Hamsters are nocturnal animals, and they should be foraging at night. But the question is, why is my hamster not coming out at night?
Well, whenever a nocturnal animal is inactive at night, you must understand that its sleep during the daytime has been interrupted somehow. So, your hamster is not coming out at night because it’s sleepy at night.
However, other reasons might also be in play here that are keeping your hamster from coming out at night. Check the discussion below and find more details about this right now.
Reasons Of Why Is Hamster Not Coming Out At Night? (With Solutions)
Just like other rodents, hamsters should also be running around in your house at night, looking for food, but sometimes it’s not the case. And this can get you worried if you’re the owner of a pet hamster. So, let’s find out the major reasons why your hamster is not coming out at night.
1.Its Daytime Sleep Is Interrupted
Data from a2003 researchsuggests that Hamsters need to sleep during the day to be able to forage at night time. In the wild, hamsters can get sound sleep during the daytime in their small dens underground.
On the other hand, the scenario is different for pet hamsters at a house. Its daytime sleep is interrupted by all the noises created by humans in the house. Consequently, the hamster cannot get enough sleep during the daytime to recharge its body. Therefore, it stays sleepy and tired at night. So, you might not see it coming out at night.
Solution:
The simple solution to this problem is to keep your pet hamster in a very quiet place in your house. For instance, instead of keeping your hamster in your bedroom or the living room, keeping it in your study place is a good idea.
2. Old Age
It’s not always the case that something is wrong when your hamster is not coming out at night. Hamsters can sleep at night due to tiredness induced by old age, according to a1998 study. You have to keep in mind that hamsters have a small lifespan of 2 to 3 years.
So, if your hamster is over 2 years old, it just might be tired because of old age. As a result, it’s not coming out of its nest at night.
Solution:
In cases like this, you cannot really do anything substantial to help your hamster stay energetic at night. Nonetheless, we suggest providing a healthy diet to your hamster if it’s old, so it can stay healthy at night and forage on its own.
3. Presence Of A Hostile Animal
Hamsters are not brave creatures. They can get easily scared of other animals. If your hamster is living with any “unfriendly” pet neighbor, it might be scared to come out at night.
For instance, sometimes it happens that cats and dogs are not compatible to live in the same home as hamsters. Consequently, they spook the hamster and make it scared. Resultantly, the hamster stops coming out at night to look for food and refreshment.
Check whether your hamster is incompatible with its pet neighbor. If your hamster is afraid of its pet neighbor, make sure that your pet hamster stays in a separate room.
4. Substantial Temperature Drop
Although hamsters are nocturnal animals, they are also fond of comfort. So, they will not go out when it’s extremely cold. Since it can get really cold at night, pet hamsters might be reluctant to get out of their nest at night. Instead, sometimes pet hamsters get lazy and decide to rest in their cozy abode at night.
Solution:
The easy solution, in this case, would be to keep your room warm at night. If you can use an internal heater in your room to keep the room temperature around 20 to 25° C (68 to 77°f), your hamsters will surely come out at night.
5.Too Much Activity During Day Time
As already mentioned, hamsters are supposed to rest during the daytime. So, if your hamster is kept active in the daytime too much, it will get tired and decide to rest at night.
For example, your hamster might have spent too much time in the running wheel and has gotten tired due to excessive exercise. In turn, it might spend the whole night sleeping and rest in its cozy nest.
Solution:
If your hamster is too stimulated during the daytime, you have to let it rest for some time. So, put the stimulative tools away from the hamster for a particular portion of the daytime. This will make sure the hamster gets enough rest during the day. Accordingly, it will stay energetic and naturally come out of its nest at night.
How To Get Your Hamster To Come Out Of Hiding At Night?
No matter what the reason is, you have to try to make your hamster active at night. Indeed, foraging at night is what hamsters naturally should do. So, what can you do to get your hamster to come out of its hiding at night? Do the following:
● Provide Its Favorite Food
To bring your hamster out of its hiding at night, make sure that you keep the food that it’s fond of in several places in the house. Remember, food is one of the best motivators to get an animal to do something.
● Provide Toys That It Likes
Hamsters love to play with certain toys. So, remember to keep these toys in the open place so the hamster can come out at night and play with them.
● Keep Hostile Animals Away
If your dog, cat, or any other pet is causing hostility to your hamster, make sure to keep that animal separated from your hamster at night. This will provide enough confidence in your pet Hamster for coming out of its hiding at night.
