Hamsters are highly active animals with large home ranges in the wild whose welfare needs are chronically underestimated in typical pet-keeping conditions.
Hamster welfare suffers from the same misunderstanding that affects many small pet species. The idea that hamsters are simple, low-maintenance pets that thrive in small plastic cages is fundamentally incorrect. Wild hamsters are solitary, highly active animals with enormous ranges. The deprivation of small cages causes chronic stress that has been documented in research on stereotypic bar-chewing and wheel-running behavior. Providing adequate space, appropriate exercise wheels, and enrichment including burrowing opportunities can dramatically improve welfare for these animals. Germany has set minimum cage size standards for hamsters that far exceed what is sold in most pet stores elsewhere.