It can be tough to watch your little pet when they’re not moving around as they should. And it can cause you to keep asking yourself, “why is my hamster not moving?”
There could be many reasons, but the main one being he’s not feeling well.
Hamsters are sensitive little creatures, and they can get an upset stomach if they’re not given enough food to eat and enough water.
It is probably a good time to find out how long a hamster can go without water.
However, if he seems to be in pain or sick, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. If he has a fever or isn’t eating, that could indicate something is wrong with him.
Firstly, it could mean your Hamster is ill, hibernating, or overheating.
Why is my Hamster not moving?
Your Hamster is Hibernating
Do Hamsters hibernate? Yes, they do.
Hibernation is a state of resting and sleeping that a hamster goes into when it’s cold outside. The temperature always falls to 59F during hibernation.
It can last for weeks or even months!
Hibernating hamsters will curl up in a ball with their heads tucked under their arms and paws under their bodies.
They’ll also cover themselves with a thin layer of fur called “velvet.”
It gives them extra warmth during hibernation season, which lasts from October through March in most places in the United States.
Wild hamsters mostly hibernate in underground burrows like those made by gophers, also called pocket gophers.
Still, some can hibernate on tree limbs or even on the ground if they have access to an animal shelter or burrow that they know well enough to use as a home base during winter.
Other signs of hibernation that you should check in your pet include slow breathing, not moving, slow heartbeat, and reduced eating.
Your Hamster is Feeling Sick
Another common question that pet owners frequently ask is, why is my Hamster breathing heavily and not moving? There are many health reasons for this question.
First, let’s ensure the cage is clean and well-ventilated.
A dirty cell can lead to respiratory problems like pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death.
Respiratory infection
One of the respiratory infection symptoms includes mucus in the nose or throat and difficulty breathing.
Sometimes these symptoms can get worse before they get better!
If this sounds like something that might be happening to your pet, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
If you have a large cage, it’s worth considering getting two smaller ones so you can rotate your Hamster between them every few days.
This way, he has fresh air and food on hand as he moves from cage to cage.
Could it be boredom?
Boredom is another common cause of respiratory distress in hamsters.
If your Hamster is breathing heavily and not moving, it’s a good idea to examine its home for the presence of hamster toys and other possible sources of stimulation.
If boredom is the culprit, try adding more exciting things to the cage or providing some enrichment to keep your Hamster happy.
You can also consider taking your Hamster outside at least once weekly to run around and play with other animals or explore its surroundings.
Other health problems
Other health issues like paralysis, arthritis, or injury may also affect the movement of your hamper.
Lastly, hamsters also experience heart failure though unexpected cardiac arrest may lead to death.
Your Hamster is Experiencing Heatstroke
It could be that your Hamster is overheating.
Hamsters can run their heaters up to 130°F, so if you notice your Hamster has been in the same spot for a while, it might be too warm.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in hamsters caused by high temperatures, dehydration, and inadequate ventilation.
You can help cool down your Hamster by putting newspaper in its cage and setting the cell in an area with no direct sunlight.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to replace the pellets they’re eating with something else.
Why is my Hamster breathing heavy and not moving?
It sounds like his breathing is too fast, which could mean he’s getting too hot.
If that’s the case, take him out of his cage and let him play around in the sun or under a lamp until he cools down.
If that doesn’t work, try giving him some water to drink and see if he’ll drink some more. Put him in a warm bath with fresh water and bubbles if all else fails! He should be fine after that!
If you notice that your Hamster has lost a lot of weight, it may be time to call a veterinarian immediately!
Your Hamster Could be Getting Old
Old age in hamsters is a severe problem since it can affect their movement.
The brain of a hamster is tiny, and it takes up less space than a human brain, which means that the Hamster’s body can shrink when it gets older.
When this happens, it can be challenging for a hamster to move around quickly, especially if its owner is trying to keep it active and engaged.
Because of this, it’s essential to ensure that your Hamster has enough space to run around and exercise regularly; it doesn’t get stuck in immobility as its brain shrinks over time.
Secondly, give him food that’s low in fat and sodium. It will help keep his weight down and make him feel better overall.
Lastly, make sure he always has access to fresh water.
It helps keep his coat clean and hydrated so that it doesn’t get matted with dirt over time.
Final thoughts on Why is my Hamster not moving?
You should always check for the above signs whenever you are worried about your Hamster’s movement.
Also, visit our website for more information on hamster care tips to make parenting a little easier.
However, if you suspect your animal is ill, please see a vet immediately.