Dwarf hamster trend

[RainbowBrite]

I see a lot of people taking pictures of their dwarf hamsters on their back eating food. I feel suspicious about this as I do not think it is a natural position for a hamster to be held. I wonder if the hamster is just wanting the food hence posing like that. I have had to hold Sprite like that for health checks and he hates it. It makes me wonder if these pictures are of unhappy hamsters.

Am I overthinking it and are some dwarf hamsters happy to be held like this?

 

[Maz]

I think I know what you mean there. I've seen similar things at times and felt it wasn't good to hold a hamster in that position (if they are restrained for example). Some may not be actually held there and just be a very laid back kind of hamster, or sleepy maybe? But I know what you mean. If people see it and think it's cute, they copy it. Others will know more about this than me as I haven't had a Russian Dwarf before! With Robos it is not unusual for them to lie very still on their back I've found. Syrians would hate it!

 

[elusive]

There have always been photos like that sort of thing around on social media & people seem to think it looks cute but most. hamsters wouldn’t be happy to be held like that, some would be fine with it but most are just probably tempted into that pose with food.

 

[RainbowBrite]

Thank you. That is what I thought. It is for the human to get a 'cute' picture. Poor hamsters. I think people think it is okay as they see is everywhere then copy it.

 

[Frida]

The only time I hold Albert like that is when I'm doing a health check or should I say trying to do a health check. Albert always rolls up like a hedgehog when ever I do a health check

 

[Daisy]

A lot of those hamsters look quite overweight as well. I wonder if that's why they can't roll over very easily.

I think some hamsters might put up with it while they're eating because the treat is more important to them, but they don't really like it. As a prey animal, their belly is their most vulnerable area.

 

[RainbowBrite]

A lot of those hamsters look quite overweight as well. I wonder if that's why they can't roll over very easily.

I think some hamsters might put up with it while they're eating because the treat is more important to them, but they don't really like it. As a prey animal, their belly is their most vulnerable area.

That makes sense. Poor things.