As nocturnal animals, hamsters’ behavioral patterns are closely tied to their survival needs. Here are their most typical behavioral preferences along with scientific explanations:
1. Basic Behavioral Needs
Locomotor Behavior
Climbing cage walls (they can cover up to 5 kilometers of movement daily).
Using exercise wheels (the wheel diameter must be ≥20cm to prevent spinal deformation).
Exploratory Behavior
Tunneling through spaces (it’s recommended to provide multi-hole tubes to satisfy their natural digging instincts).
Carrying objects (they will collect bedding materials to build nests).
2. Recreational Behaviors
Foraging Games
Hiding food (their cheek pouches can store up to 1/3 of their body weight in food).
Chewing on hard snacks (such as freeze-dried tofu or cod strips).
Social Interaction
Hand-taming (building trust with goat milk powder can help).
Playing with toys (puzzles like swings or "DJ decks").
3. Explanations of Special Behaviors
Hoarding behavior: Storing food in cheek pouches and various corners of the cage.
Teeth grinding: Needing to chew on wooden toys for over 2 hours daily.
Bathing habits: Cleaning themselves with sand rather than water (sand baths should be provided 3 times a week).
Notes: Syrian hamsters (golden hamsters) must be kept alone; housing them together can lead to severe fights. Maintaining an environmental temperature of 20–28°C can reduce stress-related behaviors.