● Consider keeping Several Hamsters
Hamsters get bored when they are alone. For this reason, they might be reluctant to get active at night. So, you should consider keeping several pet hamsters at your home to keep them active at night.
Is It Normal For Pet Hamsters To Hide All Day?
As nocturnal animals, hamsters are supposed to rest during the daytime. However, hamsters do not need to sleep for more than 8 hours each day. So, it’s not normal if your pet hamster is hiding all day.
Therefore, if your hamster is hiding all day, it indicates that the animal might be sick or afraid to come out for some reason. In cases like that, you should pinpoint the reason why your hamster is afraid to come out and fix it as quickly as possible. Then, if your pet hamster is hiding all day because it’s sick, you should take it to a vet as soon as possible.
What Scent Can Attract Hamsters To Come Out Of Their hiding?
The smell of food is the scent that will attract a pet hamster the most. So, try to provide your hamster with its favorite food to make it come out of its hiding.
When Are Hamsters Most Active At Night?
Hamsters tend to be the most active at the time of dawn and dusk. So, if your hamster is not roaming around the house during these particular hours, you should understand that there’s something wrong with your hamster.
Now That We’re Here
Well, that’s all there’s to it, people. That was my take on, why is my hamster not coming out at night. It’s simply because your hamster is tired for some reason. That could be because of a lack of sleep during the daytime, or it can also happen because of old age.
Whatever the case is, you should follow the tips we have provided above to make your hamsters active at night.
FAQs
Why is my hamster not coming out? ›
Why Do Hamsters Hide? "Hamsters are typically shy and hide whenever they feel like they are in danger," Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinary consultant for DogLab told POPSUGAR. She also noted that hamsters have tunneling instincts that motivate them to escape their cage and seek out a hiding place somewhere in your home.
Why is my hamster not active at night? ›The Not-So-Nocturnal Hamster
It is normal for a hamster to move around during the early morning or late evening as well as periodically move and shift throughout the day. Healthy hamsters do not sleep eight hours straight without stirring so don't be surprised to see some movement from your pet during the day.
New hamster parents are often surprised to find their hamsters barely moving, sometimes even appearing dead. But it many cases, this behavior—known as torpor—isn't a sign that your hamster is truly sick or dying. Instead, it's a natural adaptation to most hamster's native desert environments.
What to do if hamster won t wake up? ›If you know your hamster can only have been asleep for less than one day, you may be able to get them to wake up using gentle warming. Safe ways to warm hamsters in torpor include: Holding them gently in your cupped hand, so that your own body heat warms them. Stroking them gently can help to revive their circulation.
How do I encourage my hamster to come out? ›If your hamster is still in its nest in the evening, try to encourage it to come out for play time by softly calling its name, putting your hand near the nest's entrance and letting it smell you. Make play time appealing by tempting it with its favourite treats.
How do I get my hamster to come? ›Treats are what you'll use to motivate your hamster to come when called. You can use store-bought hamster treats or sunflower seeds. You can also use small pieces of fresh fruits or vegetables, like sweet potatoes, peaches, strawberries, and broccoli.
Is it OK to wake up hamster? ›Avoid waking your hamster unless it's done properly. If you notice increased sleeping at night they could be sick or unhappy. The location of the hamster cage is important – place the cage in a darker corner of the room so they can sleep during the day. Wake up your hamster slowly and calmly.
How late do hamsters wake up? ›Hamsters usually sleep for about 12-14 hours a day1 but, unlike humans who typically sleep once a day, hamsters have polyphasic sleep-wake patterns. This means that they sleep multiple times a day so this 12-14 hours will be broken up into smaller segments throughout the day.
What hours are hamsters awake? ›“Most hamsters are crepuscular, meaning they are active at dusk and dawn,” says Erin Ramsey, co-president with Melissa Brown of California Hamster Association in Southern California, and owner of Cheeks and Squeaks Hamsters. “They sleep in the day and parts of the night.”
What does it mean when a hamster stays still? ›There are lots of potential reasons for hamsters to stop moving temporarily: they can freeze both out of fear and surprise, or they can pause their movement so that they can listen more carefully to something that they're unsure about.
Why is my hamster sleeping so much? ›
If you were wondering why your hamster sleeps so much, worry no more. It's just part of hamsters' DNA to sleep while most predators are active and it's too hot outside to search for nourishment. They prefer to come out at dusk, when it's both safer and cooler, to hunt down seeds and puddles.
Do hamsters get stressed moving? ›DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR HAMSTERS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, AS THIS CAN BE INCREDIBLY STRESSFUL FOR THEM. Use a suitable, secure pet cage. Hamsters will readily chew and gnaw at free edges, and so can escape. Keep them in their cage whenever possible.
