Plants in a Hamster Cage (2024)

Plants in a Hamster Cage (1)

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Putting a live plant in your hamster's cage may seem like a good way to add a little bit of the outdoors to your indoor pet's daily life, but for many good reasons, it's an unusual practice. It is important to choose every component of a hamster cage carefully to ensure it is both safe and functional for your pet. Even nontoxic plants are not are not terribly practical.

Decoration Versus Snack

Hamsters eat plants, so any plant you decide to place inside the cage is likely to get eaten by your pet. If the plant is even mildly toxic, it could cause serious health problems. Even nontoxic plants can cause an upset tummy if your hamster consumes too much. Eating plants in the living environment can also cause a dietary imbalance if your hamster decides he'd rather eat the plant than his food. A large number of plants are toxic to hamsters, so check with your veterinarian before introducing any live plants to your pet's habitat.

Space Concerns

A plant may make your hamster's cage more attractive to you, but even a small houseplant is significantly larger than your hamster and will likely take up quite a bit of the space available in the cage. Hamsters need plenty of room to run; otherwise they can suffer from stress and immobility caused by a lack of exercise. Every item in your hamster's cage should provide a useful function to your hamster, or it is not worthy of taking up room inside the living enclosure.

Climbing Concerns

Many hamsters like to climb, and they'll climb pretty much anything you put in their cages, including live plants. But few living plants suited to a terrarium make for sturdy climbing. Your hamster can get hurt if he falls out of the plant while climbing it. Even if your hamster is not injured during climbing, he could use the plant to reach the top of the cage and escape.

Plant Care Concerns

A living plant will need soil, sunlight and daily watering to survive. You will need to be very careful that you do not put your hamster in a situation where he could overheat while you are trying to give the plant enough light to survive. Hamsters do not do well in direct sunlight -- so any plant you place in a hamster cage needs to be able to survive without direct sunlight. If the plant needs to be fertilized, you risk exposing your hamster to those chemicals. You will not be able to use any kind of pesticide on the plant, because it will put your hamster at risk when he nibbles on it.

Plants Anyway

Live plants are not popular in cages because of the problems they can cause and because of the amount of maintenance they require. If you do decide to put a live plant inside your hamster's cage, you will need to be prepared to pay a lot of attention to both the plant and the hamster. Consult your veterinarian before deciding to put any type of live plant in your hamster's cage to make sure your veterinarian believes the plant can benefit your specific animal and will not pose a danger to your hamster. It needs to be too small for your hamster to climb and to take up minimal floor space within the cage. It has to be nontoxic and preferably unappetizing to your pet, otherwise he may choose to consume the plant rather than the food you give him to eat. Be prepared to check the plant daily to make sure your hamster is not eating significant quantities of its vegetation. Be prepared to remove the plant from the cage if any problems arise that could put your hamster's health in danger.

References

Photo Credits

  • John Howard/Lifesize/Getty Images

Writer Bio

Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has served as a newspaper reporter and her freelance articles have appeared in magazines such as "Horses Incorporated," "The Paisley Pony" and "Alabama Living." Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in journalism from Berry College in Rome, Ga.

Plants in a Hamster Cage (2024)

FAQs

Can I put plants in hamster cage? ›

Cat grass and dry willow are often added to natural hamster cages for aesthetic purposes. You shouldn't try growing live plants inside of a hamster's cage.

What plants are OK for hamsters? ›

Plants & Flowers
  • Bramble leaves.
  • Blackberry leaves.
  • Chickweed.
  • Clover.
  • Cornflowers.
  • Dandelion leaves and flower.
  • Groundsel.
  • Hawthorn leaves.
19 Oct 2019

Can you put fake plants in a hamster cage? ›

Our artificial grass is perfectly safe for all kind of animals, it will be absolutely fine to use it in a hamster cage.

What flowers are safe for hamsters? ›

List of Hamster Safe Flowers & Herbs
  • Flowers:
  • Sunflower petals.
  • Rose petals.
  • Marigold flowers.
  • Dandelion flowers.
  • Mallow flowers.
  • Herbs & Leaves:
  • Birch leaves.
16 Feb 2018

Are plants toxic to hamsters? ›

Hamsters eat plants, so any plant you decide to place inside the cage is likely to get eaten by your pet. If the plant is even mildly toxic, it could cause serious health problems. Even nontoxic plants can cause an upset tummy if your hamster consumes too much.

What should you not put in a hamster cage? ›

What NOT to Put In You Hamster's Cage:
  • Do not use anything that is made of pine or cedar wood, including bedding or toys as these woods can make your pet sick.
  • Beware of any kind of bathroom sand that is dusty or powdery is because it can cause respiratory issues.
12 Nov 2018

What do hamsters like in their cage? ›

An ideal cage will include:
  • Plenty of nest boxes and sleeping areas. ...
  • An exercise wheel can help keep your hamster active. ...
  • Plenty of toys and interactive games so they don't get bored. ...
  • Gnawing blocks and (untreated) soft wood branches to help them wear their teeth down. ...
  • All hamsters love to dig and burrow.

