What Skills Do Hamsters Have?

The golden hamster originated in arid and semi-arid areas in both Eastern Europe and in the Middle East. Hamsters are solitary creatures that are active at night. These little creatures have become popular pets and, with patience, can be trained or conditioned to use a toilet, a variety of exercise items and toys, including running in hollow balls and in metal rodent wheels. When kept as pets, hamsters can be conditioned to sleep during the night and to be active during daylight hours.

  1. Hamster Racing

    • Hamsters in a children's adventure park in Brasside, near Durham, take part in hamster racing. Each hamster is placed in a wheel, which is positioned with a tiny racing car. By running on the wheel, the hamsters power the toy vehicles and race against each other along a five-meter track. These hamster races feature live commentary and end when the first toy car crosses the checkered finish line. Hamsters race in a similar way in hollow, clear plastic balls.

    Potty Training

    • It is natural for hamster to urinate in one area. This behavior can help effectively potty train hamsters. The best hamster toilets consist of a small plastic container that has a lid and a 2 to 3 inch hole in its side. This toilet is typically placed in the corner that the hamster has already chosen to use as a toilet. Hamsters are conditioned to use the toilet by placing a small amount of pre-soaked litter on top of the new litter in the container. Most hamsters will learn to use their toilet very quickly, many within the first day.

    Running a Maze

    • Hamsters can find their way through a maze without much effort. These tiny rodents learn to find their way to the end of a maze by following the smell of food items. Individual hamsters will run a maze progressively more quickly each time they are required to do so. This indicates that the little rodent makes use of its memory and exhibits problem-solving skills.

    Changing Photoperiods

    • Hamsters can be conditioned to reverse their natural pattern of sleeping during the day. Hamsters that are taken out of their cages during the day and played with will learn to rest at night, when their owner is asleep, and to feed and play during the day.