Have you ever noticed your hamster trying to escape its cage? With all the amenities provided, why is my hamster trying to Escape?
It may seem like they’re just trying to be naughty, but they could be doing it for an entirely different reason.
When hamsters try to escape, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right with their environment. It can be anything from insufficient space to too much noise or mental stimulation. All these things contribute to why your hamster is trying to escape their cage, and in this article, we’ll look at the surprising reason why.
We’ll also dive into the possible solutions you can use to keep your hamster safe and secure in its cage so that you don’t have to worry about them slipping out of it again.
So read on to find out why your hamster is trying to make a run for it!
What to Consider Before Adopting a Hamster
Owning a hamster can be a fun and rewarding experience, but they have unique considerations that you should be aware of before taking them home.
It might also be a great time to find out how much does a hamster cost with all supplies?
If you’re considering getting a pet hamster, you must understand that they live in cages because their natural environment is wild.
In captivity, they often attempt to escape because they’re trying to find their way back home.
That means that any cage you put your hamster in should be safe and secure—making sure the lid is tight, checking for holes or cracks where your hamster can escape, and being aware of how easily your pet could get out from any other openings in the cage.
It’s also important to know that hamsters are nocturnal animals, which means that during the day, they’ll be sleeping, and at night they’ll be active.
You’ll want to set up their living space so there are plenty of places to hide away during the day—and provide enriching activities for them when they are awake.
Finally, consider if there is enough room in the cage so your pet can explore and stretch its legs without being too confined—unhappy animals may escape even more frequently if given no other options.
Learn About Your Hamster’s Routine and Behavior
Have you ever caught your hamster trying to escape from the cage?
It’s natural for them to want to explore, but if this happens often, it’s time to take a step back and consider why.
The key is learning about your hamster’s routine and behavior.
Especially in the wild, hamsters are crepuscular creatures that prefer being active during twilight hours, when it’s neither too dark nor too light.
To best mimic, this environment in your home, make sure that your hamster has enough space to move around and opportunities to play.
This means more than just a cage – regular exercise outside the cage and stimulating activities will give them plenty of opportunity to blow off steam and stay contented.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure their diet is adequate and they receive ample time outside the cage each day – and cuddle with their human friends!
If they’re still looking for ways out, try adjusting their bedding or spending more time in the same room as them – they may just be trying to tell you something!
Signs of Stress in Hamsters
Suppose you have noticed your little hamster scratching at the sides of the cage, running around frantically, or just generally seeming extra stressed out lately.
In that case, it could be because he’s trying to tell you something—your hamster is likely feeling too confined in his enclosure.
Stress in hamsters has some obvious signs:
- Excessive chewing or scratching at the bars of their cage
- Constant pace running
- Aggression toward other hamsters
- Excessive drinking and urination
- Struggling to stay active and alert during daytime hours
The best way to keep your hamster happy and healthy is to give him an enclosure that allows him plenty of room to roam and various toys and activities.
A spacious home will encourage exercise and provide exciting stimulation, which will keep your furry friend from trying to escape.
Is Your Hamster’s Cage Secure?
The fourth reason your hamster might be trying to escape is that their cage isn’t very secure.
This is more than whether the lid means your hamster can’t open the latch. It’s also about the environment they’re living in.
Here are a few things to look out for in your hamster’s cage:
- Are the bars spaced far enough apart? If you have a bar spacing larger than ½ an inch, your hamster could crawl through it. Make sure to get a cage with bar spacing that allows your hamster to stick its head through.
- Is the frame of the cage secure? Weak structures can cause cells to easily collapse or warp, leaving exposed and dangerous edges for curious little paws and teeth. Ensure that your hamster has a sturdy and secure muzzle to keep them safe from potential injuries or escapes.
- Are there any potential exits? Look around the bottom of your cage and ensure there aren’t any tiny cracks a determined little hamster could squeeze their way through!
By ensuring these considerations are taken into account when getting or setting up a cage, you can be sure that your beloved little pet will stick around and stay safe!
Tips to Make a Hamster Happy & Comfortable
It may surprise you that hamsters need enrichment to be happy and content at home. Giving your hamster the same essential environment daily can cause boredom, leading to a restless hamster.
To prevent this, you should provide lots of stimulating things in your hamster’s cage. Here are a few tips to keep your pet happy and comfortable:
Exercise and playtime
Your hamster needs regular exercise and playtime outside the cage, so you should give it at least 2-3 hours outdoors every day – either in an exercise ball or just out of its cage.
This allows them to explore new places and do some much-needed cardio!
Variety of toys
Hamsters are brilliant animals and need access to various toys at all times to stay engaged.
Bringing in new toys regularly, such as chew toys, tunnels, bridges, ramps, or even balls, helps keep them entertained.
As a bonus, it also prevents boredom and potentially destructive behaviors!
Fresh bedding
Another way to do this is by regularly changing their bedding, so they have something new and exciting daily.
You can use various materials such as paper towels or shredded newspaper – remember not to use cedar chips or any fabric with aromatics, as these can be hazardous for your pet’s health.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your pet entertained and ensure that it has everything it needs for a happy life at home!
How to Prevent Your Hamster From Escaping
Understandably, you don’t want your hamster to escape, so here are a few things you can do to prevent it.
Choose the right cage.
First, ensure you’re using the right cage for your hamster. T
hink of it this way: if their cell is too small, they won’t have enough room to run around and be active, making them more likely to look for a way out.
A great rule of thumb is that the minimum cage size should be 30x50x30cm (12x20x12in).
Secure all openings
Next, check all the entrances of your hamster’s cage.
Make sure that all latches and openings are securely fastened and that there aren’t any gaps or cracks near the edges where your little furry friend can wriggle through.
Additionally, if you use clips or clips made from plastic or metal to close the door or other openings, make sure they fit snugly but are tight enough.
Keep their environment interesting.
Finally, don’t forget about engaging your hamster mentally! Making sure their environment has plenty of toys and activities is essential in preventing an escape attempt.
From running wheels to mazes and tunnels—just like you would with a dog—ensuring plenty of enrichment will keep them happy (and in their cages!).
Conclusion
It is important to remember that your hamster—like any other pet—needs to feel safe, loved, and secure in its home. You should ensure that you provide the necessary amenities and strive to create the best environment possible.
Please pay attention to your hamster’s behavior and ensure it gets enough physical and emotional stimulation to keep it healthy, happy, and content.
After all, your little furry friend wants to feel safe and secure in the home you’ve provided for it.