Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 06:30 pm
Hamsters are very energetic and active animals that run all the time and play mostly on the exercise wheel.
You must be wondering how fast hamsters are?
Hamsters are very fast animals with an average speed of around 4-6 miles per hour. All hamster breeds are fast, but Syrians can run more in distance, and dwarfs are more agile.
In today’s article, you will learn how fast hamsters are, why they run so much, how many miles they run every day, and similar questions related to this topic.
How fast is a hamster?
Hamsters run at a speed of about 4-6 miles per hour. This is the average speed of hamsters, although Syrian hamsters are considered the fastest.
Syrian hamsters are the fastest because they are stronger and have larger limbs than other hamster breeds.
As we said, the average speed of hamsters is 4 to 6 miles per hour, but it depends on each individual hamster, some are faster, and others are slower.
Of course, two hamsters can’t run at the same speed, just like us humans who don’t all run at the same speed, that’s completely normal.
Hamsters have fast paws that help them run fast
As we said, all hamsters are fast, but the Syrian hamster is the fastest because it has larger limbs and can cover more lengths when running.
On the other hand, dwarf hamsters also have their own skill, because of their size they are more agile than large Syrian hamsters, but they do not have their strength and have to rest occasionally.
Hamsters are fast because their paws are adapted for running and escaping from predators in the wild, so they are fast and agile.
What is the reason that hamsters run so often?
Hamsters run so much because that’s what they’re used to when they’re in the wild, they’re constantly running away from predators and fighting to survive.
They are small which helps them to be more flexible and they can run fast and have good balance at the same time.
They can change the direction of running very quickly which shows how good reflexes they have, which is essential for their lives in the wild.
Hamsters run a lot because they have a lot of energy and always want to use it up to the maximum, they don’t spare themselves, so every night they use the wheel in their cage to run 4-6 miles.
Besides running away from predators here is a detailed explanation of the other reasons why hamsters enjoy running so much every day.
Hamsters run a lot if they don’t have enough activities
If hamsters do not have enough activities they will run more.
Even if you have an exercise wheel in the cage it may not be enough for the hamsters and they will continue to run a lot.
This means that you will need to add more toys to them so that they can increase their activities. For example, you can add an exercise ball for them to play with in the cage.
Apart from a ball, give them more tunnels, stairs, and other props so that they can have enough physical activity.
Hamsters run a lot if they are stressed
Hamsters are very sensitive animals that can easily get stressed or scared which will make them run around all the time.
Also, hamsters need attention from us owners to be calm and relaxed, then they will not run all the time.
We cannot just leave the hamsters in the cage, we should occasionally let them out of the cage for at least 30 minutes daily and play with them.
This kind of communication with your hamster is important to keep them calm and relaxed.
When hamsters are in heat they run a lot
When female hamsters are in heat and want to mate they run around the cage a lot and run in circles.
If you only have one female hamster and you don’t have a male hamster then the female will run constantly while she is in heat and that is completely normal.
Apart from running, the female hamsters will start biting the bars of the cage and will be hyperactive.
If you notice these signs in a female hamster then there is nothing that can be done if you don’t have a male hamster, so let the female run around or try playing with her to calm her down a bit while the heat passes.
Hamsters also run a lot when they are sick
Hamsters also run a lot when they are sick, mostly when they have strokes and they run around without stopping.
This especially happens in hamsters who are older or when the temperature is too hot in their environment.
Except as a result of strokes, hamsters also run a lot when they are dizzy. Dizziness is uncomfortable for your pet and causes them to run back and forth without orientation.
When you notice such behavior, you should take your hamster to a veterinarian to examine it and see what kind of disease it is.
Hamsters run a lot to store food
Hamsters are taught to always make reserves and store food especially when they are in nature, but they do the same when they are in the cage because they think that tomorrow you will not give them food again.
They use their cheeks to transport food to their hiding places and do this all the time in the cage, constantly running and storing food.
For a hamster, food and safety are two of the most important things in their life.
How many miles do hamsters run every night?
