Woke up to my hamster screaming

Un1ovedCookie · 03-29-2022, 06:27 AM

I woke up this morning to my hamster screaming in her nest. I’ve had her just over a week now and the only other time she’s made that noise was when I accidentally dropped a cardboard tube in front of her. I lifted up the house she’s made a nest under as I was worried her burrow had collapsed on her or something but she seemed fine. I gave her a mealworm and some banana and she sat eating them for a bit then I put her house back down and she’s gone back to bed. Anyone know what this could have been about? Hamsters can’t have nightmares can they? 😆

Ria P · 03-29-2022, 02:17 PM

Hello and welcome to HC!

Yes, hamsters dream and can have nightmares. Like you, i also got alarmed when i heard my first hamster make some weird noises while in his nest. I lifted the roof off his house to check on him and found him sound asleep so i quickly put the roof back on.

She's very new so will still be nervous and settling in. Just keep an eye on her and talk to her in a calm voice.

Lilafernim · 03-29-2022, 02:27 PM

I’ve asked this same question before as my previous hamster did it and now my current hamster occasionally does it too. I think it’s just down to some being more vocal than others. And I don’t think they are specifically nightmares as such but they can have “dreams of a bad memory” I think you could say.

I just want to extend on this with another question instead of making a whole new thread. I just had my hamster start screaming also so it’s on topic but while awake. She was on the bed and the other pets weren’t in the room. No new noise or movement occurred but she just somersaulted in the air and started screaming.

She just went back to normal after it happened I just want to know what should I do? Is it a sign something is wrong or was she just startled? I don’t see why she should be because she’s very used to us now.

Also (I am sorry for adding a question to you thread) but as for giving the treats after the ‘nightmare’, I do the same with mine. I know you shouldn’t disturb them but I think they actually really appreciate it.