Because hamsters are rodents, it’s easy to think that our pet hammies can do the same things that rats and mice do. Dwarf hamsters look like mice, but can hamsters jump as mice do?
Dwarf hamsters can jump as it’s an activity they enjoy. In the wild, hamsters jump and climb to explore their surroundings and escape from predators. However, because they don’t have sharp phalanges and thick paw pads that rats do, dwarf hamsters can only jump short heights.
In this article, I’ll tell you how high a dwarf hamster can jump and how you can help them jump safely. I’ll also briefly explore the reasons why hamsters jump.
How High Can Dwarf Hamsters Jump?
Dwarf hamsters can jump up to 15 inches (38 cm). They can also safely fall from this height without getting hurt. However, any height over 15 inches (38 cm) is unsafe for dwarf hamsters, and they can break their delicate bones if they fall.
Due to their nocturnal nature, hamsters have poor eyesight and don’t rely heavily on their vision to navigate their surroundings. Instead, they rely on their other senses, like hearing, to help them find their way and get around.
A huge downside to this is that they cannot judge whether they can safely leap from a height. Their eyesight is so poor that they can’t clearly see beyond a few inches in front of them.
If you want some out-of-cage playtime with your hamster, make sure that you are present to supervise and direct them away from places where they might injure themselves. Due to their small size, they easily get hurt in unsafe landings.
Reasons Why Hamsters Jump
Hamsters jump for various reasons, but the primary reason is instinct. It is in their nature to enjoy jumping, climbing, and running around. They exhibit these behaviors because they love to explore and play or when they need to escape from harm.
Boredom
Like many domestic pets, hamsters need plenty of play and exercise. Without sufficient stimulation, they can feel bored and jump around in search of excitement. Hamsters that don’t have toys in their cage, for example, are bound to find their environment dull, especially if their cage is on the small side.
To help your hamster beat boredom, you can present it with some of the following playthings:
- A puzzle house or maze
- A hamster ball
- Wooden chew toys (excluding ones made from cedar or evergreen wood)
- Climbing blocks
- A sandbox
Too Much Handling
Hamsters don’t enjoy being handled, although they can become used to it with time and lots of patience on their owner’s part. A hamster who isn’t comfortable in its new home may jump from your hand when you try to pick it up, especially if your grip is a bit too tight.
The timing of when you pick your hamster up also matters. If you pick up a hamster that’s busy grooming or eating, chances are it will try to escape from your hand by jumping.
To avoid this, you must ensure that your hamster is relaxed and happy when you want to hold it. Also, try not to move your hamster when it is preoccupied with something.
Conclusion
Dwarf hamsters can jump as part of normal hamster behavior. Hamsters jump when they play or explore their surroundings, as they are intrinsically energetic critters. However, jumping can also signal that they are feeling uncomfortable, afraid, or have been interrupted.
To understand whether your hamster’s jumping is due to play or discomfort, try to observe their behavior closely and see what sets them off.