Do you have a hamster that is suddenly aggressive towards you or other animals in the home? Many people find themselves in this situation, which can be pretty frustrating. The good news is that there are things you can do to help your hamster become more docile and less aggressive.
Hamsters can exhibit so many behaviors that are different from other animals, and sometimes those behaviors can be a little bit concerning. You may suddenly see your hamster aggressive and wonder what is going on. If you have an ordinarily docile hamster that has become aggressive, a few things may be causing it, but one common reason for their aggression is hormonal change.
Hormonal changes are one of the most common reasons for aggression in hamsters.
If your hamster is getting close to sexual maturity, typically between 4-6 weeks, it may become more aggressive as its hormones change. This is especially true for males, but females can also become more aggressive when in heat. If you think your hamster’s aggression is due to hormonal changes, the best thing you can do is get them spayed or neutered.
Neutering is a process where the testicles are removed in males, and spaying is when the ovaries and uterus are removed in females. This will help balance their hormones, reduce their aggression, and help your hamsters live longer, healthier, and calmer.
There are other reasons your hamster may be aggressive, such as feeling threatened or in pain. In this blog post, we will explore why your hamster may be acting aggressively and what you can do about it.
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How Do I Know if My Hamster’s Aggression Is Due to Hormones?
One way to tell is by observing the behavior. If your hamster is suddenly biting, growling, lunging, mounting/humping objects such as toys, or chasing you or other animals in the home, it may be due to hormones.
Another way to tell if your hamster’s aggression is hormonal is by their appearance. A hamster in heat or nearing sexual maturity will often have swollen genitals and may be more vocal than usual. If you notice these changes in your hamster, it’s best to take them to the vet to get them spayed or neutered.
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3 Other Reasons Why Your Hamster Is Aggressive and What to Do About It
There are several other reasons why your hamster may be aggressive.
They Are Fearful and Territorial.
Hamsters may lash out in an attempt to protect themselves because of fear. This can happen when new people or animals are introduced into the home, and the hamster may feel like it is being threatened.
If you have recently added a new pet to the family, try to give your hamster some time to adjust. If the aggression persists, you may want to consider keeping them in separate areas of the home.
Boredom Because of Lack of Interaction
A lack of socialization can also lead to aggression in hamsters. Hamster needs enough interaction with you or other animals, and it may become aggressive out of boredom or frustration.
Make sure to spend some time playing with your hamster and giving it attention each day. Otherwise, it may start to become destructive or aggressive.
Illness
If your hamster is sick or in pain, it may become aggressive because of discomfort. If you notice your hamster is acting differently, take it to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Some symptoms you should look for include lethargy, weight loss, changes in appetite, and difficulty moving around. If your hamster is displaying any of these symptoms, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
Signs of Aggression
There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your hamster is acting aggressively.
The most common sign of aggression is when your hamster bites. If your hamster starts biting more frequently, or if the bites are harder than usual, this is a sign that they are becoming aggressive.
Other signs of aggression include growling, lunging, and chasing. If your hamster is doing any of these things, it is essential to take action to help them calm down.
What to Do About Aggression
If you have an aggressive hamster, you can do a few things to help them calm down.
One thing you can do is provide them with more enrichment. This means adding more toys and hiding places to their cage. This will give them something to do and help them feel more secure.
You can also try training your hamster to be less aggressive. This can be done by offering them a treat when they are calm and not biting. With time and patience, you may be able to train your hamster to be less aggressive.
If you have tried these things and your hamster is still aggressive, you may need to consult with a professional. A professional can help you figure out what is causing your hamster’s aggression and how to best deal with it.
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Conclusion
If you have an aggressive hamster, there are things you can do to help. First, try to identify the reason for the aggression. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can take steps to fix it. If you are unsure of what is causing the aggression, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you identify the problem and find a solution.
In the end, an aggressive hamster is not a lost cause. With a little effort, you can help your hamster be less aggressive and live a happy life.
Do you have an aggressive hamster? Have you been able to calm them down? Let us know in the comments below!
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) at Nation Taiwan University,Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
