Domesticated hamsters are kept in cages to prevent them from escaping but getting some occasional timeout can be refreshing and healthy. Many of us agree that these pet rodents should be allowed to take breathers from their cages but how often should that happen?
This article provides answers to the question “how often should a hamster be out of its cage?” and reveals the best practices to ensure pet rodents enjoy their time out. We also look at the benefits and some potential problems that may pop up when hamsters are let out of their cages. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How Often Should a Hamster Be out of its Cage?
Hamsters should be allowed some time out of their cages daily. It can be as quick as handling and petting them for 10 minutes to letting them roam around in an enclosed space or run in exercise balls for 15 minutes. Hamsters that spend more time out of their cages are typically healthier and happier.
What Can Hamsters Do When Out of Their Cage?
There are several timeout options for hamsters when they get tired of their cages and a few are discussed below.
Handling and Petting
When you live an action-packed life, handling and petting your pet hamsters for 10 minutes at night when they wake up could be a great idea for them to begin the day since they’re crepuscular beings that are more active from dusk to dawn.
Make sure the hamster is fully awake and not disoriented before handling it to prevent aggressive fightback by biting your hand.
Roaming in an Enclosed Room or Area
Hamsters may be allowed to roam in an enclosed area for 30 minutes to an hour when they need to take a breather from their cages. Be careful not to place them in rooms with potential escape routes as that can increase the risks of getting lost.
Running In A Ball
This is one of the safest ways hamsters can enjoy some timeout from their cages with minimal risks of escape. The running balls also keep them physically active to prevent boredom. Unfortunately, there are times when they may refuse to run and stay curled up in the balls instead.
When Letting Out a Hamster is a Bad Idea
Hamsters need some time out of their cages to maintain their sanity among other health benefits. But there are situations when letting them out can pose more risks than benefits and here are a few.
Sickness or Injury
Physically handling a sick or injured hamster can be a bad idea for many reasons. Some health conditions may be highly infectious and letting them out increases the risks of infecting other hamsters or pets in the house.
The last thing a sick or physically injured hamster in significant pain needs is physical contact with humans. They’re better off being left alone to recuperate because human touch can escalate their discomfort.
Electrical Outlets
Hamsters can be troublesome when let out of their cages and may try to chew everything they come into physical contact with. We recommend covering all naked electrical outlets with childproof covers in the enclosed areas of placement to prevent your pet rodents from trying to chew and getting electrocuted. (Source)
Escape Routes
Dwarf hamsters are some of the tiniest breeds on the planet and underestimating their ability to squeeze through the tightest of spaces during escapes can be a mistake. Always double-check any enclosed areas for potential escape routes including opened doors and windows prior to putting your hamsters there.
This may prevent them from running into potential accidents that could turn fatal. Even the stress of having to search for your missing furry friends cannot be taken lightly.
Other Pets
If you raise other pets at home, there’s no point letting out your hamsters from their cages unless you have a foolproof method to keep them out of the little guys’ way. Larger pets like dogs and cats may view hamsters as prey that need to be hunted, attacked, and eaten.
Keeping your hamsters out of their reach can be lifesaving.
Leftover Food
Not all human foods are healthy for hamsters but they do not know that. Getting your pocket rodents out of their cages and putting them in enclosed areas where they may be exposed to leftover human food could put their lives in real danger.
They could end up consuming foods that are healthy for humans but potentially toxic for them such as milk chocolate, seaweed, and grape tomatoes. The results can be devastating and may even turn fatal when early treatment is not sought.
Sharp Objects
Hamsters can suffer significant cuts and injuries from physical contact with many objects. Sharp knives, broken glass, and hot irons are a few items that you want your pet rodents protected from at all costs.
It makes little sense to place them in areas where they may come into contact with such potentially deadly household items. Landing on a sharp object after an accidental slip could also result in your little guy losing his life.
Best Practices for Letting Hamsters Out of Their Cages
Letting hamsters get out of their cages can be a great idea but shouldn’t be at the expense of their health and safety. Here are a few precautions to take before allowing some timeout.
