Like all other animals, hamsters deserve a happy and peaceful life. Unfortunately, poor or incorrect hamster care can have the animal unhappy.
Being on this page, we believe you are an excellent hamster owner that wants the best for your pet. And we won’t let you and your hamster down.
We have listed seven ways to make a hamster happy so that you can better the relationship you have with your little friend.
Let’s dive in!
1. Provide a Large Exercise Wheel
Hamsters are high-energy animals with bodies built to run. In the wild, hamsters can run up to six miles every night in search of food.
They may seem lazy and lethargic during the day, but this observation shouldn’t fool you; hamsters are nocturnal, which means they naturally sleep and get active at dawn and dusk.
Come sunset, and you’ll see the little pets scurrying around the cage full of energy. This is why a large wheel is essential in a hamster cage; to allow them to exercise and cover the distance they would in the wild.
2. Deep Bedding
Hamsters are natural burrowers skilled in digging through the substrate to make a network of intricate tunnels for protection, warmth, and sleep.
The tunnels are often made up of several chambers, each having a specific use. These include rooms for sleeping, excretion, and food storage.
Because hamsters love to burrow, it is prudent to allow them to express their natural mannerisms. Give your hamster at least six inches of safe bedding to dig and create burrows. The deeper the bedding, the better.
3. Let Them Hide
Hamsters are prey animals and draw much comfort from hiding in their burrows or any safe hiding spot. Hiding allows them to shelter when they are spooked or feel threatened.
Ensure your hamster’s cage has several hideouts to allow them alone time and make them feel safe when needed.
Remember not to disturb or enter into your hamster’s hideout, as it’s their safe space to rest. Having no place to take cover will make your little friends anxious, scared, and stressed.
4. A big Cage
With the hamster’s small size, many people might think the pet will only do with a few square inches of space. Well, that’s not the case because hamsters need plenty of room to exercise, burrow, and explore.
Be sure to provide your pet hamster with a large enough space to undertake all activities that satisfy and make her happy.
You can enrich the cage with stations such as a large wheel, substrates, and a sand bath.
One study on cage size revealed that keeping hamsters in small cages could cause various stress-related and health issues, including depression, obesity, and boredom.
5. Give a Soft Massage
Once your hamsters trust you and feel comfortable in your presence, you can make them happy as you bond with light, delicate strokes.
Although they are primarily solitary in the wild, hamsters can show and receive affection from their owners.
However, you ought to remember not all hamsters will take your affection warmly; some hammies don’t like being touched or held by people. If you bought a new pet hamster, give her some to get used to you and the surrounding.
6. Sand Baths
Another way to make your hamster happy is by providing them with a lovely sand bath. Apart from grooming themselves, sand baths are one of the ways hamsters can take a bath.
The hamsters will roll and shake in the sand so that all body parts are clean and odor free. Always ensure you are providing sand and not dust. Dust is too delicate and could bring about respiratory problems.
Hamsters are naturally clean animals, but it is advisable to provide a sand bath once every week. Keeping the sand bath in the cage throughout may lead to overuse which is dangerous to the hamster’s skin.
7. Yummy Treats
Yummy treats will always make your hamster happy. It is also a fantastic way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet hamster.
Once your hammy realizes you are providing such delicious food, they’ll love you for it. Nevertheless, remember that excess treats can harm the hamster’s health. The treats should only make up less than 10% of the overall diet.
Feed your hamster with treats such as bananas, pears, or apples once a week to prevent excess sugar intake.
Final Thoughts
Many hamster owners are unsure how to make them happy, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Luckily you found your way to this page.
The above article features seven ways to make a hamster happy. Understanding your pet’s needs before applying the methods is the best way to go about this endeavor.
Good luck!
