Hamsters are adorable animals that love affection, different stimulation, and, most importantly, a clean environment. Some hamster owners may look up multiple factors, such as if they bite a lot, how much they sleep, and their behaviors. However, one of these such topics might be how much hamsters poop. In that case, we are going to answer this question firsthand.
Hamsters have been known to poop at least once an hour, but the frequency could be due to a lot of reasons, such as their stress level, diet, age, and size. For example, hamsters in a new environment may poop more frequently than others. Not only that, but if a hamster is younger, they might poop more often than one that is much older.
While this may be a relatively simple topic to discuss, it does indeed have layers. Still, most people are not precisely willing or want to dive into the deep end of bowel movements, let alone get an in-depth analysis of how much or how often their little pets will be doing their business.
Regardless, the information can allow you to prepare more thoroughly, and diagnose if something is wrong, so let us go over some of the more fundamental aspects of poo as it were.
How Often Do Hamsters Poop?
It’s been documented that some species of hamsters tend to poop as often as once an hour. Nonetheless, knowing some factors can allow for variety in the equation, which is critical. These things can be the following:
- A hamster’s size
- Their age
- Stress levels
- Diet
- The amount of food given within 24 hours
Stress is one of the biggest determining factors, however. Hamsters will poop when frightened, which is an understandable reaction for such a tiny creature. When they are in a new home, cage, or have new hamsters nearby, this amount may increase even more.
Before moving on, we should note that despite hamsters seemingly having to go to the bathroom non-stop, they can also be potty trained more or less. Doing so makes the entire situation less haunting from a pet owner’s perspective. We will touch base on this a bit later.
Is It Normal for Hamsters to Poop Often?
Yes, as noted above, hamsters need to go to poop almost constantly, with spikes in the tendency occurring the more scared they are and downticks if they are older because they will be eating and moving just slightly less.
If you notice your hamster isn’t going to the bathroom very often, however, it is absolutely critical that you take your small friend to the veterinarian.
There may be something seriously wrong with your little friend. Anything ranging from intestinal issues to a slight blockage could be the cause, and unfortunately, there isn’t much a simple pet owner can do about these situations.
What Factors Cause a Hamster to Poop?
The biggest ones are stress, age, diet, and size. However, other factors can make them go more or less. As a summary, we will go over each one and explain why it would make your hamster poop more often.
1. Stress
Stress is the biggest one because hamsters will poop directly out of fear or simply being nervous, so things like a new environment, new people, or pets that are larger than life and curious (cats and dogs) can instill a primal fear, which will cause the hamster to poop itself.
2. Age
As hamsters age, you can notice they undergo a myriad of different changes in their behavior and physiological standards. Still, from a bathroom perspective, their dietary needs begin to slow down some, and they become less active, and these two points come together to slow their metabolism, thus making them poop less.
3. Diet
Depending on what hamsters are eating, it can either set well in their stomachs and be digested relatively easily or go through a bit too quickly, making them have run-on or stomach issues. Reviewing every species of hamster’s specific dietary need in a passing article is tough. Still, the most important takeaway is to do extensive research on your hamster’s breed and ensure its dietary needs are met to limit intestinal stress.
4. Size
While it may be common knowledge to some people, bigger animals will require more food, and more food will inevitably equate to more poop or, at the very least, pooping more often. Because of this, a larger hamster will need to go more regularly than one that is smaller. If your larger hamster’s movements become less regular, as always, take it to the vet; these issues rarely resolve themselves.
Do Hamsters Poop in One Particular Spot?
Hamsters, if left to their own devices, will either choose to poop in a remote corner of their cage so as not to ruin the entirety of their living space or opt to do the opposite and poop wherever they are, as they are scuttling around without any discrimination.
However, hamsters can also be “potty trained” or shown how to utilize a litter box, mitigate some of your cleaning needs, and keep their living space tidy. It’s worth noting, however, that, unlike humans, little hamsters don’t have control over when they go to the bathroom, and as such, it’s not exactly unheard of to find a few random pellets strewn from place to place.
Do You Have to Pick up Hamster Poop?
Picking hamster poop up isn’t precisely necessary, but you will need to clean their cage at least once a week to ensure your hamster’s living space is healthy and clean.
Anything less can not only cause a build-up, which may inevitably cause your little friend to get unsightly matted fur with poop mingled into it, but it may begin to create a particular undesirable odor. Hence, staying on top of things for you and your hamster’s sake is better.
Do Hamsters Poop in Litter Box?
Yes, as noted above, hamsters can be trained to poop in a litter box. While this will take some time and patience, the end result is worthwhile, assuming you can see it through.
Is It Normal for Hamsters to Pull Poop Out?
Yes, in most cases, it is their animal instincts activating within them, telling them that their bodies did not fully process the food, and there are “nuggets” of nutrition hiding in these pieces. Although this is gross from a human perspective, it is customary in the hamster world.
The process typically happens at night when most normal people are asleep, so they wouldn’t notice it happening in the first place, but the act itself is done when your hamster’s nutritional needs aren’t being met in most cases.
If you notice your hamster doing this regularly, double-check the food they are eating to make sure it is loaded with all the vitamins and nutrients your little friend needs to guarantee a healthy and happy life.
Do Hamsters Sleep Where They Poop?
Yes, hamsters can sleep when pooping, although the wording is just slightly different, as hamsters traditionally poop while they are asleep. Unfortunately, they will be lying in their own filth for a bit, which is another reason for you to lend your fluffy friend a hand and regularly clean their cage.
What Does Unhealthy Hamster Poop Look Like?
Unhealthy hamster poop is usually runny, watery, or mushy, this can be due to a slew of different factors, but in most cases, it’s an irregular diet, but other more serious factors could be intestinal issues and complications, extreme stress, and fear, or other forms of physical or mental damage.
How Long Can a Hamster Go Without Pooping?
Suppose you have it documented that your hamster has gone roughly four days without pooping. In that case, it can be a sign that more significant issues are at play, and anything can be the culprit. These problems could be dehydration, a blockage, or, once again, intestine problems. If this occurs, see a vet immediately.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hamster Cage?
If possible, clean your hamster’s cage at least once a week to mitigate smells and give it a healthy living environment. Doing so helps your hamster remain healthy as it will not live in a dirty environment, thus breathing in clean and fresh air. Clean the cage deep or tank out every month to ensure no grime gets on the sides of the walls.
Final Words
In most cases, people would consider any dealings with poop to be disgusting. Yet, the fact of the matter is, it is simply a part of life, and in much the same way that we have to, hamsters need to as well, and to that end, it’s important to make sure your hamster is taken care of, and that it’s home is clean.