Carefully Let the Hamster Out of the Cage
The first step to ensuring your furball’s safety is to carefully let him out of the cage. They’re pacy little creatures that can run quickly when they manage to escape from your hands.
Be sure to get a good grip before leaving the cage and be prepared to hold onto your hamster even when he bites or nibbles your hand during transit to the enclosed space reserved for them. The shocking bite may force you to release your grip leading to a potential escape or even an accidental fall.
Eliminate Escape Routes and Other Problems
All potential escape routes should be identified and sealed before removing the hamster from the cage. This includes not only doors and windows but seemingly tight spaces such as cracks in the walls. Failure to do this can lead to the pet rodent escaping when you least expect it.
Keep The Hamster Close
Always keep the hamster close by when out of the cage. If possible, place them in an enclosed area where you can get 360-degree views. Be careful not to get distracted during the period they spend in there so any potential problems may be thwarted before getting out of hand.
Keep Household Members in the Loop
Letting your hamster out of the cage without informing other members of the household can be a mistake. There’ll always be a risk of someone accidentally opening a door, window, or enclosure that needs to stay shut to prevent your hamster from escaping.
How To Contain Uncaged Animals
Giving hamsters some timeout from their cages can always be positive. But, that should not translate to letting them get a free run of the house. Here are a few tried and tested ways to keep pet rodents contained during their timeout.
Playpens
Creating a playpen for hamsters to roam can be a great idea when they’re out of their cages. This is especially recommended for those living in studios and other types of apartments where finding an enclosed area for them to play exclusively is not feasible.
Playpens may be created with stacks of books, plywood, or other solid barriers that cannot be easily breached by pocket rodents.
Enclosed Areas
Enclosed areas can be a great option for hamsters to spend their cage timeout periods. From abandoned rooms to basements, there may be tons of opportunities inside your home for them to take breathers from the confines of their cages.
Boxes
Boxes can also be a solid choice to contain uncaged hamsters. The boxes should be large enough to offer them room to run around and play without constraints. However, make sure any box used serves as a fortress that poses difficulties for the little guy to escape.
Signs That Your Hamster Needs Some Time Out of The Cage
Domesticated hamsters spend the majority of their time in cages and breeder tanks. There are periods when they get tired of those surroundings and require new environments. Here are a few signs that your pet rodent needs to be taken out of the cage for a breather.
Bar Climbing and Chewing
When hamsters keep climbing their cage wires day and night, it is time to get them out of them temporarily. Failure to do that can get the pet rodents so frustrated that they may begin chewing on the wires at the risk of suffering oral injuries.
The chewing can create holes that may need to be fixed to prevent your hamster from successful escapes.
Restlessness
Restlessness can be another cry for help when pet rodents get tired of being caged. They often pace up and down the cages, refusing to stay idle for even a minute. This may continue throughout their wake times and could even affect how much sleeping time they can get.
Loud Squeaks
Are your hamsters squeaking loudly and making other aggressive noises such as hissing? That could be a clue that they need a break from their cages for a bit.
Benefits of Letting Hamsters Out of Their Cages
The overall benefits of pet rodents getting uncaged for certain periods can be enormous. Here are the top reasons why hamsters need to be let out of their cages as much as possible.
Improves Socialization
Hamsters that spend time out of their cages are often more sociable. While you can still bond with them even when caged, physical contact takes things to the next level because they learn to trust you more.
Hamsters are some of the most paranoid pets out there because they’re common prey for larger animals. Being petted in your palms and spending more time playing together allows them to be vulnerable with you.
Happier Hamsters
Cages can seem like some sort of prison for hamsters because it is not a natural environment for them. They roam freely in the wild with no movement restrictions so being caged is something they never completely get used to.
Getting to spend more time out of their cages sets them in tune with their natural tendencies and stimulates more satisfaction with their lives.
Keeps Hamsters More Physically Active
Although many hamster cages are large enough to allow some physical activity, they don’t come close to the floor space of an enclosed room, for instance. Allowing hamsters out of their cages for even 30 minutes daily can improve their physical activity levels significantly.
Minimizes Cage Rage
Cage Rage is a psychological disorder that affects hamsters in enclosed cages with minimal floor space. Getting some time out of such enclosures allows them to “breathe” which minimizes the condition and resultant effects such as aggression.
