Scared or happy?

[Alba]

Sometimes when I stroke my female hamster she goes all stiff and her tail points in the air
Is she scared or is she enjoying being petted please help :) X

[Bunsey]

she's in heat, like ovulation, and she is doing that because she is ready for a male to mate with her. Just try not to stroke her near her rear on those days. It's not much fun for them, as they are kind of in a trance.

[Alba]

How many days do they come in heat for?
And thankyou thats a great help :) X

[Bunsey]

they will be in heat for one night out of every 4. You might notice a smell, too :)

[Alba]

Okay thankyou very much! :D X

[annc]

I've never seen this in hamsters - mind you, it's quite a time since I had females, but do notice it with a couple of my rats.