Why Do Hamsters Jump?

Did your hamster ever jump out of your hands? My Teddy did, and I barely caught him in time. If you’ve picked up your hamster, you know what I’m talking about. Let's explore why hamsters jump, how high they can jump, and how to ensure they don’t hurt themselves by falling.

So Why Do Hamsters Jump?

A jumping hamster might seem silly, but there’s usually a reason behind it. Most of the time, when a hamster jumps, it’s because the hamster is uncomfortable. Unlike mice or rabbits, hamsters’ legs and paws are not meant for jumping very high. However, they will jump out of your hands if they’re feeling uneasy, want to be put back in their cage, or are simply tired of being handled.

Even tame hamsters might jump away if something is bothering them, such as being scared, held too long, or held too high. While they rarely jump toward something, they might do so out of curiosity or an attempt to escape.

Hamsters Can Jump Out of Your Hands

For example, Teddy, my adult Syrian hamster, was very active when he was younger. He would often fidget and try to move out of my hands. Sometimes, he’d get tired of being held and would jump out of my hands. Luckily, I was close to his cage the first time this happened, and he landed safely on the cage.

If your hamster is prone to jumping, be sure to handle them close to their cage or near a soft surface like a bed or sofa. A good way to distract a hamster while handling it is to give it a treat or piece of food.

Hamsters may also jump out of your hands if you’ve interrupted them while they’re eating or grooming. They simply want to get back to whatever they were doing.

Hamsters Can Also Randomly Jump in Their Cage

Smaller, more active hamsters like Roborovski or Campbell’s hamsters are known for their agility and energy. They might jump around their cage more often, sometimes with no clear purpose or trigger. Even my Teddy has done random jumps or backflips without a clear reason. Sometimes, these jumps are just a way to expend excess energy.

Hamsters Will Fall or Jump from Heights

Unfortunately, hamsters are poor judges of heights due to their limited vision. They are curious creatures who want to explore everything, which can sometimes lead to dangerous jumps. If your cage has multiple levels, ensure that the height of the fall does not exceed 25 cm (10 inches). This is the average height a hamster can safely land from without injury.

Making Sure Your Hamster Doesn’t Hurt Itself if It Jumps

Here are some tips to help prevent your hamster from hurting itself if it decides to jump:

Give the Hamster Plenty of Bedding to Fall On

Providing a thick layer of bedding across all levels of the cage will help cushion any falls. This is especially important if you have a multi-level cage.

Overlapping Levels in a Cage

If you have a multi-level cage, ensure that the levels overlap sufficiently to prevent long falls. This will reduce the risk of injury if your hamster decides to jump from one level to another.

Don’t Give the Hamster Very Tall Toys

Avoid giving your hamster tall toys that could lead to falls. While a running wheel is necessary and usually safe, other tall structures like digging towers or hideout complexes should be limited to 25 cm (10 inches) in height.

Opt for Wood-Based Toys

Wooden toys are a safer option than hard plastic or metal ones. They are safer to chew on and provide a gentler surface if the hamster falls on them.

Cover the Sides of the Levels in the Cage

If your cage has multiple levels that don’t overlap completely, consider adding a fence or barrier to prevent the hamster from falling off the edge. Popsicle sticks can be used to create a safe barrier, just make sure they are securely attached and out of the hamster’s reach.

A Few Precautions for Jumping Hamsters

When handling your hamster, always be close to their cage or a soft surface. If you use a tank for your hamster, ensure the sides are tall enough to prevent them from jumping out. Covering the tank with a wire mesh is also a good idea to prevent escapes.

Pay attention to your hamster’s behavior. If they start to move faster, twitch their nose and whiskers more, or look like they’re trying to move out of your hand, it’s time to put them back in their cage.

Conclusion

I hope this information helps you understand why hamsters jump and how to keep them safe. While they don’t jump often, it’s important to be prepared and ensure their environment is as safe as possible.