Even when they love their cage setups, some time out can still be beneficial in many ways.
Opportunity to Clean Their Cages
Dirty cages can be fertile grounds for breeding bacteria, harmful bugs, fungus, and hamster mites. Letting hamsters spend some time out of their cages can present perfect opportunities for cleaning.
Replacement of bedding, removal of poop, and cleaning of food bowls are common tasks that can be undertaken. You may also use that period to rearrange cage toys, clean and refill water bottles, and undertake other vital activities.
How to Maximize the Hamster’s Pleasure During Times Out of the Cage
You should always seek to maximize your hammy’s benefits from periods spent out of their cages to improve their moods and enhance their overall well-being. Here are a few ways to achieve just that:
Playtoys
Always bring a handful of the hamster’s toys to any enclosed play areas created when you let him out of his cage. This can keep the little guy busy throughout the time spent outdoors and lead to maximum mental stimulation.
Treats
Offering healthy treats like fruits, seeds, nuts, and raw veggies during the hamster’s time out from the cage can be a great idea for strengthening your bond. Be careful not to offer too much to prevent tummy trouble and other potential side effects.
You
The timeout from the cage may be a solid opportunity to play with your hamster. From petting the top of his head and other pleasurable areas to whispering sweet nothings into the ears, never underestimate the power of bonding with pet rodents when they’re out of cages.
Hamster Doesn’t Want To Come Out of Its Cage- What Should I do?
If your hamster refuses to come out of its cage, it could be a sign of physical injury or illness. Hamsters may also resist taking breaks from their cages due to fear. This is especially common in new hamsters recently brought home.
Always investigate further to identify the underlying problem for a solution. Never force a hamster out of his cage for any reason.
Is it Cruel to Keep A Hamster In a Cage?
It is not cruel to keep domesticated hamsters in a cage as long as their needs are met and they’re allowed regular timeouts. The risks of allowing these guys to run amok at home can be extremely high so keeping them caged could be a better option.
Should I Hold My Hamster Every day?
Holding hamsters for 5-10 minutes daily can be a solid idea to strengthen your bond and help build trust. Apart from new hamsters that may be scared of your touch and require some time to get used to your scent, hamsters often love to be held. Just don’t overdo it though.
Should Hamsters Spend Some Time Outside the Home?
Letting hamsters out of the home could be a great way for them to enjoy some fresh air but is it even feasible? Well, the risks can be substantial. Imagine a hamster running into a nearby bush after accidentally losing your grip on him. The possibility of finding him again can be next to zero.
The only way out may involve getting a small bin cage you can carry outdoors during short walks in the neighborhood. But be sure the cage is completely locked to prevent the little guy from accidentally dropping or escaping.
Signs That Your Hamster Needs to Be Returned to The Cage
Everything comes to an end at a certain point and your hamster’s timeout from the cage should be no different. Here are a few clues that the little guy needs to be returned to his cage.
Exhaustion
Are your hamsters showing signs of exhaustion such as yawning, whining, or even dozing off in the temporary area? It is time to take them back to their cages and look forward to when you’ll get the chance to bring them out again.
Loud Noises
Hissing, squeaking, and other loud noises can be the hamster’s way of clamoring to be returned “home” to their cages. Picking up on this clue and putting them back into their cages promptly often leads to restoration of calm.
Clinginess
Signs of clinginess after some time out from their cages can be a sign that the little guy needs to be taken back quickly. This may include hiding in your palm and other actions that show that they’re beginning to like the time out of the cage a little too much.
Conclusion: How Often Should A Hamster Be Out of its Cage?
Hamsters should be let out of their cages daily in some form. This can include gently petting them for as short as 10 minutes and allowing them to run and play with various toys in an enclosed area for half an hour.
Always make sure hamsters are properly handled when taken out of their cages and maintain your grip even if they bite your hand until you reach the destination. This can minimize the risks of escapes and accidental falls.
Finally, make sure the safety of your hamster is made paramount during the time out by eliminating potential hazards such as naked electrical outlets, sharp objects, and potential escape routes.