What to do when your hamster is sleeping? ›We recommend not waking up your hamster while he's sleeping. Hamsters can become not only irritable when woken up from their slumber too many times, but also stressed out. This stress can lead to health issues or even death. To completely avoid this, let your hamster get his rest.
Can hamsters go into a deep sleep? ›Hamsters can go into a very deep sleep - something that saves their lives in the wild. If your hamster does go into 'hibernation', it can be quite alarming. He will be cold to the touch, and limp, giving every sign of being either very unwell, or dead.
Why won't my hamster come out of hibernation? ›Try placing your hamster on a warm heating pad that is heated to about 90°F (32°C) for 30-60 minutes. This will help your pet warm up quickly and help them come out of their state of hibernation. If you don't have a heating pad, try putting your hamster on a towel on top of a radiator. This will have the same effect.
How do you pick up a scared hamster? ›The best way to pick up a hamster is cupped in the palm of your hand with the other hand over its back. It is best to begin picking your hamster up just above your lap or some other soft surface in case it falls or jumps.
Why is my hamster hiding from me? ›Hiding is a natural behavior for hamsters. They are typically shy creatures that instinctively like to burrow or conceal themselves out of sight. These curious mammals enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of their cage, curling up in small spaces and hiding under objects.
How do I bond with my hamster? ›Patience, regular feeding, lots of out-of-habitat playtime, and soft talk will go a long way in helping you bond with your hamster. Make sure to always approach your pet slowly and talk to them in a conversational manner.
What is the rarest color of hamster? ›Beige is a rare colour, because it is produced by breeding together a hamster with the rust and dark grey gene, which are, themselves, rare. The beige variety is often smaller than the rest of the litter and may have a kinked tail due to the Dark Grey gene.
How do you lure a hamster out of its cage? ›You may be able to sneak up on the hamster and catch it. Place food in tinfoil. Put some of the hamster's favorite food on some tinfoil in corners of the room. Dim all lights late at night and listen for the hamster rustling the tinfoil as it goes after the food.
What do hamsters like to sleep in? ›
Safe hamster beddings
It's really important to give your hamster a deep (approx. 25cm/10 inches) layer of bedding so they can burrow like they would in the wild. They use the burrow for sleeping, hiding and storing food so it's important to use a bedding that will hold its structure when tunnelled into.
Hamsters should get no more than a pea-sized amount of cheese just once or twice a week. Choose a cheese that is low in fat and salt, like low-fat cottage cheese or mozzarella. Avoid fatty or salty cheeses like aged cheddar, parmesan, and processed cheese products.
Can hamsters eat grapes? ›Foods for Hamsters FAQs. Can Hamsters Eat Grapes? Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they are high in sugar.
Are hamsters quiet at night? ›Hamsters are Nocturnal
A quiet atmosphere within these times will help ensure your hamster doesn't become grumpy. Just like with humans, lack of sleep can impact a hamster's mood and personality.
It may sound a little odd, but yes - all pet hamsters are nocturnal. In other words, they sleep during the day and come out at night. In evolutionary terms there are some very pragmatic reasons for this. By moving around at night they manage to escape daytime predators, and also escape the extreme desert heat.
What temperature do hamsters like? ›Ideal Temperatures
Different species of hamsters have slightly different needs, but in general, you'll need to keep little Hammie's habitat between 65 and 75 degrees. Hammie needs to be in a spot that offers suitable ventilation, but isn't very drafty. Even being chilly for just a few hours can put your pet in danger!
Dehydration - if your hamster is suddenly listless and not walking around much, then there's a strong chance that your hamster is either severely dehydrated, or has a serious illness. If your hamster is showing these symptoms and you don't think your pet is hibernating, we recommend taking these hamsters to see a vet.
How do you know a hamster is happy? ›HOW CAN I TELL IF MY HAMSTER IS HAPPY? Watch your hamster closely and check out their body language. A yawning hamster is pleasantly sleepy and comfortable. Relaxed grooming, stretching, burrowing in the bedding, collecting food, and lively acrobatics in the cage are all signs that life is good for your hamster pal.
How long does my hamster have left to live? ›Hamsters usually live for up to two years, although some may live for longer.
Do hamster bites hurt? ›It's rare for a hamster to actually be aggressive, though, and they typically only bite when they get scared. Those tiny teeth may not do as much damage as those of other animals, but a bite will hurt and should be discouraged. Fortunately, you can gradually train your hamster to accept being handled and stop biting.
