When you first bring your Syrian hamster home, you might be under the impression that this tiny fur ball cannot do much. After all, they are fairly small and cannot run around like a rat or mouse. However, these little guys are resourceful and will find ways to explore their environment in the least expected places.
Syrian hamsters are known to be good climbers. They can climb stairs, up and down vertical surfaces, and even across horizontal surfaces. Syrian hamsters also have a strong grip, which allows them to hang on to things tightly.
The rest of the article will answer your questions about how Syrian hamsters climb and what you can do to prevent them from getting into areas they shouldn’t be in.
Can Syrian Hamsters Climb Stairs?
Syrian hamsters are small, cute, and very popular pets. They are usually very docile and easy to manage. However, they may still pose some challenges to new owners.
Hamsters are actually very active and love to climb. They are constantly looking for something to explore and run on, including the walls and furniture in your home. Syrian hamsters, a common type of hamster, can climb stairs both going up and coming down.
Hamsters use their front paws to grip and climb surfaces. The pinch strength that these paws provide is strong enough to counteract the weight of a hamster, but it requires a surface with a fair amount of friction for the hamster to get a grip. Carpeting provides just enough friction for them to climb easily, whereas tiled floors do not.
Can Syrian Hamsters Climb Vertical Tubes?
Syrian hamsters can climb vertical tubes. They will climb up and down the sides all day long with no problem. If you want to give your hamster some extra climbing space, don’t be afraid to buy them a hamster tube.
Like other pets, they eagerly explore new things in their habitat. They may not think it’s worth their time at first, but once they get over the novelty of the new climbing apparatus, they will be right back at it in no time.
I recommend the Kaytee CritterTail Expansion Kit 1 from Amazon. This set includes tubes, elbows, and connectors to expand your hamster, gerbil, or mouse habitat. The CritterTrail Funnels are the perfect way to expand your CritterTrail home and make it fun for your furry friend to use while exploring their new surroundings.
Other things that Syrian hamsters can climb include:
Can Syrian Hamsters Climb Ladders?
Syrian hamsters are well known for their agility and ability to climb, but is a toy ladder something they can handle? The answer is yes.
Syrian hamsters are very agile and climb with ease. Their long claws and strong hind legs make it easy for them to scale the plastic rungs of a toy ladder. If your hamster is using their claws to climb, it’s surely something it can do.
It’s important to note that even though they can climb, that doesn’t mean you should always leave your hamster unsupervised around your house. Hamsters love to explore, which means they can escape their cage when left alone. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on them at all times so you can stop them if they are getting into trouble or going where they shouldn’t be.
Want to give your hamster or mouse more space and fun? The Niteangel Suspension Bridge from Amazon is the perfect toy for them to climb, play, and explore. This cage accessory consists of three levels of climbing surfaces made from hardwood sticks strung together with flexible metal wires. You can add or remove any of the levels based on your pet’s preference.
Why Syrian Hamsters Climb Their Cages
While it may initially seem like a nuisance, Syrian hamsters benefit from climbing. Syrian hamsters climb their cages because:
- It helps them to build their muscles and exercise their limbs.
- Staying in a small cage can be stressful for a Syrian hamster. Climbing can relieve some of the anxiety that comes with being confined.
However, hamsters should not be allowed to climb on furniture or other items in the home. It could lead to injury or even death if they fall off and cannot get back up. One of the biggest reasons Syrian hamsters climb is for exercise. Since they do not have fur coats like other mammals, they must stay warm inside and out.
When they climb, they keep warm by circulating their blood and using up extra energy. They also use their claws to dig in when they feel the ground is too hard to climb.
Solutions To Prevent Climbing
Climbing is a natural behavior for hamsters and can be enjoyable for them. However, if your hamster is climbing the cage to escape, it can be dangerous for your pet and home. To stop your hamster from climbing the cage, consider the following tips:
- Add more vertical space. Hamsters like to climb, so adding more vertical space to their cage will give them something to do and help discourage them from trying to escape.
- Provide plenty of toys and enrichment. Bored hamsters are more likely to try to escape, so make sure their cage is stimulating and has plenty of things for them to do.
- Make sure the cage is secure. If your hamster is escaping because the cage is not secure, fix any gaps or holes.
- Talk to your vet. If your hamster is climbing the cage excessively or showing other signs of stress, talk to your vet to see if there is a medical reason for their behavior.
Final Words
Your hamster may be able to climb, but this doesn’t mean you have to let them. With a few adjustments to their cage, you can try to keep them from climbing the wrong places. Hamsters are excellent climbers and make use of every space they can find. If you provide them with the right climbing structures, you can help them stay safe and happy inside their cage.