Hamsters are lovely rodent species that warm up the environment in your home. However, you may notice weird behavior that raises your concern, such as lying on its side, which directs us to these questions: Why is my hamster laying on its side?, Why is my hamster not moving but still breathing? Why is my hamster just laying there? etc. This article answers all the questions and more. Stay tuned!
Here are nine reasons why your hamster is laying on its side:
1. Infection
Hamsters usually lay on their sides when they feel sick due to infections. Based on recent research, hamsters are one of the animals that tend to hide their illness unless they are extremely ill. Therefore, once it lies on its side and looks dull, have it checked by a qualified veterinarian for immediate medication.
2. Hibernation
If the temperature is too cold for your hamster, it is likely to lay on its side to generate heat that will make it comfortably sleep. This mostly happens during the spring and winter due to the harsh cold weather. You can also provide a heat lamp to warm the environment in a hamster’s cage.
3. Injured
A hamster that lays on its side can be injured, primarily when it engages in a fight with another hamster. An injured hamster is usually in pain and discomfort and hence lays on its side to nurse itself. It is essential to check the injury to immediately treat it before it paves the way for bacterial infection.
4. Pregnancy
If a female hamster is pregnant and about to give birth, it will lay on its side rather than with its belly to prevent hurting the pregnancy bump. Habitually, hamsters are usually careful and very protective of their pregnancy; hence, they handle it delicately. They can even be aggressive to protect their unborn babies.
5. Breastfeeding Her Young
After a hamster gives birth, it will often lay on its side to expose the mammary glands for its youngsters to suck. This is one way of taking good care of her young. It becomes aggressive and hostile toward other hamsters or people to protect her babies.
6. Stress
A stressed hamster usually lays on its side more often to sleep and forget about its trouble. Mainly, it adopts a different sleeping pattern where it sleeps the whole day and stays up the entire night. It is also dull and loses its appetite. Consider checking the cause of stress before your hamster gets depressed and dies.
7. Taking a Nap
Hamsters are known for sleeping, as they love to take a nap during the day. In most cases, hamsters tired of playing would want to comfortably rest by napping. A tired hamster will lay on its side to nap to regain its energy for the rest of the day.
8. Overweight
When a hamster is obese, it is likely to lay on its side, as this is the only comfortable position it has, especially when resting. Being overweight in hamsters is often caused by lousy feeding habits and a lack of exercise. Adopting a good feeding pattern will maintain a good body for your hamster.
9. Old Age
Age is a factor that determines the daily activities of a hamster. An old hamster usually lays on its side since it lacks the energy to conduct daily hamster activities like playing. An old hamster is always sleepy and will choose the side sleeping position more often.
It is, therefore, essential to have a veterinary check on your hamster once it starts lying on its side to avoid assumptions that may lead to the deterioration of the hamster’s health. Be observant, note the causal problem, and act fast before damages occur.
Why Is My Hamster Lying Down with Her Eyes Open?
If you see your hamster lying down with her eyes open, it is likely to be due to the following five reasons:
1. She is resting after engaging in various activities, like playing.
2. She just woke up a few minutes ago.
3. She is in pain, which may be due to infections or injury.
4. She wants to breastfeed her baby.
5. She wants to be aware of her environment.
Why Is My Hamster Not Moving but Still Breathing?
Your hamster is not moving but still breathing since it is in a state of inactivity resulting from a drop in temperatures in its immediate surroundings. If it becomes freezing, your hamster will likely be inactive since blood vessels contract to minimize heat loss. Sometimes, your hamster may go into a deep sleep to feel warmer. Taking it to a more hospitable place or introducing a heating lamp in its cage is also good.
Furthermore, your hamster may be in pain due to injuries after fighting with another hamster. The injuries can be either internal or external, and mostly, a hamster lying on the side twitching can be easily noticed. Also, the pain can be due to infections that have paralyzed the body, like stroke. In cases of pain, consider having a veterinary check on your hamster.
Also, a hamster lying on its side, not moving, can be a sign of a heavy pregnancy, and it is about to give birth. Preparing to have her in a warm and safe place is vital. In case of any difficulties in the birth process, immediately contact your veterinarian to aid in the process.
What Does It Mean When My Hamster Lays Flat?
When a hamster lays flat, it means it is excited and in a relaxing mode. A happy hamster will always lay as a sign of impressing you, especially after giving it its favorite treat and playing with it.
Also, introducing their favorite toys will make them happy, and they will often lay flat.
How to Tell If Hamster Dying
A dying hamster will show the following six signs:
1. It is in pain.
2. It does not eat or drink.
3. Experiences difficulties breathing.
4. Changes in its behavior, like being nervous.
5. It does not move, and it seems tired.
6. A hamster lying on its back, twitching.
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