The Benefits of Letting Your Hamster Out of Their Cage

Small pets make great additions to any home; they’re furry, lovable, easy to care for, and don’t take up too much space. It can be loads of fun to watch and interact with your pet in their cage. That being said, your small pet will spend the majority of their life in their cage. You may want to consider giving your hamster or gerbil some time outside of their cage, this can be great for both you and the pet. Below are some benefits to letting your small pet outside of their cage and directions on how to do it safely.

 

Stimulation 

The main benefit of letting your hamster out of their cage is that it stimulates them, provides them with exercise, and an opportunity to explore new surroundings. In the wild, hamsters have large burrows and cover vast distances on a daily basis. Giving your small pet the opportunity to simulate this in your home will provide them with a fun, positive experience.

 

Fostering Good Behavior

Another benefit to letting your small pet out of their cage is it may prevent the development of behavior problems. If your pet is kept in a cage that’s too small and lacking in stimulation, they are likely to become stressed and/or aggressive. Frequently letting your pet out of their cage is a great way to prevent cabin fever.

 

Free Roaming

If you have the space, you can set up an area for your small pet to free roam. This is an area they can freely move about at their leisure. You want to avoid letting your hamster escape to places you can’t reach them, like under the couch or behind the fridge. Make sure to keep your eyes on them at all times, small pets are notorious for being master escape artists. You also want to make sure the area they’re exploring is devoid of any loose wires or other problematic things your hamster may chew.

 

Exercise Balls

Alternatively, you can use an exercise ball to give your pet a safe way to interact with your home environment. Make sure to limit exercise ball use to 30 minutes at a time to prevent overheating and dehydration. If you’re looking for a safe, quality exercise ball then you’ve got to go for Happy Habitats’ Roam. It has two-millimeter ventilation holes to prevent paw trapping and a two-step locking mechanism on the lid.

 

Getting Your Pet Out of the Cage

To get your small pet out of their cage simply open the cage and gently pick them up with your hands. Make sure to scoop them up from the bottom to prevent stressing them out. If your pet is known for nipping, you can use an object they are familiar with like their hut or wheel to transfer them out of their cage instead.

 

Final Thoughts

In short, allowing your small pet time out of their permanent enclosure is great for their physical and mental health. Whether you own a rabbit or a rat, all small pets will benefit from time outside their cage. Make sure to engage with your small pet in a safe manner and they are sure to live a long and happy life.

 

If you like this article, check out our blog post on the benefits of taking your hamster outside.

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