Why is My Hamster Always Trying to Escape?
One of the biggest problems a hamster owner will face at some point in their journey is when their precious critter tries to escape its cage. This challenge is no longer new to us as it has happened more than a few times to most people. But why will our favorite critters want to escape their cages so badly? Is there a way to prevent this from happening? Continue reading below to know more!
Your hamster may have some comfort issues.
The number one reason why your pet hamster tries to escape is that it may not find its home comfortable to live in. Remember this: hamsters are happier in larger cages. A vast space can enable your hamster to live its everyday life with ease, and you'll have more room for all your hamster accessories and toys. An incredible hack is to connect two or three cages through hamster tunnels, which would emulate a natural setting for your hamster. In reality, hamsters tend to travel in different places, and connected cages will be your best substitute!
The current cage may seem too small for it to roam around, or your hamster might feel threatened and continuously disturbed by kids or other pets in the house. Remember that these creatures are pretty sensitive, so they value their personal space very much.
Your hamster might be bored.
Hamsters are highly agile animals, so they need to keep moving to prevent themselves from getting bored. If your hamster starts chewing the bars of his cage, this will be a bad indicator that your pet needs to release its unused stored energy. Usually, boredom makes your hamster super hyperactive at one point, or it can sleep all day and night instead. Hamsters also want to sharpen their incisors from time to time, so make sure to keep some clean wood or hamster chew toys to keep them stimulated. Remember that chewing the cage bars may pose an escape risk for your hamster, especially when it wants to go on an adventure outside.
It is also beneficial to note that boredom is not always the sole reason your hamster attempts to escape its cage. Sometimes, it just wants to satisfy its urge to explore. Hamsters are curious and intelligent animals, so it is only natural to explore their surroundings whenever they get the chance. If you set up regular playing schedules with your hamster, it will be less frustrating for them, and you'll be able to increase your owner-pet connection.
Consider doing the outdoor option.
If you have done everything to keep your hamster stimulated and energized but nothing seems to be working, then it's time to think of other ways to keep your hamster happy. Sometimes the best idea is to let your hamster out: of course, with your supervision. Remember that anyone who is staying 100% inside their "home" can quickly get bored, too, no matter how good their home looks. Your pet needs fresh air. Ensure that the roaming grounds in your area are a safe and confined environment where the hamster could play freely. You can use your room or build a playpen for the hamster; it's your choice. Observe him closely and keep an eye for potential accidents such as wires and other dangers.
Your hamster might be stressed.
Your hamster might be stressed living inside your house. This could be for a variety of reasons. For example, your hamster might be afraid of some of your pets in the house. Maybe your cat or dog is always disturbing your hamster, causing it to get easily scared. Remember that hamsters are delicate and fragile creatures, so they won't like it if they are being disturbed every day.
Hamsters are also extremely sensitive to sound. If you place its cage in a deafening room, you will stress your hamster too much it would want to leave. Even a TV turned on, or loud music can scare your hamster off. Put your hamster in a good and positive environment to feel safe and comfortable. A quiet and peaceful place will soon enough lessen your hamster's urges to escape.
Always handle with care.
Improper handling may scare off your hamster too. When these animals are cared for and handled by humans, they get quickly uncomfortable because of their fragile bodies. To minimize the risk of your hamster getting hurt or scared, make sure that you allow it to get comfortable first before you attempt to handle it. Do not immediately grab it. Instead, allow it to get familiar with you first. If your kids want a pet hamster, instruct them to be very careful and teach them how to handle the critter well. Get into training sessions so your kids will learn how to care for these precious creatures appropriately. Just like any other animal, they need to see first if you are a harmless person, so be careful about how you interact with them moving forward.
In Conclusion
There may be a lot of reasons why hamsters try their best to escape from their cages. But one thing is for sure: as responsible pet owners, it is our job to get through the root of our pet's problem and do our best to solve it. If we can make our hamsters happy and healthy at home, it will surely bring us joy as well. Caring for a hamster the right way will make a huge difference and will make our time together more enjoyable.