Hamsters run between 4-6 miles every night, they can run more or less but that is an average run in one night.
Hamsters are very active and energetic, they have inherited that from the wild and that’s why they run so many miles every night.
However, they do not run without stopping, the hamsters take short breaks to check the environment of the cage for the danger of predators and then continue running again.
They take breaks to eat and drink water, then return to running on the exercise wheel.
The exercise wheel is one of the most important tools that allow them to run as much as they need, which improves their fitness and makes them happy.
That’s why you need to be very careful that their wheel is the best you can find, that it’s big enough so that they don’t arch their backs when they run, and that the floor of the wheel is suitable so that they don’t injure or get their feet stuck in it.
What is the reason hamsters run all night?
Hamsters run all night because that’s what they’re used to when they’re in the wild.
When they are in the wild in the evening, they run, store food and run away from predators.
That’s why domestic hamsters have the same natural instinct to run all the time at night, it’s completely normal for hamsters.
If the hamsters have nowhere to run all evening it is not at all good for their health and they would only get stressed and nervous.
What are the dangers of not enough running for hamsters?
Hamsters need daily exercise and running mostly in their exercise wheel.
When hamsters do not run enough they can have health problems due to insufficient activity.
If hamsters do not run enough every night, the following problems will occur:
- gain weight
- stress
- biting the cage
Let’s read in detail about all these problems from hamster inactivity.
Hamsters will get fat if they don’t run enough
Hamsters if they do not run enough will immediately start to gain weight which can create health problems.
Because hamsters eat all the time and if there is nowhere to spend their energy they can only gain weight.
Hamsters get sick very easily, and obesity can cause problems with the heart, as well as problems with the joints and hips during movement.
If the hamsters do not run, they will have more stress
Hamsters are very timid animals that get stressed very easily. If they don’t have a place to run then they can’t release the negative energy, in fact, it’s the same with us humans.
When hamsters are under stress, they are most likely to get diseases, wet tails, and problems with the whole body.
When hamsters are under stress, they can be aggressive, chew the bars of the cage, and they can even bite their owners.
That’s why running is so important to reduce stress and improve the health of hamsters.
Hamsters bite the cage bars if they don’t run enough
When hamsters have nowhere to run they will start biting the bars of the cage.
They will constantly do this with small breaks and constantly chew the bars, which is not a solution for your pet at all.
That’s why the exercise wheel is one of the most important things that every hamster should have in his cage.
Read more: Why Do Hamsters Run In Circles? All You Need To Know
How do hamsters run at night?
Hamsters are nocturnal animals, they like to run at night and sleep during the day.
But so that they don’t disturb you at night, you should put the cage in a room that you don’t use for sleeping. Because running on an exercise bike can disrupt your sleep.
Or buy a better wheel that makes very little noise when the hamsters use it to run, they are a little more expensive but therefore quieter when in use.
The exercise wheel is important to their fitness and health and you don’t need to remove it, just provide them with enough food and water before going to bed, as hamsters will eat and drink water occasionally in addition to running.
Read more: Can I Let My Hamster Run Around My Room? Find Out Now
Frequently asked questions
How fast can a Robo hamster run?
Robo hamsters are very fast, they can run up to 6 miles per hour, and they are also very agile and very difficult to catch.
How far can a hamster run?
Hamsters enjoy running and they may cover up to 5-6 miles each night on the exercise wheel in their cage.
Why do hamsters run so fast?
Hamsters eat various types of food, especially sunflower seeds, which have a lot of energy, which hamsters use to the maximum and can run for a longer time and with greater intensity.
Conclusion
Hamsters are very fast animals that can run at a speed of about 4-6 miles per hour.
Hamsters enjoy running, it is their natural instinct that they have from the wild because they run away from predators all the time.
Also, hamsters run a lot which is good for their health and they are always in top shape.
If hamsters don’t run enough they won’t use all the energy from the food and can get fat and sick.
Hamsters always need an exercise wheel so they can regularly run several miles every night.
Read more: Why Does My Hamster Always Run Away From Me?
