Syrian hamsters are fluffy and adorable. They are the biggest hamster species and are the easiest to handle. They are not as active as other smaller pet hamsters but are still high-energy animals.
Syrian hamsters can jump as high as 15 inches (38.1 cm). Syrian hamsters will jump when they are scared and might even jump out of your hands. They will also jump from platforms in their cage and onto anything they want to explore.
Syrian hamsters are fascinating little creatures, so if you want to learn more about why they jump, read on!
How High Can Syrian Hamsters Jump?
Syrian hamsters can jump 15 inches (38.1 cm) high and can reach about the same distance in a vertical jump.
This may not sound very high, but when considering their size, it is really impressive. This height is also from a standing position; they might jump slightly higher when they take a running start.
Why Do Syrian Hamsters Jump?
Hamsters jump from excitement or when they have excess energy that they need to burn. Hamsters are curious creatures and will jump from platforms and onto things when exploring. They will also jump if they are scared and trying to escape.
There are many reasons why Syrian hamsters jump. Sometimes it is easy to figure out the reason why. Other times it will look like there is no reason at all.
Hamsters are curious and have a lot of energy. They need to expel their energy, and if you do not provide them with a big enough cage or enough accessories to keep them busy, they will look for other ways to get rid of their energy, which includes jumping.
If your hamster is jumping while in its cage, it could be that he is simply playing and exploring, but it can also be that he is trying to escape or get rid of energy.
Make sure to add a variety of accessories to your hamster’s cage, which include:
- Running wheel
- Tunnels
- Ramps
- Seesaw
- Hammock
- Swing
When you take your hamster out of its cage, it might also try to jump out of your hands if you have not tamed him properly. Hamsters are prey animals and scare easily. If your hamster is scared or uncomfortable when you are holding him, he might jump out of your hands to get away.
How To Stop Your Syrian Hamster From Jumping
It is dangerous for hamsters to jump out of your hands or from high platforms. They can get hurt or escape.
To stop your hamster from jumping, you must ensure that they have enough toys and accessories in their cage to keep them busy. You must also tame and train your hamster so that he bonds with you.
Here is a fun and informative YouTube video showing how to set up an enriching hamster enclosure to ensure your pet has more than enough things to keep them busy:
You should put a thick layer of bedding in its cage to ensure your hamster doesn’t get hurt when jumping. If the enclosure has platforms, there should be at most 12 inches (30 cm) between them.
Final Thoughts
Syrian hamsters jump for various reasons, so it is essential to ensure that all of your furry little friend’s needs are met.
Give your hamster a variety of toys and accessories to play with and explore so that he can burn all of his energy. Also, make sure to tame your hamster so that he doesn’t feel scared when you handle him.
If your hamster is tame and has enough ways to get rid of excess energy, he will jump less and be much safer.