Hamsters

Pictured; Golden hamster

Do not turn your hamster on its back and stroke his tummy. He will lie very still, because this is a very scary position for him—he is playing dead. It will lie still because it is trying to pretend to be dead and thus of no interest to a predator. It will remain like this until it thinks the scary thing has gone away, such as when you move your hands away. This is a common behavior in many small animals. Do not be fooled that he is relaxed or in a trance. He will be alert and stressed, and when he thinks it is safe to do so he will suddenly try to escape and may injure himself.

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