A hamster is a relatively new addition to the human family. Unlike other animals, such as dogs and rodents outsize, you cannot put a hamster in a cage and let it go- it must be confined all the time!
This is due to its short legs and rounded body. This makes it more difficult to escape its enclosure and find food. If you tried socializing it, it would most likely die of starvation.
However, if you do not keep this specific animal in an enclosure, then what kind of exercise does it need?
Exercise is important for every animal, even if you think your hamster does not need any kind of exercise. Exercise is for building up strength and breaking down fat , which are crucial components of good health.
Understand the needs of a hamster
Most people think a hamster needs a lot of exercise, but that is not the right animal for you. A hamster can be our best exercise partner!
A hamster can get up to 26% of her day-to-day activities in exercise. This includes climbing trees, maneuvering in a Virginia Tech wheel, and otherwise moving around.
This is why hamsters are so popular as pets. They are easy to care for and enjoy being touched! Plus, they get some good news every week when you check their bathroom bowl. They’ve probably crapped a lot more than once a day for about six weeks!
So, how much does your pet need? The average daily needs range from 25-35 pounds (12-18 kilograms) of food and water. That amount of food and water makes about twenty cupfuls (18 liters).
Provide enough space for running around
A hamster can be thought of as a little running machine. This is why you see so many hamsters in clinics and hospitals with injuries or burns.
The average hamster needs about 1 to 2 feet (0.30 to 1 hand) of space every day to run around. This includes access to the water bowl, wheel, and bed. Some lucky hamsters even get a sunny window box!
That 2-foot-per-day rule also applies when the hamster gets out on her own. The space must allow her easy access to her wheel and safe place to relax.
If your hamster gets too much space, she may end up compressing herself against the walls or more intense structures due to stress, which can lead to some painful conditions such as arthritis or hip problems.
Too little space can lead to poor health conditions such as malnutrition or chronic pain.
Provide several obstacles for climbing on
A hamster will get its exercise by engaging in wheel or chased toy play, climbing, and/or chasing obstacle courses. All of these activities are good for getting your hamster moving as well as practicing their skills.
The best way to provide this is to have a number of large, sturdy wheels or toys available. Make sure they are all of the same age and built, as older wheels may not be as efficient in providing exercise for your hamster.
Make sure the obstacles are of a reasonable size and complexity for your hamster to navigate, like large hideaways or hollowed out objects. Don’t make the course too complex or time-consuming, otherwise your ham might quit out.
Give them a wheel or ball to run on
Most hamsters are not would prefer to walk than run. This is mostly because they are usually stuck in a corner or small space and need to be very efficient in getting where you want them.
A small wheel or ball can help give your hamster some fun and exercise. You can buy one from a store, or create one yourself!
The only rule for having a ball/wheel is that it must be kept dry. Any form of water will make it wetter for your hamster. Make sure to keep a water dish available so it does not go thirsty.
Offer fresh vegetables and fruits
Your hamster must have access to fresh vegetables and fruits. You do not need to worry about your hamster getting any diseases or fats in the food.
He must have plenty of space to run and for him to climb up the food. This is important because his sized small diet includes more vegetables and less fat.
Most hamsters are fond of greens, so you can start giving them some at a young age. If your hamster is old, you can try giving him some fresh fruits.
As we mentioned earlier, hamsters are sized little animals, so you should give your Hamster a larger cage or home size than what they are used to in the United States.
Offer grass for them to chew on
A hamster will need to exercise a lot more than a typical rodent. This is due to its small size and the fact that it needs to run around a little bit.
Since a hamster is so small, it needs to get in some exercise. Luckily, this tiny mouse can take advantage of this.
To make sure your hamster gets enough exercise, give it some grass to chew on. This is important for their health as it helps keep their gums and teeth healthy. You can also buy its own supply of greens at the pet store- either fresh or frozen, these are great treats.
Hamsters are usually social animals so if you have a fewfortside with you, they’ll get together and spend time walking around. To increase activity levels, try giving them a few hundred steps at a time.
Hamsters are very active animals and need lots of exercise
You would think that a little hamster would fit right into a hamster wheel but that is not the case. The reason your hamster needs so much exercise is because it is so active.
A hamster will spend most of its day in a wheel or on the floor doing chores. This is what you take him out to do as well, but he must be kept active to maintain his weight and health.
Hamsters are usually social animals so they will enjoy spending time in a cage or container. However, they can be tricky to manage so make sure you take care of him.
Limit their access to running space
A hamster should never be allowed to run. This is due to the fact that her running space needs to be cleared every day. This can be accomplished by placing a fence around their run and then letting them go!
Running is a fun way to exercise your hamster. He or she should get in a circle several times a day to enjoy this habit. You can even purchase little speed balls or mini track shoes for them to play on, or even cutouts in the floor of their enclosure so they can hop around.
Make sure you give it at least an hour of play time per day, or your hamster will probably get bored and stop for the day.
Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.
John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.
John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.
WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.
John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.
FollowJohn on her hamster blog to embark on an exciting Journey into the world of hamsters, where love, care, and happiness come together to create unforgettable experiences.
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