Why do some hamsters freeze whenever you look at them and are they scared or angry or just nervous?

Answer 1

All hamsters usually do this act but they all have different feelings. As you said, some hamsters might be scared or angry or even nervous. Humans don't know only the hamsters. 90% of the time, they are just curious about you.

There are three basic reactions Hamsters can have to fear.

• Fight
• Flight
• Freeze

All hamsters will react in one of these 3 ways to fear. These are characteristics that are a result of instinct and the genetic code. There are no bad hamsters. If a hamster is afraid enough it may bite (fight response to fear). Even if we don't like an animal's behavior (and the behavior is "bad"), the animal is not bad. Of the three responses hamsters can have to fear, let's look at each one and see how they affect our hamster.

Fight">Fight">Fight

Fight

This is one way hamsters react to fear. This presents itself in the form of chewing or biting. These animals are not bad, they are simply afraid, and this is how they deal with it. Unfortunately, it can be challenging in a household to have hamsters that react to fear with a fight response. Since they are simply afraid (just like hamsters who react with freeze or flight), if we are emotionally hurt or offended and fight back (hitting, yelling, etc), this will only make them more afraid.

Freeze

Hamsters that freeze stay very still. Sometimes they even hold their breath for long periods of time. They can continue chewing or stop chewing. If you see this (and you probably will), just notice it. If you are observant you will start to notice what you can do to help your hamster feel less scared.

Flight

This is when a hamster feels unsafe and runs away. Some hamsters freeze first, then, when the time is right, they run away. Since hamsters can run from fear, chasing them makes them more afraid, so if you can it's best to give them the space and let them come to you. Some hamsters will do this quickly; some may not come to you for weeks to months (or longer). But it always helps to know it's not you but simply that your hamster is afraid. Don't feel bad or guilty or wrong, just notice when your hamster is the least afraid and interact then.