Staying completely still

[juliedn]

Is there something wrong with a dwarf hamster that stays completely still for a long time and then move around again and then freeze again? I know that in syrians it's because of seizures, but I saw a youtube video and wondered if this could just be a silly behavior or some type of illness?

[souffle]

This is quite normal. It is an instinctive protection mechanism. If they see something out the corner of their eye move, usually above them, they will freeze. In the wild a predator like a bird of prey would not see them if they were not moving and would move on and they would be saved from attack hopefully.

[thelittleteacup]

ahh yes one of mine used to do this! but i find if i talk gently they know its me and carry on bless! its funny they still have their survival instincts though! xx

[Gillzy]

Sen does this. Used to do it more often than she does now. Sometimes she just sits still and I think is just taking in the world, other times I can tell she's (not scared but) being protective.

This is a video of her: YouTube - Sen the Statue (half way through I open the cage door so you can see better).

[Lil Miss]

its nothing to do with seizures, even in syrian hamsters, it is a natural instinct to freeze up if they see something, or hear something they are unsure about

[CoolcatNatNat44]

my hamster stays still when i walk into the room, its normal

[SnickersTheFirst]

I don't think it's related to seizures? Murphy (gerbil) has suspected epilepsy as did his brother (Buddy) and when you scare him (accidently) he'll either thump his feet or have a seizure. Unfortunately I can't prevent it and it's common in pet shop gerbils.

When I make any sudden movements around the hammies they will freeze for like 10 seconds then carry on as normal.

[Gizmodo ^_^]

Yeah my hamsters often stay completely still, its scary sometimes lol!

[fluffymunchkins]

I can only agree with the above, seizures are much more dramatic and usually involve the hamster loosing balance toppling over, wide eyes and throwing their head about.

Unfortunately I have experienced both with a gerbil in the past and a roborovski.

[Ham Ham Hamstery]

its normal no worries mine do it all the time :P its funny lol