Emma Jones
For a hamster, exercise is an absolute must. We’ll show you how your hamster will enjoy being outside!
In the wild, hamsters live in desert areas – the rodents have to travel long distances every day in search of food. While this isn’t necessary for your hamster, since you’re providing it with plenty of delicious food, it should still be allowed to run around regularly – even if the hamster’s cage is large enough. We’ll show you what really matters when it comes to giving your hamster free rein!
5 basic rules for the hamster release
Avoid running outdoors
Well-intentioned, but also risky: better not take your hamster outside! Not only can he catch parasites, such as worms or ticks, but he can also catch a cold. In addition, it can quickly bury itself in loose soil – the risk of losing sight of your hamster is very high. Only in a well-secured outdoor enclosure is an outdoor run for your hamster possible.
Freewheel timing
It’s time to run free when the hamster is ready. The nocturnal rodent should have romped around in the cage for at least half an hour before being confronted with new impressions.
Your hamster decides
Your hamster relies on his orientation – never just put him in the outdoor enclosure like that. Either place his cage in the run or connect the cage and freewheel with a ladder. Important: The hamster decides for itself when and if it wants to go exploring.
Only tame hamsters are allowed in the run
It is necessary that you have also tamed your hamster before letting it out for the first time. The reason: Only a hamster that can be handled easily can be caught again without stress.
Let routine settle in
If you have been able to offer your hamster an ideal run around a few times, he will get used to it. Your hamster will use various signals, such as nibbling on the fence, to let you know that he wants to go outside.
Free run for hamsters in the self-designed enclosure
You can offer your hamster an ideal outlet by designing an outdoor enclosure yourself. Delimit a certain area with chipboard, wooden boards, or cardboard (minimum height 30 cm) – all cracks must be sealed to make the enclosure absolutely escape-proof.
Make freewheeling “hamster-proof” by masking sockets and removing sharp objects. Be sure to remove plants that are poisonous to hamsters from the enclosure. There shouldn’t be an object in the entire free run that the hamster can’t nibble on. Despite all the preparations, always stay close to your hamster – this way you can always intervene in an emergency.