Want to learn how to move hamster to new cage?
Buying a new hamster cage is wonderful, but how do you go about the transition? If done poorly, your hamster may end up aggravated and start showing symptoms of fear, concern, and/or discomfort.
This is the last thing any hamster owner wants to see with their small animal.
There are several reasons why the transition to a new hamster cage is challenging. It won’t always be straightforward and it’s important to remain aware of the reasons at all times.
The reasons can include:
- Different Layout
- New Scents and Sights
- Brand-New Environment
Look through this guide on how to move hamster to new cage and then start making adjustments right away. This will allow you to better understand what’s required when moving a hamster to a new cage and which hamster cage is best.
Best Escape-Proof Hamster Cage (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Hamster Cage Includes 2 Spacious Floors; First floor is a deep 4.75 height inches to promote playful borrowing w/ a Hamster...
- Fully equipped & modular designed hamster cage; Favola includes a food dish, water bottle, hide away, 5.5 inch exercise wheel...
- Easy Maintenance Hamster Cage: Top panel features an access door & entire wire portion & middle plastic section of the cage...
Last update on 2023-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Hamster Cage by Favola is a world-class option when it comes to setting up a brand-new environment for the hamster to enjoy. It’s spacious, well-designed, and provides an escape-proof setup that’s ideal for modern homes.
This dazzling hamster cage provides a multi-floor setup, a fantastic plastic ramp, and enough space for the hamster to roam around easily.
It’s a perfect addition to any home and is going to be a wonderful replacement for older hamster cages. If you are going to be transitioning the hamster to a new cage, why not start with something as robust as this?
Tips On How To Move Hamster To New Cage
Tip #1: Buy A Quality Hamster Cage
Imagine working hard and learning how to move hamster to new cage without buying the right solution!
This is a real concern and can become one of the reasons why your hamster doesn’t like its new cage. If the cage isn’t good enough, why will your hamster want to move in? The resistance is going to be challenging and something you don’t want to face!
Instead, you want to take the time to do your research and only buy a high-quality hamster cage.
The right type of hamster cage is going to have a multitude of safety features, multiple floors, and will remain easy for the hamster to live in for a while.
You don’t want the transition to be tough but it can happen when you aren’t patient.
You have to buy the right hamster cage and then gradually let the hamster settle in. This is the only way to get the process to work out as intended.
Tip #2: Start with 5-15 Minute Sessions in New Cage
In the first 1-3 weeks, you want to begin slowly and only let the hamster spend time in the new cage for 5-15 minute sessions.
These short bursts will work well in letting the hamster get used to the environment before coming back to its “home.”
If you do this often, eventually the hamster won’t realize the difference between its old hamster cage and new cage. Instead, it will become a part of its routine and that is when you an complete the transition for good.
There are several advantages of doing things as slowly as possible.
The benefits include:
- Lets Hamster Mark the Cage
- Reduces Shock Factor
- Give the Hamster Time to Adjust
You have to realize the hamster won’t understand what’s going on and the change may be far too dramatic. This means you have to calm things down and slowly go through the different phases before completing the transition.
When the hamster starts spending time running around the cage and playing with accessories, this is when you know it’s time to finish the job.
Otherwise, in the first few days, your hamster will simply settle into one corner of the cage or look to sniff as much of the cage as possible. This means you still need to pursue additional sessions before completing the transition.
Tip #3: Use Similar Hamster Accessories
As you learn how to move hamster to new cage, it’s time to think about what the hamster is already used to.
This includes its bedding, hamster wheel, and other relevant accessories that are commonly seen in a modern hamster cage. If you are unwilling to place these accessories in the new cage, this will create another psychological hurdle to deal with.
Instead of letting that happen, think about setting up the new hamster cage with the same accessories.
It is an easy transition that is going to add value to the process in minutes.
A lot of hamsters may find the environment to be new, but the accessories are going to win them over. They will know those are hamster accessories they are already used to.
As a result, the hamster cage is also going to become a place they want to be even if it is new.
If possible, look to keep the same layout as well. This means you should have the hamster wheel and bedding set up in a spot that would be comfortable for the hamster.
By doing this, you are going to save yourself a lot of trouble later on!
Tip #4: Use Hamster Treats
Incentives are never a bad thing and that is what your mindset needs to be as a hamster owner.
In general, you want to think about ways to woo the hamster into transitioning to its new cage. In the beginning, you will start with simple options such as 5-15 minute sessions, but you can speed things up using treats.
Hamster treats are often used as a way to help get small animals to do things that you want them to.
The hamster will start to react positively to the treats and that is going to make the transition easier on your end.
When you are using hamster treats, remember to do this when the hamster is in its new cage. You want to continue to work on building that positive connection as best as you can.
It may not seem easy at first, but this is the right approach to take with hamsters.
You want them to think about the new hamster cage and how it always leads to treats. The positive connection will make them want to stay in the new hamster cage for longer periods without showing signs of stress.
Don’t be afraid of doing this from time to time because the results will come.
Tip #5: Don’t Change the Location
Where are you going to keep the cage?
When you learn how to move hamster to new cage, remember the location shouldn’t change! This is a common mistake hamster owners make and that will only worsen the process.
Your hamster is used to specific sights and smells, which have become a part of its previous location. If you try to move it to a new spot, they are not going to like the change and they will start building negative associations with the new hamster cage.
There are many reasons for what can cause the hamster to hate its new cage due to the location change.
The reasons include:
- Added Stress on the Hamster’s Senses
- May Lead to Temperature Changes
- Adds New Variable into the Transition Phase
Figure out how to move hamster to new cage by keeping it in the same location.
If you do want to change the location, don’t do it right away. Instead, wait until the transition is complete and a few months go by. After this point, you are welcome to move the cage because the hamster will already be used to its new home.
Final Thoughts
If you are figuring out how to move hamster to new cage, start with something as simple as this.
The tips listed here are going to allow you to easily get through the transition as long as you are patient. It is difficult to remain conservative with your methods, but this is a time to remain as calm as you can be.
By staying calm, you are eventually going to get the hamster to like its new cage.
Also, make sure to buy the right hamster cage, so the transition doesn’t cause your hamster to stress out. The only time a transition is going to work out is when the newer cage offers more space and value to the hamster.
To learn more about taking care of your hamster, go through the following guides – reasons for a hamster escaping from its cage, how to keep a hamster cage warm during the colder months, how to find the right sand bath for a hamster, and which material is wonderful for hamster bedding.