Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 06:34 pm
Hamsters use the tubes in their cages to sleep in because they feel more secure.
When hamsters are in the wild they use the tunnels to protect themselves from predators or when the weather is very cold and hot.
House hamsters use tubes as a substitute for natural tunnels in nature.
Why do hamsters love to sleep in their tubes?
Hamsters love to sleep in their tubes because they enjoy and is completely normal for them. Hamsters use the tubes for sleeping and protection from predators, for storing food, and because they are comfortable and safe.
In today’s article, we will learn why hamsters use the tubes to sleep in them, and how safe it is when they do so, as well as similar questions related to this topic.
Why do hamsters sleep in their tubes?
Hamsters sleep in their tubes because they feel safer and this is a natural way that wild hamsters also use in tunnels in nature.
However, it is an individual matter because not all hamsters use tubes to sleep in them. Some sleep in the corner of the cage, and others sleep close to a toy or the exercise wheel.
Let’s take a closer look at why hamsters choose tubes to use as a place to sleep.
As we know, hamsters sleep during the day and run and play at night. Therefore, the tubes allow them to have less light and sleep more easily.
The tubes, apart from the light, help the hamsters because there our pets are hidden and are safer, although there is no need for such a thing in the cage.
There has been some research done that shows that when hamsters have a choice they use the darker areas to use for sleeping.
The tubes provide them with greater reliability
Tubes represent safety for hamsters and therefore they choose them as places to sleep.
When hamsters are in the wild they do not have tubes but use the tunnels as sleeping places and protection from predators.
In domestic conditions, tubes are similar to tunnels and therefore they are the most common choice for sleeping and protecting hamsters.
In the cage, hamsters are not in danger of predators, but they cannot forget their natural instinct.
A natural way of sleeping
Sleeping in the tubes allows the hamsters to feel like they are in nature.
Hamsters have a natural need to sleep in tunnels, that’s when they feel the best and that’s why the tubes provide them with this pleasant feeling.
When hamsters sleep in the tubes they will be able to rest and sleep undisturbed, which is important for their health.
Tubes are a quiet place for hamsters
When hamsters sleep they like to have a quieter environment. Tubes are a great solution for hamsters to have more silence as they soften the sounds.
When the environment is noisier, it bothers the hamster and disturbs his sleep.
Let’s not forget that hamsters have a much better sense of hearing and they can hear even the smallest sounds.
When hamsters are scared they use the tubes to sleep
If the hamster is scared he will use the tubes as the best place to feel more secure when he is scared.
When there are other pets near him or it is very noisy, as well as when the hamster is still in a new unknown environment, in a new home, he will be scared and will hide and sleep in the tubes.
Tubes also help when the hamster is shy
When hamsters are shy they will sleep in their tubes in the cage.
When a hamster has just been brought to a new home it will be shy and you may notice that it will go out to eat and drink water and then return to the tubes where it will sleep.
Of course, this will be in the beginning until he gets used to the new environment, then he won’t be inside the tubes so often, he will play and run everywhere, and he can use the tubes when he sleeps.
Is it safe for hamsters to sleep in tubes?
Yes, hamsters can sleep quite safely in their tubes.
However, there are certain things to be aware of that can be a problem if the tubes are not suitable, such as the size and width, so let’s see what you should be aware of.
Danger from too much heat
You should pay attention to the placement of the tube in the cage, and make sure that it is not in direct sunlight.
Because overheating can occur and can make the hamster sick from too much heat or worse lead to dehydration which is even more life-threatening.
Hamsters can die of dehydration in 3-4 days.
If you find that your hamster enjoys sleeping in its tube very often then make sure it is not under direct sunlight or any other heating element.
There may be less ventilation
Hamsters need adequate ventilation in order to breathe normally and have airflow. If there is not enough ventilation, the hamster can suffocate while sleeping in the tube.
That’s why you should be careful if you notice that your pet is often using the sleeping tube.
Commercial tubes already have air holes, but this may not be enough for your pet.
You may need to make larger holes in the tubes so that there is enough air and there are no problems when the hamsters sleep in them.
Select the correct tube size
There are several different sizes of tubes that we can buy for furry friends.
