Most people think back to the bunny from Alice in Wonderland and deduce that bunnies are social, happy animals who would get along with absolutely anyone. However, if you are wondering whether your hamster can hang out with your bunny, we must tell you how mistaken you are.
Hamsters and bunnies do not get along. This is because they have incompatible personalities and natures, and both communicate in different ways. Bunnies are highly social and like making friends. On the other hand, Hamsters are more introverted and prefer to stay within their circle.
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Do Hamsters and Bunnies Get Along?
Hamsters and bunnies do not get along due to their feeding behavior and contradictory social nature. Hamsters have a territorial nature and a tendency to be aloof and reserved. Bunnies are the opposite- they are social, active, and love cuddling with other animals or people they like.
If you are considering putting your bunny in the same cage as your hamster, we must warn you- this will result in a complete disaster.
Bunnies tend to run around a lot and groom themselves. If they are made to coexist with hamsters, they are likely to scare the hamster off. Due to this, the hamster might get agitated, aggressive, and scared.
Remember, there is a considerable size difference between hamsters and bunnies- bunnies are enormous in front of the tiny frame of a hamster. When a hamster sees this huge animal running around, it is likely to get stressed.
Moreover, a rabbit jumping around becomes a safety hazard for the hamster as it can land on it anytime- everyone knows how clumsy bunnies can be.
Why Hamsters and Bunnies Cannot Get Along
Hamsters are Timid Animals
Hamsters and bunnies are prey animals, which means that other animals usually feast on them, and countless generations of both animals have spent their entire lives keeping themselves safe from more significant, more dangerous creatures.
Due to this, even if you have raised your hamster and bunny in a safe environment, it is natural for the two of them to feel afraid of animals bigger than them.
When compared to bunnies, hamsters are generally skittish. In fact, they can also be defined as unfriendly and reserved. Many hamster owners take months to bond with them and train them because of how closed off these creatures are.
Imagine how your hamster would react if you forced them to interact with an energetic and hyper bunny- not only would it get scared, but it would also shrink into a shell and stop interacting with anyone, including its owners.
Bunnies are More Hyper than Hamsters
One look at these two creatures, and you can quickly tell that the energy levels of the bunnies are off the chart. Their constant movement as they run back and forth can become a trigger for hamsters, who get stressed very quickly.
It doesn’t matter if your hamster exercises a lot and is more active than other hamsters- its energy levels cannot match those of a bunny. Bunnies can fool around throughout the day and not get tired.
On the other hand, Hamsters love sitting in the same spot all day; it is a rare occurrence for them to step out of their comfort zone. Since they are nocturnal creatures, they usually stay awake at night and only move around for four hours during the day.
Hamsters are Territorial and Don’t Get Intimidated
Neither animal is aggressive by nature, but they won’t be afraid to stand their ground if they feel threatened. Bunnies usually attack when they are scared or feel annoyed. They will show their teeth, thump their tiny paws on the floor loudly, and raise their front feet to show they are ready to pounce.
Most animals and humans can tell that the bunny is getting ready to fight, so they back away from it. However, a hamster will feel challenged instead of intimidated by the bunny. The bunny’s behavior may encourage it to attack the bunny, and let’s admit it; this is a fight that is doomed from the start.
Moreover, hamsters have a territorial nature. They do not like to share their space with other animals and might even feel threatened. They might trigger the other animal and cause it to attack them.
Even though your bunny might not be the type who fights, you should not take any chances- one bunny blow can cause a hamster to get seriously injured.
Bunnies are Bigger than Hamsters
There is a vast size difference between bunnies and hamsters. A bunny usually weighs approximately six pounds, but some giant bunnies can weigh 20 pounds as well.
A poor little hamster will weigh less than 1 pound. This dramatic difference in size makes a hamster feel naturally threatened by a bunny, regardless of how friendly it might be.
Hamsters are Not Social like Bunnies
Bunnies are incredibly social and friendly creatures- they enjoy spending time with their owners and quickly form friendships with other animals. Bunnies will feel depressed, lonely, and bored if left alone for too long.
Even though owners can leave their bunny with some treats and toys for a short time, extended periods without any social interaction cause them to get fidgety and anxious. Bunnies are much like dogs in this regard.
However, hamsters are not built that way. They are not social, and some species, such as Syrian hamsters, like having their own space and spending time with themselves. They might not appreciate being around another animal, especially one eight times its size.
This does not mean that hamsters dislike human interaction; they are cuddly creatures who like spending time with their owners off and on. However, they do not thrive on attention the same way bunnies do. Hence, keeping both animals in separate cages is best so they do not become aggressive.
Should You Let Your Bunny Play with Your Hamster Under Your Supervision?
You might want your pets to socialize, but we recommend against letting your bunny and hamster in the same space, even if you supervise them. After all, you cannot read the mind of either creature and never know what might tick them off.
It would take a bunny a split second to feel threatened and injure the hamster. You might think they are acting civil, but there is a high chance of the hamster getting anxious or the bunny feeling threatened.
If both these animals live with you, it is best to give them their own area where neither animal can enter the other’s space. Moreover, do not let both animals out to play at the same time.
Read more: Why Do Hamsters Die So Easily
Can a Hamster Live in a Bunny Cage?
A hamster cannot be expected to live in the same cage as a bunny, but you can house your hamster in that if you have a spare bunny cage.
In fact, bunny cages can be excellent for hamsters because they have ample space and allow hamsters to run around and explore their surroundings.
Moreover, you can entertain your hamster by giving it interactive games and toys inside the cage. You must only ensure that the cage paneling is minor enough so your hamster does not escape through it.
You can also invest in a galvanized mesh featuring half-inch holes if you want to repurpose your bunny’s cage for your hamster, but it is too big.
Here are some additional things you will need to put inside the bunny cage for your hamster:
- Exercise wheel
- Nest box and sleeping area
- A deep layer of sawdust so the hamster can dig holes in it.
- Gnawing blocks and wooden branches that the hamster can bite down on.
- Obstacle courses are made with plastic blocks, toilet paper rolls, cardboard, and Legos.
- Fun games and toys for the hamster to play with, such as plastic balls, ladders, and tubes.
What Animals Can Bunnies Get Along with?
Bunnies usually get along with many household pets because they are loving and playful. These include:
- Birds (not loud ones)
- Dogs (under supervision)
- Cats (under supervision)
What Animals Can Hamsters Get Along with?
Because of their nature, hamsters do not really get along with most animals. In fact, they might not even get along with other hamsters.
You can get a turtle if you want to keep a pet with your hamster. Both animals can be held in different enclosures, and since turtles barely get out of their shell, they will not bother the hamster.
If you find your hamster is lonely, you could try to get another hamster of the same breed and train both of them well so they do not attack one another.
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My name is Everly. I am a Milwaukee-based mom of 2 and have been a proud owner of many hamsters throughout my life. Like many of us, my introduction to hamsters happened when I was very young. My family saw several hamsters come and go through the years, and I enjoyed playing with them, but I never fully appreciated them until I grew up and my own children decided to jump on the hamster bandwagon. At that point, I was determined to learn all I could about caring for these adorable pets. Read more