Characteristics and Behaviors of Hamsters

Characteristics and Behaviors of Hamsters

Most wild hamsters are active during dusk time and night and need plenty of space to play at night time. Some of them can easily run up to 5 miles during this time. When hamsters are kept as pets, they maintain this natural routine.

 

They Wake up at Night

Their waking hours take up the nighttime, whether in the wild or in captivity, which means that they are awake during the night. They prefer to be undisturbed, so wild hamsters will avoid other wildlife and people during this time. Any unwarranted disturbance in their sleep could very well lead to a bite from these tiny rodents.

They survive best in rooms where the lights are not kept on till very late. In the wild, many hamsters dig burrows, and several others are solitary creatures, which is why they need plenty of areas to conceal themselves. Wild hamsters hibernate during the cold weather months. These rodents get up during their hibernation periods only to eat occasionally.

It is said that hamsters should never be put in a cage with other hamsters as they can bite and harm it and, in some cases, even kill them. So make sure to separate hamsters and prepare them a large hamster cage. The only time that these animals are especially friendly towards other hamsters is when they are young (i.e., under three months old). They will even eat their young if they so desire.

Baby hamsters will grow up to hibernate as adults. One way they protect themselves during hibernation is by building tunnels with lots of doors in case an enemy decides to break in. They can quickly avoid the predator by exiting through one of the many doors they’ve made.

Hibernation can last anywhere from one day to an entire week. Hamsters hoard food, which comes in handy for the day-long naps these little creatures like to take.

baby hamster

Nocturnal Animal

Hamsters are a common nocturnal animal. They will curl up in their cages to rest during the day and will not come out of their cages until night. In order to prevent the hamster from being too noisy at night, a silent running wheel can be placed in the cage to let it play. It can also be accompanied by playing more during the day to consume physical strength. When the hamster feels tired at night, it will take the initiative to rest.

 

Strong Territorial Awareness

Hamsters have strong territorial awareness and are generally recommended to be kept in separate cages. If multiple hamsters are mixed together, they are prone to fights and injuries. In addition, hamsters have the strong reproductive ability. If they are not kept in separate cages, they can often breed a litter of rat cubs for a period of time. It is generally recommended that male hamsters and female hamsters be housed together in the breeding season.

Hamsters are small in size and rich in coat color. Common ones are white, gray, yellow, and flower colors. They are round in shape and have small tails. Compared with other mice, the hamster's tail is short and refined. The hamster's eyes are small, like small black sesame, and cannot distinguish the objects in front of them very well. Mainly rely on smell and hearing to distinguish things.

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