Can I put succulents in my hamster cage? ›

So, are succulents safe for hamsters? The truth is, nobody truly knows whether all succulents are safe as there are so many different types, but there are some plants that are known to be safe for hamsters.

What is toxic to hamsters? ›

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate: It contains theobromine and is toxic in large amounts, which is easy to do with the tiny, sweet-toothed hamster. Garlic: This can cause indigestion and blood disorders in moderate amounts. Kidney beans, uncooked: These are toxic to hamsters; do not feed!

What kind of moss can I put in a hamster cage? ›

Niteangel Natural Small Animal Moss Bedding Nesting

Low dust is suitable for small pets with sensitive respiratory tract.

How do you enrich a hamster? ›

8 Enrichment Ideas for Hamsters
  1. Scatter feed. Scatter feeding is one of the easiest sources of enrichment that there is. ...
  2. Provide an appropriate substrate depth for the species. ...
  3. Grapevines. ...
  4. Cork tubes. ...
  5. Provide an array of different substrates. ...
  6. Foraging toys. ...
  7. Dried herbs & flowers. ...
  8. Various plants.
30 Jan 2020

Can hamsters eat lettuce? ›

Speaking of fruits and vegetables – hamsters need them too!

The best treats for hamsters are foods that are similar to what they might eat in the wild. Fresh (rinsed with water) veggies are good, and examples include carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, romaine lettuce, spinach and other greens.

Can I give my hamster tree branches? ›

Give your hamster dried, untreated fruit-tree branches.

Hamsters especially enjoy chewing on pear and apple tree branches. Break the tree branches into segments about 4 inches (10 cm) long; don't stick an entire branch in the hamster's cage.

What do hamsters like to sleep in? ›

Wood shavings are the most popular and type of material when it comes to bedding. Not every type of wood shavings or chips is healthy for your hamsters though. Avoid cedar and pine woods because they contain phenol chemicals that can cause respiratory and liver problems.

What is best for hamster bedding? ›

Best hamster bedding
  • Aspen shavings. Wood shavings are probably the most widely used and most widely available type of small-animal bedding available. ...
  • Paper litter. Shredded paper can make a safe hamster bedding. ...
  • Timothy hay. ...
  • Scented beddings. ...
  • Cat litter. ...
  • Fluffy bedding. ...
  • Pine and cedar shavings.
29 Apr 2022

What do hamsters like to play with? ›

In addition to wood chews, cardboard can be provided for chewing (and hiding). Hamsters also love cardboard tubes from paper towel and toilet paper rolls and there are now commercial tubes that are a bit sturdier and are said to be safe for chewing (e.g. Totally Chewbular Play Tubes).

How often should I hold my hamster? ›

Interact with your hamster(s) every day, and handle them as often as you can, but respect their sleeping pattern. Hamsters should not be handled when they are resting or sleeping, unless absolutely necessary as they can find this stressful.

Are hamsters happy when you clean their cage? ›

While hamster cages require frequent cleaning, your hygienic hamster will love the consistency and care you put into keeping their cage and toys sanitary and safe.

What do hamsters do all night? ›

Hamsters, unlike most humans, are nocturnal beings, which means that they conduct most of their normal business when it's dark outside. Hamsters typically eat their meals at night, and they also typically get their exercise at night.

What can I line the bottom of my hamster cage with? ›

Sawdust is very commonly used in small pet cages. However, this can irritate your pet's lungs as it is very dusty, compressed paper bedding is a better choice as it's softer, less dusty and will absorb wee well.

Are hamsters allowed flower? ›

Our two guinea pigs love parsley too, so I guess the flavor is mild enough for small animals. When it comes to flowers, you'll see hamsters are okay with the short-petal kind of flowers. Like marigold, dandelion, daisy and so on.

How toxic is hamster poop? ›

Hamster poop is quite dangerous as it sometimes carries the infamous Salmonella bacteria which causes Salmonellosis in humans. They may also carry a disease known as the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus which can be transmitted to humans by exposure to their droppings or pee.

What is the most common death for hamsters? ›

The most common causes of deaths were “wet tail” (7.9%), abdominal mass (6.4%), cancer (5.4%) and difficulty breathing (4.0%). Compared to other types of hamster, Syrian (golden) hamsters had higher risk of 7/20 (35%) common disorders and lower odds of 1/20 (5%) common disorders groups.

