Hamsters may be so tiny they can fit in your hands, but they’re bursting with energy. If you observe a hamster during its waking hours, you’ll discover that it rarely sits still and will jump up and down on almost anything. But do you know how high a Russian hamster can jump?
Russian hamsters can jump about 25 centimeters, or 10 inches, high. At this height, they can also safely fall without incurring any injury, although some hamsters can jump down from a chair without breaking their bones.
It’s always best to err on the safe side, however, and keep a close eye on your hamster at play to ensure it doesn’t jump down from any unsafe height. In the rest of this article, we will talk about how high hamsters can safely jump and a few other relevant matters. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s the Maximum Height Russian Hamsters Can Safely Jump From and Survive?
The maximum height that a Russian hamster can jump from and survive is up to 15 inches (38.1 cm). You should always supervise hamsters to ensure they don’t fall from a height beyond 10 inches (25.4 cm), but most will still be okay up to 15 inches (38.1 cm), especially during play or when they plan the fall.
However, since hamsters have fragile bones, it’s best to make sure that their environment is safe by using an escape-proof cage or placing its cage in a safe spot. And if your hamster falls, always check for signs of injury, such as the following:
- Swelling, especially around the legs
- Open wounds
- Popping sounds when the hamster walks
Do Russian Hamsters Jump Higher than Other Hamster Breeds?
Russian hamsters, also called dwarf hamsters, can only jump about seven to 10 inches (17.78 to 25.4 cm). On the other hand, larger breeds, such as Syrian hamsters, can jump 12 to 15 inches (30.48 to 38.1 cm). Moreover, dwarf hamsters are more prone to injury from a fall.
Also, while all hamsters are generally quite active, dwarf breeds are often more energetic (and run faster) than larger breeds, which means extra care is needed when letting them out of the cage. A fall from a height higher than 10 inches (25.4 cm) can sometimes be fatal to a Russian hamster.
Can a Russian Hamster Die from a Fall?
A Russian hamster can die from a fall because their bones are very fragile. Falling accidentally, especially from extreme heights, can cause severe injury and even instantaneous death.
However, there is a difference between an accidental drop and a hamster jumping from a height on its own. When a hamster jumps, it often does from a comfortable height and only jumps when a safe landing spot is in sight.
On the other hand, an accidental drop, such as when it slips from your hand or pocket, can cause serious injury. Worse, it is often fatal, so you should constantly monitor your hamster while it’s playing. You should also ensure their cages are secure from escape attempts.
An accidental drop from any height usually causes organ failure or broken bones that hamsters, especially dwarf breeds, have difficulty recovering from. If your hamster appears to be suffering from a fracture, immediately take it to a vet to get proper care and attention.
Conclusion
Russian hamsters, just like most hamsters, are extremely energetic. And one of their favorite ways to spend their seemingly endless energy is by climbing up and jumping down. Make sure you allow your hamster to have fun the way it wants to while ensuring its safety.