Hamsters are very interesting pets that sometimes do strange behaviors, such as rolling on their backs.
Why do hamsters roll on their back?
Hamsters roll on their back when they are trying to get your attention, when they are scared when they feel sick, when they want to regulate their body temperature, and when they are grooming themselves.
Of course, if you notice this behavior in your hamster, you should take it to the vet to check if everything is okay with it.
In today’s article, you will learn all about the reasons why hamsters roll on their back, what to do to help them, and you will find out the answer to other questions related to the topic.
Why do hamsters roll on their back?
Hamsters roll on their backs when they are excited or scared by something that has happened in their environment or when they are sick.
Their body language, ie rolling on their back, is a sign that you should investigate and see what is the reason for this behavior.
Hamsters sometimes want to get your attention and therefore roll on their back or want to mark their territory.
When hamsters are sick they roll on their backs, or maybe they want to normalize their body temperature.
You can read about these and other reasons in the rest of the text and you will know more easily how to help the hamster in such an event.
Main reasons why hamsters roll on their back
Every time you notice that the hamster is rolling on its back, you surely worry and want to know what is the reason and how to help it.
There are several reasons for this behavior of hamsters and therefore you will be able to read about each of them in more detail.
So let’s not wait and start right away.
Hamsters roll on their back when they are scared
If you notice that your hamster turns on its back when you want to pick it up, or when you approach it to play with it, then obviously it is scared and does not trust you enough yet.
In addition to rolling on its back, a hamster when frightened will start to show its teeth and turn its ears back.
He also does this as a preparation for an attack by predators or in this case, he is afraid that you will attack him.
What to do?
There are several ways you can build trust with your hamster and get him to trust you.
Here are some of them:
- Never hold your hamster if you notice that he is running away and doesn’t want to play with you, so he rolls on his back because he is not ready for you to play with him.
- It takes enough time for hamsters to get used to the environment and your presence. It is best to allow the hamster a few days to adjust before you start putting your hand in the cage.
- Keep the hamster away from loud noises or sudden noises that might scare it, as they are very sensitive animals. He will roll onto his back when he hears something that disturbs him in his environment.
- Always approach the hamster slowly, any quick and sudden movement can scare it and it will start to run away or roll on its back.
- When you pick up the hamster, never pick it up, because your hand looks like a claw that wants to grab it. It may even try to bite you as a sign of self-defense.
- Other pets should also not be near him, because the hamster will notice them and get scared and roll on his back.
Hamsters roll on their back because they want attention
Hamsters roll on their back when they want to get your attention.
When they notice you approaching them they will start to roll on their back because they want you to play with them or when they are waiting for you to give them something to eat.
Hamsters may constantly roll onto their back when you come if they notice that you notice them more that way.
What to do?
When you notice that the hamsters roll on their back when you approach them, then give them enough attention and love.
As long as the hamster rolls on its back when you approach and is not associated with signs of illness or fear, there is no need to worry about this behavior.
Hamsters roll on their back when grooming
Hamsters are known for their love of grooming, which helps them maintain their hygiene. That’s why they roll on their back so they can better groom and clean their bodies.
Also if you put the hamsters in a sand bath they will enjoy rolling on their back and getting rid of all the dirt on their fur and skin.
What to do?
When the hamsters are grooming you should not disturb them, you simply let them do their job. If you can, put a sand bath in his cage, which will allow them to groom and clean their body even better.
Hamsters regulate their temperature when they roll over on their back
When hamsters roll on their back they may want to regulate their body temperature.
For hamsters, the optimal temperature is between 65-75 F, anything more or less than this level will be a problem for them.
Most of the time, when a hamster is cold, it rolls on its back to warm itself and maintain its body temperature.
What to do?
To keep the temperature in the room at an optimal level for the hamsters it is necessary to adjust the temperature of the air conditioner in your room.
Another way is to put more bedding so that the hamster can always burrow into the bedding when it feels cold.
The hamster’s cage should be away from windows or drafts so that it does not get cold and can have an optimal temperature, which will prevent it from rolling on its back.
Hamsters roll on their back when they want to relax
One of the reasons hamsters roll on their back is when they want to relax.
Sometimes they know how to fall asleep on their backs if they feel very safe and comfortable in their environment, that is, in their cage.
However, we must emphasize that hamsters can also be anxious when they roll on their back.
What to do?
If the hamster sleeps on its back then everything is fine, you don’t need to worry about this phenomenon, only it is not good when it rolls on its back due to anxiety.
If the hamster is very anxious then you should take it to the vet to examine it and see if it is a disease in your pet.
Read more: Why Do Hamsters Run In Circles? All You Need To Know
Hamsters roll on their back to mark their territory
Hamsters roll on their back when they want to mark their territory and leave some of their scent in the cage.
Marking their territory is a common occurrence in hamsters to let other hamsters know that the cage is just their place, or they want to warn potential predators.
What to do?
When the hamster rolls on its back, it’s nothing to worry about, and you shouldn’t be alarmed when it wants to mark its territory.
Let him do this because that way the hamster will feel more secure and calmer in his home.
Read more: Do Hamsters Need Sand Baths? Complete Guide
Hamsters roll on their back when they are sick
If the hamster is sick, it may start rolling on its back, and that is not good at all.
In addition to rolling on its back when sick, the hamster will have the following signs and symptoms:
- he will not want to eat
- will be lethargic
- he will hide in the hiding places
- will be aggressive
- shortness of breath
These and other signs mean that something is wrong with your pet and that is why he is rolling on his back.
What to do?
If you notice the signs that something is wrong with the hamster and it rolls on its back, then you must immediately help it.
It’s best to take him to the vet right away to have him examined and see what the problem is.
When hamsters are sick, they must be treated because some diseases can be life-threatening.
FAQs
Why does my hamster flop on its back?
When the hamster falls on its back, then there are problems with balance, and probably there are problems with the vestibular system. The vestibular system has the task of helping hamsters to have balance when moving.
Why do hamsters roll on wheels?
When hamsters roll on an exercise wheel, they do it to get fitter and stronger. They put in a few miles on the exercise wheel every night.
Why is my hamster lying on its belly?
When hamsters lie on their stomachs, they have certain problems such as poor nutrition or they may be too hot. In such situations, try to cool the hamster down by lowering the temperature in the room and changing its diet.
Conclusion
When hamsters roll on their back it can be for many reasons such as needing more attention, illness, marking territory, and other reasons.
Some causes of the hamster rolling on its back should not be ignored and you should immediately take it to the vet for help.
When he rolls on his back for enjoyment, marking territory, or when he is grooming, you don’t need to worry.
In any case, when the hamster rolls on its back, you should be careful and see what is the reason for this behavior.
Read more: How To Know If Hamsters Playing Or Fighting? Let’s Find Out
