Hamsters are cute, furry and playful, but do you know what they are like when it comes to noise? Some people believe that hamsters are very sensitive to sound and that even everyday noises can scare them and be harmful for these little pets. But is this true? Do you need to find them a quiet place in your home to keep them safe and happy? Let’s take a closer look.
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Hamsters and Sounds
We cannot forget that hamsters are prey animals, and that defines all their natural instincts. They are also crepuscular and nocturnal animals, and have very poor vision. To compensate, their sense of smell is incredibly strong, but their hearing is also very sharp. In the wild, hamsters hearing is essential to their survival as it allows them to detect predators and other dangers.
As domestic pets, our hamsters still have these same instincts, which is why they are often so easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements. It's important to remember that what may be a normal sound for us can be incredibly loud and startling to our hamsters, and we need to do everything we can to create a safe and comfortable environment for them.
Are Syrian Hamsters Sensitive towards Sounds?
There is no evidence that any species of hamster is more sensitive to sound than the other. It doesn't matter if your have a Syrian or a Winter White for example, all hamsters will have sensitive hearing and their owners should be mindful of this.
Has your Hamster Heard Something Unusual?
Look at the little animal, he stops, stands on his back legs and stares around. It means he is on high alert, is making himself as tall as possible to try to see, and hear, what is going on.
Even everyday noise can startle them and make them jump.
What Sound do Hamsters Hate or are Sensitive to?
Just like humans, hamsters have different tastes and preferences when it comes to noise. While some hamsters may not be bothered by certain sounds, others may find them to be annoying or even disruptive. Some of the most common sounds that hamsters are likely to hate include:
- Loud noises: If your hamster is exposed to loud noises on a regular basis, they may become stressed or anxious.
- High-pitched sounds: Hamsters are very sensitive to ultrasound (that we cannot even hear) and high-pitched sounds, such as those made by some electronic devices. It is best to remove the source of such noise from their environment.
- Sudden noises: Sudden noises are also very disruptive for hamsters, as they startle easily.
- Change: Hamsters can be resistant to change, and may experience stress if their environment or routine is altered in any way. A hamster who started his life in quiet environment will suffer even more from any situation that is loud or noisy.
Ultimately, the best way to know what sound your particular hamster hates is simply to observe its reactions when exposed to different noises. If you notice that your hamster seems bothered by certain sounds, try eliminating them from their environment and see if you notice an improvement. Or simply move the cage or tank to a quieter area. With the right care and attention, you can help your hamster to thrive in its environment, regardless of what sounds it may dislike.
Do Hamsters get Stressed by Noise?
Every hamster is different, and some may be more sensitive to sound than others. It will also depend on whether they have been used to loud noises from a young age. Being prey animals, we need to be mindful of their natural instincts and anything that can bring anxiety.
Hamsters sleep during the day, at times when we are the most noisy. They do need a safe quiet place where they can rest. It might mean being moved out of their normal room in certain situations.
How do you Tell if a Hamster is Stressed?
Some of the most common signs of stress in hamsters that you might notice include behavioural change such as:
- Hiding: Hamsters may hide from view if they feel anxious or scared.
- Hyperactivity: Hamsters who are stressed may become more active than usual and may even seem to be running around in circles.
- Eating less: Hamsters may eat less or stop eating altogether if they are stressed.
- Over-grooming: Hamsters may groom themselves excessively if they are stressed.
- Shaking: Hamsters may shake or tremble if they are stressed.
- Noise: if your hamster starts to squeak it can be a sign of distress. A screaming hamster is simply terrified.
- Aggressiveness and cage aggression: it can manifest in biting or lunging at their owner or trying to escape from their cage.
If you notice any of these signs in your hamster, it is important to take action to reduce their stress levels. Otherwise, it could lead to serious health problem and of course impact negatively their quality of life.
Can Hamsters Die from Loud Noises?
Loud noises can be a significant source of stress for hamsters and if they are exposed to them regularly, it can lead to health problems. Some experts believe that hamsters are so vulnerable to the negative effect of loud noises may even be deadly for hamsters. If your hamster is frequently exposed to loud noises, it is really important to take steps to reduce the amount of noise in their environment. This might involve moving their cage to a quieter location.
Keep the TV and Sound Systems Away from the Hamster Cage
The last thing any animal needs when they are trying to sleep is to be startled by loud music, shouts, screams and any disruptive tumult.
While you cannot reasonably give up entire rooms to your hamster, it's of course advised to set up their habitat, cage or tank, not directly next to a television, a sound system or a gaming console and as far away from the speakers and source of noise as you possibly can.
Your hamster will be a lot happier in a peaceful environment, especially in the day time when he's sleeping.
Give your Hamster Habit to Love Music
Although hamsters may be sensitive to sound, this doesn't mean that they can't enjoy music. In fact, some experts believe that hamsters can benefit from listening to music from time to time. This might involve playing classical music for them, or simply letting them listen to the radio. If you do decide to introduce music into your hamster's life, it's important to make sure that the volume is kept low. This will help to prevent any stress or anxiety. Additionally, you should let your hamster get used to the music gradually, so that they have time to adjust. With the right care and attention, you can help your hamster to enjoy a wide range of sounds, including music.
In Conclusion
Hamsters are prey animals, and will be stressed by sudden and/or loud noise. Pet owners don't adopt a hamster just so the little animal survive, they want them to thrive and have a happy and peaceful life.
Some hamsters are very sociable little things, and will happily pop out early evening when they hear you, and try to get their treat or to be left out for free roaming. They are also very interested and curious in what's happening in their surroundings.
Others will try to avoid the racket, and will even hide from everyone but only leave their burrow at night when everybody is gone and the devices are all switched off.
As much as you won't necessarily enjoy a loud wheel keeping you awake at night while your hamster is happily running for hours, the hamsters won't enjoy loud noises around them constantly either. So it is important to try and keep the noise down for their sake as well as your own, and try to find them a quiet and comfortable place in your home. Your hamster will have a happier life, and you will benefit more from the company of a happier hamster.