Do Hamsters Use Tunnels and Tubes – Maximizing Space for Your Hamster
Burrowing and tunneling are an essential part of a hamster’s daily routine ingrained in its genetic makeup. But considering cage limitations, it’s unlikely that your pet hamster will create a burrow system as elaborate as in the wild. This makes artificial tunnels and tubes a thoughtful substitute for natural burrows.
But do hammies like hamster tunnels and tubes? From the analysis of golden hamster burrows, wild hamsters love complex, enclosed spaces up to 5 cm wide. So, your hamster will most likely enjoy using artificial tunnels and tubes that replicate the hamster burrow system. Nevertheless, note that not all hamsters will enjoy it equally. So, it’s best to observe your hammies’ behavior and adjust their environment accordingly.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of a hamster tunnel kit and how safe they are for your pet. Also, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right tunnel kit and the alternatives available to you.
Key Points About Hamsters’ Tunnels and Tubes
Hamster Tunnels and Tube | |
Materials | Plastic, glass, natural wood, cardboard |
Tube diameter | 4 cm (dwarf hamsters), 6.5 cm (Syrian hamsters) |
Purpose | Exercise, mental stimulation, habitat enrichment |
Compatible cage examples | Kaytee, Habitrail, Ferplast |
Alternatives | Mazes, modular cages, digging boxes, hamster toys |
What is the Purpose of Hamster Tunnels and Tubes?
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Your hamster’s tunnel and tube habitat is more than just an accessory. Its purpose is multifaceted to cater to the behavioral and physical needs of your hamster. See the purposes of hamsters’ tunnels and tubes below in detail.
Exploration
Hamsters are natural runners. Apparently, wild hamsters can cover 5.5 miles per day during their active hours. The same is true for your pet hamster, especially if you allow them to run freely.
Guess what, a tunnel and tube habitat gives your hamster this opportunity to travel and explore freely. Primarily, expansion kits and connectors mean you have control over how much space you can give your hamster to weave through.
Perhaps, this may also answer the question “What do hamsters need a wheel for? Just like a tunnel kit, a wheel allows your hamster to run for as long as they like.
Also, the tunnel kit can link to your hamster’s playpen to provide “outside the cage time.” This is partly for exploration and creating a bond with you.
Exercise and Physical Stimulation
Roaming and running the tunnels is also a physical activity that works your hamster’s muscles and joints. The benefits are two-fold; alleviating boredom and improving your hammies’ health. Primarily, it reduces the risk of obesity that’s quite high in captive hamsters.
Mental Stimulation
Tunnels and tubes give your hamster new obstacles to conquer. For the most part, they provide an intriguing environment that encourages your hamster to explore and investigate. That’s where their problem-solving skills kick in to help them find their way through the maze-like tunnels.
Habitat Enrichment
Enrichment ensures your hamster derives a fulfilling life in captivity. As a matter of fact, tunnels and tubes provide such fulfillment by replicating your hamster’s natural habitat.
They closely resemble a hamster’s burrow system, which encourages them to engage in their instinctual behaviors like exploring, nesting, hoarding, and escaping from predators. This will greatly reduce stress levels and anxiety-related hamster behaviors like self-mutilation, aggression, and increased hiding.
Hamster Tunnels and Tubes: Is It Safe?
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You should balance potential benefits with safety risks to ensure your hamster’s well-being isn’t compromised. After all, not all hamster tube habitats are guaranteed to be safe.
A hamster tunnel kit is only considered safe if it’s of the correct size, uses safe materials, and has proper ventilation to avoid suffocation. Also, it should be easy to clean with no jagged edges.
Plus, you may want to avoid vertical tubes or those with a steep slope in the case of dwarf hamsters. Apparently, they’re not as good climbers as Syrian hamsters due to their furry feet.
Also, consider the locomotor activity of your hamster. Primarily, you should avoid lengthy mazes for hamsters that show low activity levels. They’ll require more time to find the exit and may exhibit signs of confusion and disorientation. Moreover, longer tunnels may increase stress levels as your hamster may feel trapped or overwhelmed.
Safe Materials For Hamster Tunnels and Tube
Hamsters have an insatiable desire to gnaw on things. Primarily, they do this to wear down their teeth and satisfy their curiosity. Plus, gnawing habits help reduce stress levels.
That said, you should be careful of the type of material for your hamster tube habitat.
- Essentially, you want a non-toxic material free of chemicals. This is especially the case if you want to go with plastic. Safe options include ABS plastic and PVC.
