71 / 128
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.
71