Can hamsters have cheese? ›

Hamsters should get no more than a pea-sized amount of cheese just once or twice a week. Choose a cheese that is low in fat and salt, like low-fat cottage cheese or mozzarella. Avoid fatty or salty cheeses like aged cheddar, parmesan, and processed cheese products.

Can I put my hamster on the grass? ›

In conclusion, it is not safe to take your hamster outside.

What do hamsters naturally burrow in? ›

Hamsters are natural burrowing animals. In the wild, hamsters can make burrows up to over 3 feet deep in sand and soil!

Can hamsters have rocks in cage? ›

Yes, hamster cage, placing a set of rocks inside a cage is vital for the hamster's health and well-being. However, you can't just pick up rocks from outside and use them straight away.

Are sunflower petals safe for hamsters? ›

It is just perfect for feeding as part of a natural diet, as a treat or as extra tastiness to hay for added foraging fun! Sunflower Petals add a tasty variety to your little ones diet. They contain a wealth of mineral elements and are a fragrant, colorful addition to hay and herbs.

Can I put a plastic container in my hamsters cage? ›

Buying a hamster cage from the pet store can be expensive, but luckily you can easily make your own cage out of a plastic bin, some supplies, and a few tools. Use a 15 to 20-gallon plastic bin with a lid. Cut a large rectangle out of the lid and replace it with wire mesh, which will keep the cage well ventilated.

What a hamster needs to be happy? ›

To make your hamster happy, start by making sure that all its basic needs are taken care of, such as a big, clean cage and plenty of fresh food and water. Try to keep the cage in a quiet area, since too much noise can make hamsters anxious.

What is the bare minimum for a hamster? ›

It is commonly agreed that the bare minimum recommended for both Syrian and Dwarf hamsters is 450 square inches, but bigger is always better!

Do hamsters ever get lonely? ›

So do hamsters get lonely ? No. Hamsters do not get lonely. They can live in a pair or small group if they have no choice, but there will be fights every now and then, and half the time they need to be separated into individual cages.

Is hamster poop good for plants? ›

(grass grazing animals) such as cows, horses and sheep, llamas, goats together with pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, produce nitrogen-rich manure that provides a good source of Greens and can be added as a layer manure layer in a compost bin.

What are signs of a bored hamster? ›

Symptoms of a Bored Hamster

Lethargy- You hamster may sleep more than usual, or just lay around when he is awake. This is uncommon as hamsters are normally very active and inquisitive animals. Bar Chewing- A hamster that is bored will look for avenues for entertainment.

How do you tell your hamster you love him? ›

Gently stroking your hamster's fur is just one way to show affection. You can also hand-feed her vegetables or pieces of non-sugary cereal. Hamsters love to perch on their owner's shoulder or sleep in a shirt pocket.

Can hamsters eat carrot? ›

Can Hamsters Eat Carrots? Yes, but in moderation or just as an occasional treat because they are high in sugar. Can Hamsters Eat Celery? Yes, celery can be fed occasionally, but not too much to prevent diarrhea.

What is a Syrian hamsters Favourite food? ›

You should also know that Syrian hamsters absolutely love insects and you should definitely try to feed them whenever you can. Insects are a great source of protein, and they're their main food source in the wild.

Can hamsters eat scrambled egg? ›

Yes! Eggs are an excellent source of protein, as well as vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron. Hamsters can have eggs cooked in a variety of ways, including scrambled, baked, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or oil free pan-fried eggs. It is extremely important to not feed your hamster raw egg whites.

Can a hamster play in the garden? ›

Contrary to what some may think, they too can be taken out of their cages now and again to roam freely, not just in the house, but in the garden too! Like any other living being, hamsters need to get their daily exercise so that they can enjoy a long and healthy life.

What's toxic to hamsters? ›

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate: It contains theobromine and is toxic in large amounts, which is easy to do with the tiny, sweet-toothed hamster. Garlic: This can cause indigestion and blood disorders in moderate amounts. Kidney beans, uncooked: These are toxic to hamsters; do not feed!

Can hamsters eat cheese? ›

Hamsters should get no more than a pea-sized amount of cheese just once or twice a week. Choose a cheese that is low in fat and salt, like low-fat cottage cheese or mozzarella. Avoid fatty or salty cheeses like aged cheddar, parmesan, and processed cheese products.

How long should I let my hamster free roam? ›

The recommended time will be about 15-30 minutes for the first few times. Your hamster may get disoriented in a bigger environment and prolonged free-roam may stress it out. Dwarves, when given a large space to free-roam, may find a comfortable spot to unpouch and sleep after exercising.

Do hamsters need their balls everyday? ›

Though some hamsters may enjoy their ball, it is best to limit the amount of time that they spend in it. Just like us, our furry companions can become fatigued from over-exertion.

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