Hamsters are known to be little balls of energy. They are rarely ever still, which means you can see them chewing happily on a treat one moment and then find them jumping to reach the top of their cage the next. As Roborovski hamsters are a dwarf breed, how high can they jump?
Roborovski hamsters can jump up to 10 inches (25.4 cm). It’s normal for hamsters to jump when they are excited, scared, or bored. However, dwarf hamsters have poor vision and can’t accurately judge heights, so they often get injured from a fall.
Below, I will talk about jumping action in hamsters and briefly tell you how you can let your Roborovski hamster jump safely. I will also tell you about the possible reasons why a Robo hamster jumps.
Can Roborovski Hamsters Jump?
It’s perfectly normal to see your Roborovski hamster jump, as they exhibit this behavior when playing or when they want a bit of exercise. All hamsters are born climbers and jumpers, but not every hamster jumps at the same height. As a dwarf breed, Roborovskis have smaller leg muscles, so they won’t jump as high as the larger Syrian breed.
Dwarf hamsters are more prone to injury when they fall from a tall height due to their smaller size. Their short-sightedness also contributes to their fall risk, as they can only clearly see a few inches past the tip of their snout.
Roborovski hamsters must not fall from a height of more than 8 inches (20.3 cm), as a fall from this height can be fatal or cause serious injury.
Here are some tips for you to facilitate safer jumps for your Robo hammie:
- Buy a cage with a secure cover to prevent your hamster from jumping out.
- Don’t hold your pet too high up from a surface in case it jumps out of your hand.
- Provide a generous covering of animal bedding on the cage floor to cushion your hammie’s fall.
- Check that your hamster’s cage doesn’t have too high levels.
Why Do Hamsters Jump?
Excitement
Hamsters jump when they feel excited. For example, your hamster may jump in excitement when it sees you. This jumping behavior is usually accompanied by happy “bruxing” sounds that resemble a cat purring.
A hamster may also jump from happiness when it smells its favorite treat or during mealtime.
Fear or Anxiety
A hamster that’s feeling scared or anxious may also jump. You can tell whether the behavior is due to a positive feeling or fear by looking at the circumstances during which a hamster jumps. For example, your hammie may jump in an attempt to escape the presence of your house cat.
A hamster may also jump from your hand if it’s uncomfortable with being held or your grip is too tight. You can take the following precautions to prevent this from happening:
- Allow the hamster time to get used to your presence.
- Offer it treats (in moderation) to help it associate you with a good experience.
- Approach an anxious hamster gently.
Boredom
When hamsters don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they begin jumping out of boredom. They naturally want to escape to look for something more exciting or fun, so they attempt to jump out of their cage.
If you notice your hamster is jumping a lot in its cage, you can consider getting it a bigger cage or buying interactive toys, such as:
- Chew sticks
- A running wheel
- Hanging ropes
Conclusion
Roborovski hamsters are natural jumpers and can jump up to about 10 inches (25.4 cm). They jump and climb to learn more about their surroundings and to spend all that energy bundled in their tiny bodies.
Make sure that you supervise your hamster during playtime and take the necessary measures to ensure they can safely jump in their cage. They are naturally very inquisitive and energetic and will try to reach even heights that are unsafe for them.