How Do You Keep a Hamster in Its Cage?

Hamsters are curious animals who like to burrow, climb, and chew -- which makes them perfect little escape artists. Unfortunately, your home with big feet (compared to a small hamster) that don't look where they're going, other pets, and fall hazards is a dangerous place for a hamster on the lam. With a little forethought and prevention, you can keep your hammie safe and sound where it belongs -- in its cage, and happy to be there.

Things You'll Need

  • Bricks
  • Small metal clip
  • Clean bedding
  • Exercise wheel
  • Hamster ball
  • Paper towel tube
  • Hamster toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put your hamster on lockdown. If you are using an aquarium with a mesh or wire top to house your hamster, make that top too heavy to lift; a brick or two carefully placed at the corners of the aquarium top will make it impossible for your hamster to lift the top and escape. If you are using a wire cage for your hamster, make sure the cage bars are close enough together that your pet cannot squeeze through and run free. If your hamster has figured out how to unlatch the wire cage door, use a small metal clip (like a small dog leash clip) to keep the door shut.

    • 2

      Keep the cage clean. Clean the hamster cage on a regular basis at least once a week. No one wants to live in sodden, ammonia-smelling filth, and hamsters appreciate a clean home as much as anybody. Your hamster's escapes may be no more than an attempt to find cleaner digs.

    • 3

      Exercise your hammie. Give your pet plenty of opportunity for exercise. A solid plastic hamster wheel will provide hours of happy running time. Buy a clear plastic hamster ball and let your hamster explore your home safely and on your terms. A tired hamster is not nearly as prone to plotting means of escape -- a nap is more likely.

    • 4

      Provide plenty of toys. Include a few fun, safely chewable toys to your hamster's habitat -- your hamster may be escaping out of sheer boredom. Cardboard paper towel or toilet paper tubes make fun tunnels, and they're also fun to chew. Your local pet supply store should have a variety of hamster chew and activity toys to keep your pet mentally and physically entertained.