messy. If the squeak or squeal continues to be persistent make sure to check your hamster’s body for any signs of injury or illness.
CONCLUSION
While hamsters aren’t known for being the quietest of pets, they aren’t the most terrible.
Twitch has never woken me up because she was being “too loud” and again that mostly has to do with the fact that we have a good hamster wheel and a lot of space for her to run around.
Squeeks and screams tend to be a bit louder, however, there are very few and far between making it no concern to provisioning pet parents.
Eastside Cats says
August 29, 2018 at 11:47 amSqueak, squeak, SQUEAK!
Johnny Salib says
August 29, 2018 at 11:48 amHahaha. What’s wrong friends! What’s wrong! 😉