How often do you need to clean a hamster cage? ›
Once a week is advisable, and certainly at least once every two weeks. But you may want to have a clean-out more frequently than that.
Why does my hamster bite me? ›Hamsters don't bite for fun, and they don't do it out of malice. They bite when they're scared, stressed, or a bit confused. If you've been bitten by your pet, don't take it personally.
Do hamsters get car sick? ›It's not only dogs that can experience motion sickness and travel anxiety; our cats, rabbits, hamsters and even birds can suffer too.
Is it cruel to keep hamsters in cages? ›Hamsters Need Large, Secure Homes
To help prevent animal companions from harming one another, it's imperative that hamsters have a safe, spacious, and sturdy enclosure to call home. Cages sold at pet stores are woefully inadequate to meet a hamster's unique needs.
The hamster ball is an exercise device for hamsters. The hamster is enclosed in the ball and can then exercise/run in the ball which then rolls around on the floor. There are concerns that such products may, in fact, be stressful for hamsters and so the RSPCA does not recommend their use.
Where should hamsters be placed to sleep? ›Locate your hamster's cage away from your bed.
If you don't want to be kept awake at night by your hamster as it eats, runs about its cage, and is generally active, put its cage somewhere out of earshot. For example, you could keep your hamster's cage: On the floor in your bathroom.
If your hamster is already dead, you can get a small box and fill it will bedding. Decorate the box with pictures or stickers however you like. You can then bury your hamster in your backyard. Make sure it is buried about 3 feet deep into the ground so predators cannot get to him.
How long does it take for a dead hamster to go stiff? ›If a hamster is actually dead, rigor mortis will set in and the body will be completely stiff after an hour or two. If the body is limp, the hamster's likely still alive.
Why is my hamster shaking? ›Your hamster may be shaking due to physical duress coming from weather and hibernation effects. It may also be due to psychological factors such as dominance, fear, stress, and anxiety. In some cases, hamsters shake due to health issues, especially in the nervous and respiratory systems.
Do pet hamsters bite? ›All hamsters may bite. Rodent bites are often small and superficial, but they can also potentially cause deep puncture wounds. All bite wounds should immediately be cleaned vigorously with large volumes of soap and water, and monitored closely for signs of infection.
Why is my hamster hiding all day? ›
Hiding is a natural behavior for hamsters. They are typically shy creatures that instinctively like to burrow or conceal themselves out of sight. These curious mammals enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of their cage, curling up in small spaces and hiding under objects.
Why is my hamster laying down and not moving? ›What might be the cause? Hamsters occasionally enter a form of hibernation, where their heart and breathing rate drops, and they are deeply asleep. It can be difficult to tell if they are in this state of hibernation or if they are dead.
Why is my hamster burrowing at night? ›Hamsters burrow to hide and stay safe when they are asleep. This behaviour is common when fresh bedding is put inside their cages. If the bedding is deep enough, you'll probably find your hamster has created tunnels and covered areas for its food stashes.
How long can hamsters go missing for? ›But though they rarely return to their cages immediately and without guidance, you shouldn't become discouraged. Over the years we've heard stories of hamsters missing for as long as two weeks before showing up, hungry and disheveled, and completely ready to be pampered and doted over once again.
Why is my hamster just sitting still? ›A hamster will 'freeze' temporarily due to fear or surprise. Their eyesight is poor, so they need to listen and sniff to work out what's going on. You can alter your hamster's environment to make it less stressful.
How active are hamsters at night? ›Hamsters are nocturnal, which means they snooze in the day and get taste of the action at night. It's not a good idea to wake your hamster once he's asleep. Some of them adapt to cage life and shift their natural rhythms slightly so that they are active in the evening.
Why is my hamster staying in bed? ›If you were wondering why your hamster sleeps so much, worry no more. It's just part of hamsters' DNA to sleep while most predators are active and it's too hot outside to search for nourishment. They prefer to come out at dusk, when it's both safer and cooler, to hunt down seeds and puddles.
Can a dead hamster be limp? ›If a hamster is actually dead, rigor mortis will set in and the body will be completely stiff after an hour or two. If the body is limp, the hamster's likely still alive.
Why is my hamster not opening his eyes? ›Sticky Eye - this is a condition that mainly affects older hamsters, but can affect younger animals too. Sticky Eye is caused by eye secretions when the animal is sleeping. These secretions dry up and stick the eyelids together, meaning that the hamster is unable to open one or both of its eyes when it wakes up.