Hamsters are small, sprightly creatures that make popular pets.
They are relatively easy to care for and can provide hours of entertainment as they scurry around their cages.
However, hamsters can also be escape artists, and it is not uncommon for them to try to find a way out of their homes.
Remember hamsters are curious by nature and love to wander and explore their surroundings.
Definitively, there are several reasons why hamsters may try to escape. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons and what you can do to prevent your hamster from doing it.
Why is my hamster trying to escape?
It could be because he’s bored and wants to explore. Or, he could be feeling stressed and looking for a way to get away from whatever is causing him anxiety. It’s also possible that he smells something interesting outside of his cage and wants to check it out.
If your hamster is bored, try adding new toys and enrichment items to his cage.
Things like tunnels, climbing structures, and hiding places will give him something to do and help fulfill his natural instincts.
You should also make sure he has plenty of food and water available at all times. If your hamster is feeling stressed, try to identify the source of his anxiety and remove it if possible.
If you can’t remove the source of stress, you can try using calming products like scented oils or lavender-scented bedding to help your hamster relax.
Your hamster might be trying to escape because he feels scared. If you have been handling him roughly or if there is been a lot of noise near his cage, he might be trying to get away from that source.
Lastly, if your hamster smells something interesting outside of his cage, try giving him a treat or toy that has the same scent. This will help satisfy his curiosity without putting him in danger.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to figure out what’s driving your hamster’s escape attempts so you can address the issue and keep him safe.
Behavioral handling
If you think your hamster is trying to escape, there are a few things you can do to help them.
First, try to figure out why they’re trying to escape. If they’re bored, try adding some new toys or more food to their cage. If they don’t have enough space, you might need to get a bigger cage. If they’re stressed, try to make their environment more relaxed. This could mean adding a hiding place or some new bedding.
If you think your hamster is trying to escape because its cage is too small, upgrade to a larger one. And if your hamster doesn’t like being handled, try handling them less often and in a way that’s less stressful for them.
Make sure to include adding new toys and accessories to the cage, as well as increasing the amount of time you spend playing with your pet.
It is also important to handle your hamster frequently so that it becomes accustomed to human contact. Hamsters are social creatures and need interaction with their owners.
Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day playing with your hamster. This will not only help keep him from escaping, but it will also deepen the bond between you and your pet.
During your playing time with your hamster offer him a variety of treats and explore his cage together.
But, when you are playing together, make sure to handle your hamster gently and keep his cage in a quiet place avoiding loud noises that could scare him.
If you really don’t have time to play with your hamster he may be filling lonely. In that case, the best solution is to get him a friend.
By taking these steps, you can help your hamster feel content and safe in its home, reducing the likelihood of an escape attempt.
Even following these pieces of advice If your hamster is still trying to escape, you might need to take them to the vet.
Your hamster could be sick or have an injury that’s causing him pain. A vet can help figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.
Cage recommendations
Check his cage to make sure that it’s secure. There should be no gaps or holes that your hamster could squeeze through.
A wire mesh top will help to keep your hamster from climbing out, and carefully placing the cage in a secure location will make it more difficult for your hamster to escape.
You may also want to put a layer of heavy tape over the top of the cage to make it even more difficult for your hamster to get out.
Finally, you can try putting your hamster’s food in a treat ball so they have to work for their food.
And also try to provide a hiding place for your hamster to sleep and relax. A cozy bed or tunnel will help him to feel safe and secure.
If you follow these guidelines, your hamster should be happy and content in his cage. But if he still tries to escape don’t worry. It’s just his nature.
Final thoughts
So why is my hamster trying to escape? There could be a few reasons.
One possibility is that they’re just curious and want to explore their surroundings.
Another is that they’re looking for food or water. If your hamster’s cage is too small, they might also be trying to find more space.
Finally, some hamsters simply don’t like being handled and will try to escape if they’re picked up. You can also try handling them more often, so they get used to being held.
The type of cage you use can also impact your hamster’s behavior.
With a little patience and trial and error, you should be able to figure out why your hamster is trying to escape – and how to stop it.
