Hamsters don't need to be let out to play frequently. Although it has some benefits to let hamsters out for some activities occasionally, letting them out to play too often may bring about some adverse effects.
The reasons for this argument are as follows:
Safety Considerations: Hamsters are small in size and are likely to get lost in a large space. Once attracted by other things, they may hide in corners that are difficult to find, which increases the difficulty for the owner to search for them.
Behavioral Habits: Frequently letting hamsters out of their cages may change their perception of their living environment, making them develop a habit of being too playful and they may even be reluctant to go back into the cage. In addition, hamsters may gnaw on furniture or electrical wires out of curiosity. This not only may make them sick but also may cause damage to the furniture.
Relieving Psychological Stress: Although regularly letting hamsters out of the cage helps relieve the psychological stress that may occur when they stay in a small space for a long time, excessive free time may also make hamsters difficult to manage, and accidents may even happen due to the lack of proper supervision.
Suggestions:
Pet owners can set a fixed free-roaming time for hamsters every day, but the time should not be too long to avoid hamsters developing bad habits.
During the free-roaming period, pet owners should pay close attention to the safety of hamsters to ensure that they won't get lost or have an accident.
To increase the fun for hamsters in the cage, pet owners can put some toys that hamsters like in the cage, such as running wheels, to meet their playing needs.
In conclusion, although hamsters occasionally need to come out for activities to relax, they don't need to be let out to play frequently. Pet owners should reasonably arrange the free-roaming time according to the specific situation and needs of hamsters and ensure their safety.