Final answer:
Handling a hamster when it is awake, running in a wheel, eating, or sleeping can be harmful to the hamster and may cause stress or injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hamster may suffer stress or injury if it is handled while it is awake, eating, sleeping, or running in a wheel. Because they are small, delicate animals, hamsters require a quiet, safe space in which to sleep, eat, and exercise. A hamster that is awake might be exploring its environment and being active. During this period, handling it could frighten or startle the hamster, causing it to exhibit defensive behaviors like biting or scratching. Running in a wheel is a form of exercise that is beneficial to a hamster's physical and mental health. Its routine can be upset and stressed out by interfering with this activity. Hamsters should not be disturbed when they are eating because they need to concentrate on getting all the nutrients they need. They might stop eating or even choke on their food if you disturb them.
Finally, for them to recover and rejuvenate, hamsters require a peaceful, undisturbed sleeping environment. A sleeping hamster may become stressed if its sleep pattern is disturbed by being woken up.