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Choosing hideouts: what to look for

Hamsters feel safest when they have a snug place to retreat to. Here's how to pick one that works.

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Size and shape

A good hideout is roomy enough for your hamster to turn around and stretch inside, with an entrance they can pass through comfortably, even with full cheek pouches. Syrian hamsters are larger (about 5 to 7 inches long), so they usually need a bigger house than dwarf hamsters.

Things to check

  • Materials that are safe to nibble
  • Smooth edges, with no gaps where a limb could be caught
  • Easy to clean or replace

A few squares of plain, unscented tissue inside gives hamsters something soft to nest with.

General information only. This is not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your hamster's health, please contact an exotic-pet veterinarian.
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