Hamsters make certain noises to indicate their state of mind or health at a particular point. Correct identification of each sound and the underlying reasons can make you a better hamster parent.
Knowing whether your hamster is sneezing or squeaking can be beneficial in many ways. It can help you deduce what may be wrong with the small pocket animal and the necessary steps to correct it.
Is my hamster sneezing or squeaking? Sneezing hamsters make low-volume intermittent cough-like sounds while nibbling on their food or moving in a calm demeanor. However, hamsters make consistently loud squeaking sounds as they burrow, climb their cage bars, move up and down, and show additional signs of restlessness.
Unfortunately, neither sneezing nor squeaking is a good sign as they often prove that your hamster is in some form of distress and needs urgent help. We recommend swift consultation with an exotics vet for treatment before the situation escalates.
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Is My Hamster Sneezing or Squeaking?
Many first-time hamster parents admit frustration when they hear noises from their cute pocket rodents but struggle to tell the difference. It is no secret that there are distinctive contrasts between sneezing and squeaking but it often takes some time to identify each type.
If you’re still unsure what kind of noise your hamster is making, a friend or family member with some experience raising these pocket rodents can come to your aid. You may also shoot a video of distressed hamsters making those sounds and send it over to your regular vet for help.
Either way, be as calm as possible while figuring out the underlying noise your hamster may be making. Shall we dive deeper into the characteristics of each sound so you can make the right distinction?
How Does a Sneezing Hamster Sound Like?
Sneezing in hamsters is characterized by intermittent noise at a relatively low volume. The noise is often at an irregular pace and can be unpredictable. Within the space of 30 seconds, a hamster may sneeze about 10-15 times on average.
The pace of the noise can be faster especially when the little guy appears to be experiencing a sneezing fit but it may also slow down as well.
Often, you’ll have to get close to the cage or tank to hear sneezing sounds from hamsters. Unlike the relatively louder squeaks, sneezes can fly under the radar for a while among many of us with busy lives. Syrian hamsters and other breeds are known for even sneezing in their sleep.
How Does a Squeaking Hamster Sound Like?
Squeaks by hamsters are relatively easier to detect. The squeaks appear in the form of continuous loud noises made by hamsters as they go up and down the cage, nibbling on their food, and refusing to stay still.
Squeaking hamsters usually display restlessness and show signs such as climbing their cage bars and standing on their rear legs. Aggressive behaviors including biting human handlers and loss of appetite are also common among these pet rodents during squeaking episodes.
Why do Hamsters Sneeze?
Sneezing and coughing are common reactions in hamsters exposed to environmental changes resulting in respiratory infections. Often, exposure to irritants such as dust, paint, and glue can trigger sneezing fits in hamsters of all ages, especially the young and elderly.
Common cold can also cause sneezing in these little guys and this usually occurs when temperatures plummet in winter. In some cases, allergic reactions to substrates, burrowing matter, or bedding may also result in continuous sneezing in these cute pets.
This is often a result of a piece of stray bedding, dust, or irritant ending up in the hammy’s nose.
Hamsters may sneeze once in a while which is OK. However, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention if it seems to be getting more frequent. Hopefully, your vet should be able to point out what may be going on in the hamster’s respiratory system after a series of tests.
Can Hamsters Sneeze to Death?
Hamsters can sneeze to death after contracting the common cold from humans or other pets. If you suspect that your hammy is suffering from the common cold, taking him immediately to a vet can be lifesaving.
Constant sneezing may also be due to allergies. This can be eliminated when the irritant material is removed from his cage or breeder tank.
Why do Hamsters Squeak?
Squeaking is often a sign of fear or stress. It is not uncommon for these pocket rodents to squeak continuously when you first bring them home. This is often because they’re unfamiliar with the new surroundings and fearful for their future.
The process of upgrading your hamsters’ breeder tank or cage to a larger one may also trigger squeaking noises as it can take some time before they get used to the new place of abode.
Even deep cleaning an existing cage or breeder tank can confuse hamsters into thinking they’re being moved to a new place. These pocket rodents often squeak in response due to fear of the unknown.
Sometimes, 2 dwarf hamsters sharing a cage squeak consistently to register their displeasure at not being housed independently.
Reading your hamster’s body language can save both of you from a lot of stress. For instance, a squeaking hamster could end up biting to draw blood when handled in that state. Finding a way to calm him down first can be a smart move.
Do Hamsters Squeak When Happy?
Hamsters sometimes squeak when they’re happy especially during their first couple of weeks after birth. Squeaking can be a reaction to being petted at their favorite spots or fed their favorite treats.
However, your pocket rodent is more likely to brux as a reaction to happiness. It is characterized by loud teeth grinding and chattering which may be easily confused with squeaking.
Why Do Hamsters Squeak In Their Sleep?
Squeaking while asleep could be a sign that your hamster is dreaming. It is a common behavior among these cute little creatures so do not be alarmed when you hear these sounds. Some folks may react by waking up the sleeping hamster but that is a bad practice with no positive end results.
Allowing the hammy to nap despite the loud squeaks may be a better option to prevent messing up his sleep cycle.
Why Does My Hamster Squeak When I Hold Him?
Young hamsters may squeak when held due to fear. These furballs require a bit of time to build trust in their human parents. Until they reach that point, any human touch can trigger a lot of agitation as you may be wrongly perceived to be a predator.
Sometimes, hamsters may also squeak due to the excitement of being held or being petted by their hamster parents.
Do Hamsters Squeak Before They Die?
Hamsters may squeak loudly just before they die. If your favorite pocket rodent has a terminal disease with signs such as bleeding in the uterus, a loud squeaking noise could indicate that she’s close to drawing her last breath.
Providing as much comfort as you can during those last moments is the best way to send off your dying hamster. This could include letting the poor guy die in the comfort of familiar surroundings with familiar people and cage mates around.
Conclusion
You’ve now discovered the differences between sneezing and squeaking sounds in hamsters. This should help you identify the specific sound and the underlying triggers to those reactions so the right steps can be taken to eliminate the problem.
Always speak to your vet about any concerning sounds from your hamster so the right tests can be conducted for proper diagnosis. No longer do you have to be clueless about your hamster’s noises and the potential underlying causes.