Hamsters have different habits and behaviors, one of them is twitching. You must have wondered why hamsters are twitching, is it because of some problem, disease, or something else?
Why are hamsters twitching?
Hamsters twitch when they are cold, or when they are stressed and scared. When hamsters are twitching it can also be due to too much fatigue from daily exercise.
In today’s article, you will learn in more detail why hamsters are twitching, how to prevent twitching, and other issues related to the topic.
Why is my hamster twitching?
Hamsters are twitching because they are cold, or when they are sick, as well as for other reasons such as fear and anxiety from the environment.
Sometimes when hamsters are tired from playing all day they may twitch because they are tired. The most important thing is to find out exactly what is causing their twitching and help them as best you can.
Here are some reasons for twitching in hamsters with a more detailed explanation.
When they get cold
Hamsters are taught to live in average temperature conditions, they don’t like cold.
When they are cold, they are twitching, which is not good at all because it can lead to illness and health problems.
Hamsters usually like a temperature in the range of 65-75 degrees to feel comfortable and warm, especially the cold bothers them a lot.
When under stress and anxiety
Hamsters are very gentle animals that can react to the slightest change in their environment and start twitching due to fear and anxiety.
It is enough that there are other pets or unfamiliar people near them, which immediately cause stress in your pet.
Hamsters do not like noise, whether it comes from the room where the cage is or from an external factor, they will again twitch as a result of fear and stress.
Too much exercise
Hamsters run and play around the cage every day and spend a lot of energy which makes them tired and they sometimes twitch because of that.
They know how to spend a few miles on the exercise wheel in the evening, which exhausts and tires them a lot.
Hamsters cannot sit still like other animals and therefore often get tired which leads to twitching.
Due to illness
Hamsters can be twitching when they have an illness, such as brain problems. However, the most common causes of twitching and illnesses are attacks such as:
- infections
- head injuries
- brain injuries and tumors
- genetic factors
When hamsters have twitching due to seizures they also have other symptoms such as balance problems, loss of consciousness, and problems with body muscles.
Patellofemoral syndrome
Patellofemoral syndrome is a disease in hamsters that affects the joints of the hip and causes problems followed by pain.
When hamsters have patellofemoral syndrome they may also have the following problems:
- stiffness of the hip joints
- muscle spasms
- limping when moving
In such unwanted situations with such a disease, the hamster should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
How to help a hamster when they are twitching?
When hamsters are twitching it should be taken seriously and the real reason for this behavior should be found.
Then he should be helped to stop twitching, especially when the cause is illness, injury, fear, and cold.
Therefore, here are some tips to help your pet in the best possible way.
Make sure he is always warm
Since when the hamsters are cold they are twitching, you must pay attention to the temperature in the room with the hamster.
Hamsters need a constant temperature of 65-75 to feel pleasant, and comfortable and of course not to get cold. When hamsters are cold they will not only twitch, but they can get sick from cold temperatures.
Therefore, maintain the temperature in the room with the help of an air conditioner and take care of your pet.
Don’t let them get stressed or scared
Hamsters are very timid by nature, it is enough for them to get stressed or scared by the environment that surrounds them.
So don’t let other pets near them because the hamster will start twitching. Unknown people or a lot of noise should not be around them so that they can be calm and stress-free.
Hamsters will not be twitching if their environment is quieter, so you need to be careful how you talk to them even though you are the owner, use a gentle and quiet voice when you pick them up.
Feed them healthy
Hamsters should have a healthy and balanced diet so that they do not get diseases that can cause twitching.
It is especially dangerous when they get patellofemoral syndrome, a disease that will not only cause twitching but will also create problems with the movement and musculature of your pet.
A healthy, nutrient-dense diet will allow them to have more strength to run on the exercise wheel and not tire themselves out as much, as exhaustion causes twitching.
Protect them from injury
Since injuries cause twitching in hamsters you must be careful when they play and run especially when they are free roaming.
Any head injury can cause twitching, especially when they have brain injuries.
Therefore, do not leave hard objects near the hamsters, and make sure they do not fall from a great height, i.e. when it is more than 30 cm.
Do hamsters twitch in their sleep?
Hamsters can also be twitching when they sleep which is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Hamsters may twitch their eyes and paws slightly, but this is only part of their sleep pattern.
Many of the owners are afraid that when their hamster is twitching it is a sign of bad sleep or some brain activity, but again we will say there is no need to worry.
Why is my hamster twitching and not eating?
When hamsters are twitching and don’t want to eat, something is wrong with them.
If hamsters are twitching and don’t want to eat it could be due to illness, injury, or fear of something in their environment.
Hamsters have to eat to survive, so when they’re twitching and not taking in food, you should first try to determine if something in their environment bothers them and scares them.
If there is no such reason, then you must immediately take him to the vet, because they obviously have an illness or injury.
Hamster twitching and not moving?
When hamsters are twitching and not moving their body it means they are injured, although less often it can mean they are scared and stressed.
Injuries can make it impossible for the hamster to move, so it will be twitching.
If you notice this phenomenon, you should immediately take the hamster to a veterinarian to examine it and see what it is about, since you will not be able to help your pet at home.
Read more: Why Is My Hamster Shaking? Read All 11 Reasons
Why is my hamster twitching and squeaking?
When hamsters twitch and squeak at the same time, it means that they are stressed or scared by something in the environment.
This can especially happen when you first bring your hamster to a new home and environment.
Such signs are the result of suffering from their current condition, but when they get used to their new home, in two to three days, they will stop squeaking and twitching.
Read more: Why Is the Hamster Wobbling and Falling Over? Let’s Discover
Why is my hamster twitching and shaking?
When hamsters are twitching and shaking, it is a sign that they have problems with the temperature in their environment, and you should immediately regulate it to be between 65-75 F.
Or this phenomenon could be a consequence of hibernation effects.
These signs of hamsters can also mean stress, fear, and problems with their health, and should be taken to a veterinarian to examine them.
Read more: Why Does My Hamster Shake With Its Eyes Closed?
Conclusion
Hamsters twitching as a result of fear, stress, illnesses, injuries, and other reasons.
You have to watch the temperature in the room because if the temperature is below 65 F, they will be cold and the hamsters will be twitching.
When hamsters are twitching, the most important thing is to find out why they are doing it and help them, especially when the reasons are illness and fear.
Twitching in hamsters can be reduced only with the attention and care of your pet.
Read more: Why Your Hamster Moving Slowly? Find Out Now
