Research showing Hamsters can get depression in winter

[Maz]

There's an article here saying research shows that, just like humans, hamsters can get seasonal depression or anxiety in the darker days of winter. This might explain why they get more active and come out earlier once the nights start to get lighter! And also why they sleep more in winter (apart from just to keep warm).

What do you think? I don't think Raffy seemed depressed in winter as he still wanted to be out every night.

Seasonal Depression, Anxiety Affects Hamsters, Study Finds

A new study suggests that hamsters may suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression during the dark days of winter, just as some humans do. Using a variety of tests, researchers found more symptoms of depression and anxiety in adult hamsters that were housed for weeks in conditions with...

www.sciencedaily.com

 

[Hank]

That's interesting. While I don't think Jas was depressed, she didn't always want to come out, but now the lighter days are here, she is back to wanting to come out every day. I think the seasons do have an effect, as the timings were different as well, so Jas would come out at 9-9:30 in the evenings, but actually we did start seeing her in the mornings. Now she is coming out earlier, 7-8, and we don't really see her in the morning.

 

[Maz]

I think with most of my Syrians I've noticed them getting up earlier in the evening with the lighter nights too.