Why Do Hamsters Try to Escape?

Hamsters escaping is never good news. The best way to prevent your hamster from escaping is to understand why they try to escape in the first place. This was something I had to figure out with my hamster, and the insights I gained can help you too. These tips apply to all types of hamsters, with slight variations depending on the breed.

Why Does Your Hamster Try to Escape?

Some hamsters easily adapt to their home, while others do not. Generally, hamsters try to escape when they don’t feel comfortable in their environment. This discomfort can stem from feeling threatened, lacking enough space, or being constantly disturbed by children or other pets.

Hamsters are quiet creatures that are easily scared, so it’s crucial to ensure they feel safe in their home. If you have other pets, it’s best to keep them away from the hamster's space, possibly by placing the hamster’s cage in a separate room. If children are involved, it’s important to teach them to respect the hamster’s need for space and rest.

Hamsters Are Very Curious and Want to Explore

Despite being shy and easily scared, hamsters are also naturally curious. They want to explore their surroundings and are interested in everything that goes on around them. You might notice your hamster climbing the cage walls or chewing on the bars, which can be signs of frustration at not being able to explore outside the cage.

To satisfy your hamster’s curiosity, make sure to give them plenty of attention and mental stimulation. For instance, if you’re preparing food in the kitchen, you can offer a small piece to your hamster to distract them. When my hamster is curious about my evening tea, I let him sniff the mug, and once he realizes it’s not interesting, he moves on to something else.

If your hamster is focused on something outside the cage, try moving the distraction or the cage itself to reduce their urge to escape.

Hamsters Are Very Active and Need Stimulation

Sometimes it might seem like your hamster is trying to escape, but they’re just being active. Hamsters live fast-paced lives, constantly running, climbing, and chewing. It’s important to provide them with enough toys and activities to keep them entertained.

Ensure your hamster has plenty of toys, such as bendy bridges, tubes, and hiding places. Most importantly, make sure your hamster has a good exercise wheel. For Syrian hamsters, a wheel with a diameter of at least 9 inches (23 cm) is recommended. Smaller breeds like Siberians can use wheels that are 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) in diameter, though a larger wheel is better to prevent back injuries.

An exercise ball is also a great way for your hamster to explore outside the cage. However, make sure to keep the ball away from other pets and supervise your hamster during playtime.

Hamsters Need More Space Than You Might Think

The cage your hamster lives in needs to be spacious enough for them to move around comfortably. The minimum recommended size for a Syrian hamster’s cage is 24 inches by 12 inches (61 cm by 30.5 cm), but it’s better to provide more space if possible. Smaller breeds can manage in smaller cages, but it’s always a good idea to provide more room than the minimum requirement.

Many commercially available cages are too small for Syrian hamsters, and the accessories that come with them are often inadequate. Larger cages designed for ferrets, chinchillas, or guinea pigs can be suitable, but be mindful of the spacing between the bars, as hamsters can squeeze through gaps if they’re too wide.

A wide, low cage is generally better for hamsters than a tall, multi-level one, though they can enjoy levels as well. The space between the bars should be no more than 0.4 inches (1 cm) for Syrian hamsters, and even less for smaller breeds. For smaller hamsters, a glass tank with a wire mesh top may be the safest option.

A Scared Hamster Will Try to Escape

If something is consistently scaring or bothering your hamster, they will try to escape. In this case, factors like cage size, temperature, or food quality might not matter. It’s important to observe your hamster and identify what is causing them stress. It could be anything from other pets, children, loud noises, or even your presence.

If your hamster is scared of you, you’ll need to work on building trust. Let your hamster get used to your scent by placing your hand in the cage with a treat. Over time, they will become more comfortable with your presence. Talk to your hamster in a calm, friendly tone to help them feel safe.

Conclusion: A Word from Your Hamster

Understanding why hamsters try to escape is key to helping them live a better life with you. While hamsters are naturally curious and energetic, a well-exercised and happy hamster is less likely to try and escape. By providing a comfortable environment, plenty of space, and lots of love, you can keep your hamster content and safe.

If you want to learn more about hamster care, including why they throw their poop around or the best way to feed them, explore the articles below. You’ll find plenty of useful information to ensure your hamster lives a happy and healthy life!