How Long Can a Lost Hamster Survive?

Losing a pet can be devastating, especially when you have a small, fragile one like a hamster. In such situations, it’s common to start worrying about never locating them again because of their tiny size. Another fear for many hamster owners is that they might accidentally step on their pets in this process of searching for them.

Lost hamsters can live for three to four days after their last meal or drink. It’s crucial to ensure that your hamster never goes longer than three days without food or water because they’ll easily succumb to hunger. Several other factors determine how long your lost hamster can survive.

These other factors will be discussed in greater detail below. I’ll also cover how long your hamster can go without food and water, why and how hamsters escape, where they like to hide, and how to find them. I’ll also cover the unfortunate but necessary topic of what to do if you don’t find them soon.

How Long Can Hamsters Go Without Food or Water?

Hamsters can go about four days without food and water. They’ll do well with enough portions of healthy foods and can have high appetites at some point. However, when food is scarce, four days is about the maximum for which they can maintain their energy.

But this isn’t only limited to food, and they can also go for the same number of days without water. Although every hamster is unique, several factors will determine how long it can live without water.

Other Factors Influencing a Lost Hamster’s Survival Rate

Some major factors influencing your hamster’s survival time when lost are general health, age, and where they grew up.

Very young or sick pets are highly likely to become quite ill or even die if unable to find some water.

Furthermore, the climate of the place you raise your hamster will also determine how long they can survive independently. The hotter it is, the quicker your hamster becomes thirsty, hungry, and tired when lost.

Therefore, a hamster lost in a house in Las Vegas or Death Valley is going to have a harder time than one lost somewhere more temperate like North Carolina.

It is natural to be very worried when your hamster escapes. However, you can get relief from the thought that your hamster will always look for and drink condensation from the water pipes around the home. Although this isn’t ideal, it should keep them going in the worst cases, which is a consolation.

Read How To Tell If Your Hamster Is Sick?

Reasons Why Hamsters Escape

While you might not think of a reason for your hamster escaping, especially if you give them excellent care, it still always happens. Learning why and how they can escape can help you seal every loophole and possibly keep them within your confines.

The most common reasons why your hamster could escape include:

A Dire Need for Exposure

Naturally, hamsters are easily scared and can be very shy at times. Still, hamster owners don’t realize that hamsters can sometimes be curious pets. They like to know what’s happening around them and will often stick their tiny heads out to see what you’re up to.

So don’t be surprised when you see your hammy attempting to climb their cage’s walls to get in on the action.

Sometimes, they might even get frustrated and start chewing on the bars. When you notice this happening, you should turn your attention to them. You can lure them with some vegetables and treats to take their minds off the curiosity that’s building up.

Moreover, if you notice that they are heavily focused on something outside the cage, try to distract them or remove this object of fascination.

When They Need More Space

Hamsters need adequate space, so their cages must be the correct size. A small cage will feel constrictive and might be another reason why your hammy tries to escape. If you have a Syrian hamster, the cage should have a floor space of 24 inches by 12 inches (60.96 cm by 30.48 cm) at the very least.

However, it is most advisable to get a cage with more space than this. You could get smaller cages if you have smaller breeds, such as Siberians.

Overall, it is recommended that you get a bigger cage than you think you need. Give your furry friend all the space it needs to play and run around. They’ll be much happier this way. It also means that they won’t try to escape as much.

A low and wide cage is also better. Remember to pay attention to the distance between the wires. If your hamsters can get their tiny heads through, they can also squeeze their bodies out of the cage and easily escape.

Read My Hamster Makes Too Much Noise at Night

They Are Active and Can Be All Over the Place

Sometimes, it will look like your hamster is trying to escape, but that’s just because they are naturally active. Rodents lead very fast-paced lives: climbing, running around, and chewing on anything they can find.

So, you shouldn’t be very worried when you see yours doing any of this, although it is still something to keep your mind on. The best thing would be to ensure that they have enough toys to entertain them.

You can get them toys such as a bendy bridge and several hiding places. Remember to always keep your hamster well-exercised by getting them a hamster wheel and some balls.

