Hamster playing dead?

Question

I Recently bought a Syrian hamster 3 days ago. If i go to put my hand in the cage and touch her, she jumps on her back and seems to play dead for about 3-4 sec. Is this normal? Also if there is a loud noise in the room she does this too.

Answer 1

That is normal. If you ever see two hamsters first meet each other, they generally don't get along. One normally tries to attack, while the other who is being attacked lays on its back. It is just like dogs being dominant and submissive. You have a very jumpy and skittish ham on your hands. Try keeping the cage in a quieter place, with less disturbances.

Answer 2

Maybe she's just really scared. My hamster jumps whenever theres noise and whenever i put my hand in too. She jumps in the air and gets very scared. She once jumped out of my hand because of a noise she heard. Playing dead is kinda weird, i've never heard of that. But it may just be her way of trying not to attract predetors. whatever works.

Answer 3

you have a very scared hamster. let it get used to its surroundings before you hold it. also get it away from the loud noises. all that noise is probably keeping her awake, which is making her jumpy

Answer 4

my hamster did that too.

it's normal - when they get scared, they play dead :P

just get her to trust you - hand-feed her yummy food and treats and pet her gently.

soon she wont be so scared.

good luck :)

Answer 5

Leave her alone for the first few days so she can get used to her surroundings....then try touching her occasionally so she can get used to that too!