Do hamsters miss people?

kesaiserris · 01-23-2018, 10:59 AM

I have noticed that on nights my daughter sleeps over with a friend or a relative Stella (hamster) will chew on her house in an effort to escape and usually throws everything in her cage around so by morning the place is a mess (it's like she is throwing a tantrum). When my daughter has sleepovers I take Stella out for a cuddle and some exercise so she isn't being ignored during her usual playtime and her mood is lovely when we are together. I also noticed when I put Stella into the ball she goes into my daughter's room right away. Is she just used to seeing my daughter at a certain time or does she miss her? Is there anything I can do to make her feel better about the absences? She calms down at night once daughter returns home.

cypher · 01-23-2018, 12:09 PM

Hamsters do form strong bonds with their owners & also get used to routine so Stella most likely is missing your daughter when she's away but it sounds as though she enjoys her time with you too & I don't think you can really do much more than you are, she's probably just a little upset by the change but sounds fine really.

kesaiserris · 01-25-2018, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

Hamsters do form strong bonds with their owners & also get used to routine so Stella most likely is missing your daughter when she's away but it sounds as though she enjoys her time with you too & I don't think you can really do much more than you are, she's probably just a little upset by the change but sounds fine really.

That is so sweet! I have often wondered how much hamsters bond with their humans. I have heard they only bond with 1 or 2 people at a time. Stella is good with all 3 of us hubbie, me, and child. I think her favorite person might be my flannel pajamas though haha

Pebbles82 · 01-25-2018, 02:58 PM

Absolutely. I've found if we go away for 2 or 3 days they are super affectionate afterwards! When our last Syrian was 2 he really went downhill after we just left him 2 nights. Thankfully he came round again.

kesaiserris · 01-26-2018, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Absolutely. I've found if we go away for 2 or 3 days they are super affectionate afterwards! When our last Syrian was 2 he really went downhill after we just left him 2 nights. Thankfully he came round again.

I am so glad he came around. That is lovely to hear that you have such strong bonds with your hamsters