Bunnies and hamsters are so cute and cuddly that pet owners have difficulty deciding which one to get. Many play with the idea of taking home both animals to keep as companions. This brings us to the question, do bunnies and hamsters get along?
Bunnies and hamsters do not get along when caged together. They have completely different socialization habits, vast size differences, and are overly territorial. They also communicate differently and display personalities and traits that compete with each other.
These differences make bunnies and hamsters incompatible, especially as cagemates. This article will explain why bunnies and hamsters do not get along by revealing the main differences between the two species.
Why Bunnies and Hamsters Do Not Get Along
They Have Different Activity Levels
Both bunnies and hamsters can be active. However, your hamster can never match the energy levels of a bunny. Bunnies can run around all day and not feel tired or become bored. Meanwhile, hamsters are active and will run for a bit, but they would eventually cozy up in a corner, relaxing. Additionally, bunnies are faster than hamsters, and the practically unending racing around will lead to a stressful hamster.
Bunnies will require multiple hours of playtime per day if they can’t freely roam. In contrast, hamsters do not need as much physical activity; however, they still benefit from being given ample playtime every day to stay healthy and happy.
Bunnies are active mainly during the day, but a hamster will prefer to do most of its moving around at night, as it is a nocturnal animal. Activity levels and time of the activity will compete against each other if these clumps of fur live together.
The Size Difference Between Bunnies and Hamsters Is Significant
Bunnies and hamsters are prey animals. This trait makes them docile, timid creatures, consistently afraid of anything bigger or faster than them.
Although bunnies have this innate fear and behave skittishly at the slightest sound or fast-moving object, hamsters are much worse. The most oversized hamster is still smaller than the tiniest bunny.
This size difference causes a hamster to live in constant fear for its life if caged with a bunny. The hamster will always be on guard, thinking it’s in endless danger being in such proximity to another animal so much bigger than them. If a bunny lands accidentally on a hamster, serious injury could result.
They Have Different Personalities
Bunnies are social creatures living in colonies when not in captivity. They tend to approach each other and request general conversation and cuddling. They love attention so much that they would assert their dominance to be groomed or fed. Without this attention, bunnies display signs of depression.
Even though bunnies are not naturally aggressive, they will still react to feeling threatened. Bunnies will bite or kick after providing warning signs. However, if the other species is not a bunny, the signals might confuse them.
Alternatively, hamsters are solitary by nature. They enjoy and prefer their own space, always shying away from interacting with other animals. A bunny may try to interact or make contact with its hamster cagemate, which will stress the hamster. Hamsters are more territorial than bunnies and might attack the bunny if boundaries are crossed.
They Don’t Have the Same Diet
Typically, in the wild, both bunnies and hamsters eat vegetables, fruits, grass, and other plants. This is the main diet for bunnies as they are herbivores. They love to munch on hay and would eat it every day. Hamsters use hay as bedding, which would result in a conflict between the two species.
Also, hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat a greater range of foods than bunnies. They require protein and need it to stay healthy. In the wild, they are prone to eating things like lizards, insects, and even other rodents.
Bunnies that get into hamsters’ food could become sick from eating things that are not vegetation.
Both pets are fond of treats, such as pellets, which would be an appreciated addition to their daily supplements.
The following table summarizes the comparison between bunnies and hamsters:
| Characteristic | Bunny | Hamster |
| Average Weight | Between 1 to 4 pounds (454 grams to 1.81 kilograms) | Between 0.5 to 10.5 ounces (14 to 298 grams) |
| Eating Classification | Herbivore – plants only | Omnivores – plants & meat |
| Active | Diurnal – most active during the day | Nocturnal – most active during the night |
| Personality | Social with hierarchy | Solitary and territorial |
| Species | Small mammal | Rodent |
Take Away
Bunnies and hamsters will not get along as cagemates. Although bunnies are social animals and probably would not mind a cagemate, hamsters, on the other hand, will struggle. They would become stressed by the constant invasion of their space or territory.
Even though bunnies and hamsters appear similar in looks, they are completely different species. Their differences include:
- Activity levels
- Size
- Personality traits
- Food preferences
- Social needs