Hamsters are nocturnal animals whose welfare is frequently compromised by inappropriate handling times, insufficient cage sizes, and misunderstanding of their natural behavioral needs.
Hamster welfare is routinely compromised by purchases based on cage size and handling frequency that suit human convenience rather than hamster needs. The typical starter cage sold in pet shops is far below recommended minimum sizes. Small cages without deep burrowing substrate deprive hamsters of natural behavior they are strongly motivated to perform. Waking hamsters during the day for handling causes stress. Providing an appropriately large, enriched enclosure with deep bedding and running wheel, and limiting handling to appropriate evening and early morning periods, dramatically improves individual hamster welfare.