- Also, you can go for non-chewable borosilicate glass. Nevertheless, it should have adequate ventilation as glass tunnels tend to overheat.
- Another option would be natural wooden tunnels that are safe for chewing. Cardboard tubes are safe too, preferably those made from paper towels and toilet paper rolls.
- In the case of plastic and glass, transparent or clear hamster tunnels are often better. This is especially the case when you want to monitor your hamster’s movement through the tunnels.
What Size Should Hamster Tunnels and Tubes Be?
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A careful balance of safety, comfort, and space is essential when sizing your hamster’s tunnels and tubes. To achieve this balance, consider:
- Hamster Size and Breed: Evaluate the breed of your hamster. Because size and activity level vary from breed to breed.
- Tunnel and Tube Diameter: If the tube is too cramped, your hamster may become stuck inside. Again, if it’s too wide, your hamster may fall off the sides.
- Tunnel and Tube Length and Complexity: The tunnel kit should not be too short to limit their space and impede their natural instincts. But it should also not be too long and intricate to cause disorientation.
From our analysis of golden hamster burrows, a hamster tunnel averages 199.5 cm long in the wild. It can be a minimum of 90 cm and a maximum of 900 cm. So, consider staying within these limits regarding tube length.
But the good thing with a hamster tunnel kit is that it gives you control over how long you want it to be. So, perhaps the major issue here is the tunnel diameter.
For that, we have this table for the hamster breed and corresponding tube diameter.
Hamster Breed | Tube Diameter |
Dwarf hamsters | 4 cm or 1.6 inches |
Syrian hamsters | 6 cm or 2.36 inches for young Syrian hamsters |
6.5 cm or 2.5 inches for adult Syrian hamsters |
You should note that hamster size may also vary based on diet. So, just to be sure, measure your hamster’s widest point to ensure it’ll comfortably move through the tunnel system.
How To Attach Hamster Tubes To a Cage?
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A loose, unstable tunnel can fall over, injuring your hamster. So, once you’ve selected a tunnel kit, you’ll need to ensure it’s securely attached to the cage. This calls for a careful methodical approach.
Most tunnel kits come with connectors or adapters specifically for this purpose. These attachments offer a secure and stable connection between the tunnel kit and the cage. Just to be sure, test the connection by pulling gently on the tube to ensure it doesn’t come loose.
An alternative is to use zip ties or wire. However, ensure they don’t create sharp edges that may potentially harm your hamster.
What’s reassuring, however, is that most hamster tunnels for sale will include instructions to walk you through the process. But whichever method you use, regularly check and maintain the connection.
Also, pay attention to the vertical spans. We recommend a maximum of 30cm or 12 inches such that if your hamster falls, it won’t be injured.
Hamster Tunnels and Tubes Alternative
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Hamster tunnels and tubes are not the only options that provide a stimulating environment. There are other alternatives that offer similar benefits.
A digging box, for instance, can offer your hamster a great sensory experience. It’s typically a container filled with shredded paper, hay, or sand which your hamster can burrow through.
In fact, SAP (Swiss Animal Protection) discourages tunnel kits for the primary reason of restricting natural digging behavior. So, think of a digging box as an add-on to your tunnel kit. Plus, you should be looking for a minimum depth of 30 cm.
Another option in your hamster supplies list is modular cages. These cages have separate units you can arrange and connect in different configurations to give your hamster plenty of space to explore and play.
Hamster mazes are another best alternative that satisfies your hamster’s natural desire to explore. Primarily, they’re good for mental stimulation that encourages hamsters to exercise their problem-solving skills.
Again, you can have a tunnel system diy option. Here’s a video showing how to build one from PVC.
Also, you may want to consider hamster toys. But what toys do hamsters like? You should be looking at hamster toys like hammocks, balls, and wheels.
The Overall Verdict
Hamsters are naturally drawn to small, tight spaces, and hamster tunnels and tubes offer a similar environment. Correct usage will offer long-term benefits, primarily a reduction in stress levels and maintenance of healthy weight.
But to reap these benefits, ensure you have a tunnel kit that’s the right size for your hamster. Also, be careful to avoid toxic materials and ensure the tunnel has proper ventilation to avoid suffocation.
Be mindful that hamster tunnels can accumulate urine and feces over time, making them breeding grounds for bacteria. So, ensure to clean the tube habitat regularly to prevent disease transmission and odors.