There are tubes that are intended for smaller hamsters, and there are tubes that are designed for the size of Syrian hamsters.
You must choose the correct size of the tubes because if it is too small the hamster will not be able to pass through them easily, it may get stuck or suffocate while sleeping.
When you choose a tube, it should allow the hamster to easily pass through it, it is best to have an additional width that will allow them to sleep comfortably in it.
Checking the tubes
Be careful not to fill the tubes with too much waste that can create bacteria and infections of their respiratory organs, especially due to hamsters peeing and pooping.
Also, make sure that the tubes do not have any broken parts that could injure your pet.
Why do hamsters fill the tube with bedding?
Apparently, hamsters use the tubes very often for sleeping and hiding from predators, but sometimes they fill the tubes with bedding.
Hamsters fill their tubes with bedding because of:
- making a nest
- food storage
- security
- temperature
Let’s take a closer look at each of these interesting ways how hamsters use tubes and bedding.
Food storage
Hamsters have a natural instinct to store food, they don’t know that tomorrow you will give them something to eat again.
That’s why they use tubes along with bedding to store food.
Hamsters first carry the food with their pouches in their cheeks and put it inside the tubes, then they take it from their bedding and cover the food.
In this way, they provide themselves with food if they need it, which they probably won’t need if they live at home.
Storing food in tubes covered with bedding can lead to food spoilage and the risk of bacteria and infection. Therefore, you will need to occasionally check the tubes and clean them of excess food.
Making a nest
Another thing hamsters do with tubes makes a nest. Hamsters have natural instincts to make a nest where they think they will be safe and comfortable.
If you notice the hamster moving bedding into its tube then it is probably making its own nest.
This is completely normal hamster behavior and should not worry you at all.
Be careful when cleaning the cage not to disturb their nest in the tubes as they will get upset that you are disturbing their nest.
Security
Hamsters are always prey, they are constantly under threat from predators when they are in nature, and that’s why they often make shelters.
In the cage, they use the tubes to make their own safe place and for this purpose, the bedding is the perfect ingredient.
Hamsters will block the entrance and exit of the tube with bedding to feel protected and safe from predators even though they don’t really need to, but they don’t know it.
However, we need to be careful because too much bedding in the tubes can reduce the normal flow of air and suffocate the hamsters, and they can get stuck inside.
If you notice that the hamster does not get out of the tube for a long time, check if it needs help to get out of the tube.
Temperature
Hamsters fill the tubes with bedding so they can have better temperature regulation inside the tubes.
The bedding in the tubes serves as a kind of insulation that helps them have the constant temperature they need.
For example, in the winter it helps them to be warmer when they are inside the tubes, while in the summer the bedding provides a cooler temperature and protects them from overheating.
Anyway, bedding is a great way to regulate the temperature in the tubes and that’s why hamsters use it.
What types of hamster tubes can be used?
When we talk about types of tubes for hamsters, mainly there are either commercial or homemade tubes.
Let’s see in more detail about the two types of tubes for hamsters, let’s learn more about them.
Commercial hamster tubes
Commercial hamster tubes can be bought at pet stores and are easy to purchase as they are readily available and come in a variety of sizes.
The advantage of shop tubes is that they are already made with proper openings for breathing and airflow.
The only thing to pay attention to is the size because you need a tube that matches the size of your hamster.
Homemade hamster tubes
To make homemade tubes for hamsters you need cardboard tubes, preferably from toilet paper or something similar.
You can splice multiple tubes together depending on how long you want the tube to be. You need to join them with adhesive tape and pay attention to their width.
Hamsters need enough width in the tubes to be able to move normally. You need to make air holes so that they have normal flow and ventilation.
Read more: How To Choose Safe Hamster Bedding? (Let’s Discover)
Conclusion
The tubes are one of the most used items in the hamster cage.
Hamsters use the tubes as places to sleep, protection from predators, make nests, hide food, and similar purposes.
Tubes are inevitable in a hamster’s cage, but we need to pay attention to their size and air openings so that the hamster can safely use them to sleep.
If the tubes are small or if they have too much bedding at the entrance and exit, it can bother your furry friends when they need to get out of them.
Read more: Why Do Hamsters Eat Their Bedding? Let’s Discover
