Hamsters hide food in bedding or other places in the cage all the time.
They constantly transfer food, because that is the most important thing for their survival along with safety because that is how mother nature taught them.
Should we throw away hamster food hidden under bedding?
Yes, the food that the hamster hides under the bedding should be thrown away because it can spoil and make your pet sick.
In today’s article, you will learn why you should throw away the food that the hamster hides under the bedding and other questions related to the topic.
Food that the hamster hides under the bedding should be thrown away as it can cause health problems for your pet.
When food stays for a long time under the bedding, it starts to spoil, lose its nutrients, and needs to be replaced with a new one.
When the food stays under the bedding for a long time, it starts to get moldy or attract pests which increases the risk to the health of the hamsters.
Regular cleaning of the cage is also necessary in order to remove the food that the hamsters hide under the bedding, thus preventing contamination and preserving the health of your pet.
Only fresh and uncontaminated food is the best option for hamsters, which will ensure that your pet will have good health in its further life.
Why do hamsters hide food under the bedding?
Hamsters hide food under their bedding for a number of reasons such as:
- natural instinct
- boredom
- food storage
- for his own safety
So let’s take a closer look at all these reasons why your hamster hides food under the bedding.
Natural Instinct
Hamsters have a natural instinct to hide food under the bedding and this will probably never change.
When they are in nature, they constantly hide food to create reserves for the future, because they are afraid that they will run out of food.
In domestic conditions, hamsters do not need to fear that they will run out of food, but they cannot forget that natural instinct.
The natural instinct to hide food is important to their survival and helps your pet feel safer when there is enough food hidden under the bedding or elsewhere.
Boredom
When hamsters are bored they hide food under the bedding. Hamsters love to be constantly active and explore in or out of their cage.
If they don’t have enough toys, tunnels, and climbing stairs, and of course, if they don’t have an exercise wheel, the hamsters will be very bored.
Hiding food for hamsters is also a kind of entertainment, in addition to their natural ability to store food supplies.
Food storage
Hamsters hide food under their bedding so they can always have enough food supplies. It is normal behavior that guarantees the safety and security that they will not be hungry.
If you notice that the hamsters are constantly hiding their food, it can be a sign that they don’t have enough food, that is, you should put more food in their bowl in the cage.
Sometimes a change in their environment can affect the hamster and it hides the food because it is afraid.
For your own safety
When hamsters hide their food, they do so to protect themselves from predators, such as other pets in your home, although they will not attack them, the hamster sees them as a threat.
Hiding food gives your pet security and safety. When hamsters have hidden food under the bedding or in other places, then they feel safer knowing that they have enough food for the future.
Pay attention to your pet’s behavior because it will help you know how he feels at certain times.
Does my hamster eat the food it hides under the bedding?
Yes, hamsters eat the food they hide under the bedding. Although they may not be able to eat all the food they have hidden, they will still eat most of it.
Be careful with the amount you give the hamsters because if you put too much food, they will hide or eat too much and get fat.
If you notice that the hamsters are starting to gain weight then put less food in their bowl.
How long should hamster food stay under the bedding?
It is best to remove food that is under the bedding or in other hiding places after three days. The hamster will see that there is no food for him and he will replenish himself with new reserves of food.
In any case, it is necessary to clean the cage regularly at least once a week or more often if necessary to prevent contamination of the food.
When you clean their cage and remove food from hiding places under the bedding, it can be a little annoying and stressful for the hamster, but cleaning the cage still has to be done.
When should you remove hamster food supplies?
If you notice that the food stash is getting too big or the food is starting to spoil then you should replace the old food with new food.
Sometimes hamsters for some reason will not want to eat the food under the bedding or hiding places and you will have to remove it.
If you notice that the hamster does not eat enough or eats too much, you should pay attention to the amount of food you give it.
Because if it starts to lose weight, it can lead to diseases and health problems. That is why it is very important to observe your pet and pay attention to its diet.
Read more: Why Hamsters Hide Food Under Their Bedding? Let’s Discover
Related questions
Is it normal for hamsters to bury their food?
Yes, it is completely normal for hamsters to bury their food, it is their way of storage and a natural instinct for survival.
Hamsters bury their food to have enough reserves because they are afraid of running out of food.
Hamsters bury food as security from predators, because sometimes in nature they have to hide for a long time, then they survive by eating the buried food.
How much food can a hamster fit in its mouth?
Hamsters can store about 20% of their weight in their cheeks.
That’s really a lot of food that they can put in their cheeks and then store in another place or hiding place.
Their cheek pouches are the only way they can transport food.
Read more: Do You Need To Restock Hamster Food if They Hide Food?
Is it normal for hamsters to hide under bedding?
Yes, it is completely normal for hamsters to hide under the bed.
Hiding under bedding allows them to be safe and secure from predator attacks, although this applies more to hamsters living in the wild.
Domestic hamsters are not really threatened by predators, but their natural instincts do their thing and that’s why they hide under the bed.
Read more: How to Stop Hamster Putting Bedding and Food In the Wheel?
Conclusion
The food that the hamster hides under the bedding should be thrown away after a certain time because it will start to spoil and can cause health problems for the hamster.
Hamster food should always be fresh and clean to be useful and healthy for your pet.
Hamsters often hide food under their bedding to always have enough supplies, even though they don’t need them at home.
Hamsters will probably always hide food under the bedding and in other hiding places because it is their natural instinct that they will always have.
Read more: Why Does My Hamster Put Bedding in Food Bowl? Let’s Discover
