Hamsters are popular pets but their welfare is frequently compromised by inappropriate housing and handling. Understanding their natural behaviors helps provide much better care.
The conventional hamster cage sold in pet shops is grossly inadequate for these animals. Wheels under 25 cm diameter cause spinal injury from running with a curved back. Lack of burrowing substrate prevents natural sleep behavior and causes chronic stress. Wire floors injure feet. Barred cages allow escape attempts that injure faces. Solid-floor tanks with deep substrate, large wheels, and multiple hides significantly improve welfare outcomes. Hamsters given choice consistently prefer solitary housing as adults.