Why Is My Hamster Laying On Its Side? What To Do

Table of Contents Show

Hamsters lying on their side is a common issue among hamsters that may bother hamster owners. You’re probably wondering why your hamster has been lying on its side for the last few days.

Maybe you’re even a little worried. We’re here to help calm your nerves and give you some peace of mind. Below are the possible reasons why your hamster is being a lazy lump, as well as what you can do about it. Stick around.

Why Is My Hamster Laying on Its Side?

It’s normal for your hamster to lie down on its side occasionally. But if your hamster is doing it all the time, there might be a problem. There are a few reasons why your hamster might be lying on its side.

One possibility is that your hamster is sick or injured. Another option is that your hamster is pregnant. Other potential causes of lying on the side include stress, anxiety, over-excitement, or dehydration.

If you think that your hamster might be sick or injured, you should take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you think that your hamster is pregnant, you should wait until the baby hamster is born before taking it to the vet.

If you think that your hamster might be stressed, anxious, over-excited, or dehydrated, you can try to correct the problem yourself.

6 Common Reasons Why Your Hamster Is Laying On Its Side?

It’s normal for hamsters to lie on their sides. In the wild, this is how they sleep and rest. They may also do this when they’re feeling stressed or frightened. So if your hamster is lying on its side, it’s probably feeling one of those things.

There could be several reasons why your hamster is lying on its side. Below are six of the most common causes;

The hamster is tired and wants to rest.
The hamster is feeling ill and needs help.
The hamster is pregnant and about to give birth.
The hamster has just had a baby and is taking care of her young.
The hamster has been injured or is in pain.
The hamster is old and close to death.

What Should I Do If My Hamster Is Lying On Its Side?

Now that you know why your hamster is lying on its side, the next question is—what should you do?

First of all, it’s essential to look for other signs that something may be wrong, like labored breathing or a swollen abdomen. If your hamster is showing signs of distress, you should take it to the vet immediately.

If your hamster appears to be okay, then check its cage for any potential hazards. Make sure there are no sharp objects and that the substrate isn’t too deep (1-2 inches is a good depth). Also, make sure the temperature doesn’t exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, try providing some enrichment for your hamsters, such as a wheel or playpen. This will help stimulate your hamster and potentially help them get up on its feet again.

How Can I Prevent My Hamster From Lying On Its Side?

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent your hamster from lying on its side. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend safe and healthy:

Make sure your hamster’s cage has enough space for it to move around. A bigger cage means a happier and healthier hamster.

Give them plenty of toys and activities to keep their minds occupied – think tunnels, wooden blocks, exercise wheels and chew toys!

Monitor the temperature in the cage and ensure it doesn’t become too hot or cold. Feed your hamster a varied diet, including fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins. Spend plenty of time with them; social interaction is just as crucial for hamsters as it is for us!

Finally, if you ever notice any changes in behavior or other signs of illness, then be sure to contact your veterinarian right away. Taking these steps will help keep your goofy little pal in tip-top shape!

Additional Tips For Providing The Best Care For Your Hamster

Having trouble putting all of the pieces together? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a vet to provide the best care for your hamster. Here are some additional tips to help keep them healthy and happy;

Regularly check your hamster’s cage for signs of leaks or toys that have become damaged.
Make sure the bedding material is clean and changed regularly, as it can become damp and cause an infection.
Give your hamster plenty of fresh food and water every day.
Make sure their diet includes fresh vegetables, fruit, and other healthy snacks.
Provide plenty of toys and activities so that they don’t get bored or lonely.
Give them regular exercise by taking them out for supervised play time outside their cage.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your hamster is happy, healthy, and always comfortable – no matter how much they like to lay on their side!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my hamster lying on his back?

If your hamster is lying on its back, it could be due to several different reasons. For example, if your hamster has eaten something disagreeable, such as spoiled food or spoiled items from the wild, it might be experiencing nausea and retching. This can cause them to lie on their back as a reaction to the discomfort.

Why is my hamster lying down and not moving?

If your hamster is lying down and not moving, it could be because of illness, injury, or stress. If you’ve recently carried your hamster or handled them too much, they may be stressed out, and this could be the reason for their inertia.

A more serious medical cause could be abdominal swelling due to a blockage in the digestive system caused by an incorrect diet or an infection from an underlying condition. In such a case, it’s best to take them to the vet immediately.

Why is my hamster lying down with her eyes open?

It might be a sign that your hamster is distressed if you notice them lying down with its eyes open. It could be caused by pain or stress, and you should make sure to take your furry friend to the vet right away.

Final Thoughts

So those are some of the reasons your hamster may be lying on its side. If your hamster is doing this, it’s essential to take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, there are a few things you can do to make your hamster more comfortable in the meantime.

First, make sure your hamster has plenty of water and food. You may also want to try giving it a piece of fruit or a vegetable.

If your hamster is still having trouble standing, you can put a small amount of petroleum jelly on its back to make it slippery and help it move around. Finally, if your hamster is in a lot of pain, you can give it a small amount of ibuprofen.