The lighting needs of hamsters should be considered in combination with their physiological characteristics and living environment. Here are the details:
The Necessity of Lighting
Natural Habits: Hamsters are nocturnal animals. In the wild, they hide in burrows during the day and become active at night. Bright light can disrupt their daily routines.
Winter Assistance: In cold seasons (when the ambient temperature is below 20°C), gentle diffused light (such as dawn or dusk light) can help them maintain body temperature, but direct sunlight must be strictly avoided.
Proper Lighting Methods
Timing and Intensity:
Only during early morning or evening (when light is soft), with each session lasting no more than 10–30 minutes.
Provide shaded areas (such as a corner of a cardboard box) to allow hamsters to choose whether to be exposed to light on their own.
Alternative Options:
Nutritional supplementation through vitamin D3-containing feed eliminates the need to rely on sunlight.
Place the cage in a bright indoor area without direct sunlight (e.g., near light-filtering curtains).
Risk Warnings
Heatstroke and Dehydration: When the ambient temperature exceeds 28°C, direct sunlight for 10 minutes can cause the cage temperature to rise above 40°C, posing a life-threatening risk.
Health Damage:
Bright light can easily damage the retina (especially in white-furred hamsters).
Risk of skin burns (hamsters’ skin is only 0.4–1 mm thick).
Summary: Hamsters do not need to be actively exposed to sunlight. Maintaining a softly lit environment with a stable temperature (20–28°C) is sufficient to meet their needs. If lighting assistance is required, the conditions must be strictly controlled.