Hamsters are commonly kept in cages far too small for their welfare needs, with pet industry recommendations dramatically underestimating space requirements.
Most commercially sold hamster cages are far too small to meet hamster welfare needs. Hamsters in inadequate enclosures develop stereotypic behaviors that indicate significant stress and frustration. The persistent gap between pet industry standards and scientific welfare requirements means most pet hamsters are chronically stressed. Providing adequately large enclosures with deep bedding for burrowing dramatically improves hamster welfare.