Dwarf Hamster Behavior
By Kym Sutherland
Often hamsters have been given a bad reputation for being ill-tempered and quick to bite, but this behavior is usually a result of mishandling or a sudden disturbance. Dwarf Hamsters can easily be held and tamed with a little practice and patience.
When starting this process of taming, use ideal circumstances, when your not in a rush and in the evening when the hamster itself is in a happy playful mood. How do you know when your hamster is in a playful mood?
Luckily dwarf hamsters show communication through their body language and voice signals. Here are some of the basics:
Curious hamster
Running about the cage, digging, climbing sometimes even leaping are signs of a healthy and happy hamster.
Curious with Interest
Hamster will be sitting on it's haunches, relaxed and sniff for periods of time. Front legs about level with belly and it's front toes are point towards the ground
Fearful Hamster
Ears will be tilted back, standing with one or both front feet raised, often hissing or squeaking, this is when hamster is agitated and ready to bite.
Defensive Posture Hamster
Sometimes when frightened hamsters will lie on their back and expose it's belly and display their large incisors and will use them if necessary.
Showing Emotions to other Dwarfs
Body language is used to sign messages to each other, for example young males show another males he's afraid by walking stiffly with his tail raised.
In Unfamiliar territory
Hamster will tend to flatten himself out and slink along as there are no familiar scent markings
Sleeping Hamster
Often buried in the bedding material curled up in a ball
Vocalizations
If you hear a hamster talking, it's for an important reason like your hamster feels threatened or is threatening an attack
Scent marking
This is an important activity for them as it marks their territory
Activity cycle
Most activity is nocturnal, with a bit during the day. Seasonal times come into play, shorter days and colder temperatures requires more sleep
Hoarding Hamster
Instinctive behavior to stash food in various locations, preferably hoarding far more than it could ever eat
Hiding Hamster
Natural instinctive burrowers that love to tunnel and keep themselves covered.
Playful Hamster
Running, jumping, leaping are all signs of active playtime activity.
Kym Sutherland is an Author and pet hobbyist who enjoys raising and caring for pets. For more Dwarf Hamster behavior information, go to the website, http://www.DwarfHamsterGuide.com/tips Sign up for the free Dwarf Hamster mini ecourse and see you soon!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kym_Sutherland
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dwarf-Hamster-Behavior&id=2325484