Ensure that the wheel is customized; smaller breeds will need smaller wheels and vice versa. This way, you can rest assured that your rodent friend won’t be coming up with an escape scheme soon.

When They Are Scared

When there is something consistently scaring or disturbing your hamster, they will try to escape. Your pet will make its best attempt to run far away from anything they consider a potential threat.

If the ‘threat’ isn’t eliminated, bringing the hamster back to the same environment will keep triggering the idea of escape. If this keeps happening, observe your hamster for some days to establish what’s scaring her. It could be anything, from lawnmowers to kids.

After finding out what it is, devise a solution to keep her safe. And if you are the one scaring your hamster, start building trust. Give her time to know your smell and get used to your presence without rushing her.

Read Is Silica Sand Safe for Hamsters?

How Hamsters Escape From Their Cages

Hamsters are excellent escape artists, and they escape from their cages all the time. Some are more likely to do it than others, depending on the pet’s personality.

Understand that these are intelligent animals, so here are some of the tricks that they use to escape from their cages:

Climbing

Hamsters are not good climbers, but boredom or frustration can be great motivation. If your pet showcases any of these, it will try to find a way out of the cage. Whether the cage walls are flat surfaces or made of metal bars, they will try to climb out of their cage and escape.

Unsupervised Playouts

If you take your hammy into the playpen, you should keep an eye out. Even if you’ve made it escape-proof, they can take off when you are distracted. Ensure that you put yours inside a secure container when cleaning his cage and supervise them the entire time.

Chewing

Like other rodents, hamsters have very sharp teeth and can chew their way through almost anything. If you get a wooden or plastic cage, they will try to chew through it. They will keep nibbling until the hole they make is big enough for them to squeeze through.

Read Why Do Hamsters Pull Their Poop Out?

Where Should You Look for Your Lost Hamster?

If you’ve lost your hamster, the first place to start searching should be some of his favorite hiding places. Carry out a thorough search immediately once you discover that he is missing. Remember that he is probably scared and has retreated to a secure hiding nook.

Most times, hamsters look for warm and dark enclosed spaces to hide. If you have no idea where to start, these are some of the familiar places hamsters prefer to hide:

• Underneath large furniture such as couches, cabinets, and TV stands.
• Inside handbags, shoes, or clothes that have been left on the floor.
• Inside furniture or appliances with holes. They could also easily chew into ones made from accessible material and hide inside.
• In dark space, such as your basement.
• Under kitchen appliances.
• Inside the bathroom.
• Behind long curtains and inside beddings.
• Inside shelves and closets.
• Kitchen pantries and other parts of the kitchen where you keep nice-smelling food.
• Warm places, for instance, those with underfloor heating or where you have a heater.

Remember to keep checking their cage as they are very likely to return if they can easily access their cage.

Read Is Calcium Sand Safe for Hamsters

Best Tips for Finding Your Lost Hamster

 It’s normal to panic, make noise, and search incorrectly when your hamsters go missing inside the house. However, it’s best to remain quiet and calm as you conduct your search. Loud noises will probably get them more stressed and push them to retreat further away.

This will make it harder for you to find them and keep them safe. Start searching near their cage once you realize that your hamster is missing.

Because your house is a new environment, your pet will probably not go too far. You can gently move some of your furniture, but you need to be quick to catch him if he’s hiding there. Be gentle and careful when moving anything else to avoid hurting your hammy as you search underneath the furniture.

Unfortunately, finding a lost hamster can be tricky. Here are some helpful tips that you can try:

Search for Your Hamster at Night

Hamsters are nocturnal animals. If they are lost inside your house, expect them only to start moving about at night. This, in turn, is the best time to find them. Hamsters like to hole up and sleep during the day, so finding one then is going to be much more challenging.

Use Seeds To Lure Them Out of Hiding

Hamsters love eating seeds. Lure them out of hiding by placing small piles of sunflower seeds on the floor across different rooms. If you notice any of the seeds disappear in a particular room, you’ll have a better idea of where the hamster might be hiding.

Track Your Hamster’s Movements

Sprinkle some flour on your floor around a pile of sunflower seeds. Once the smell of seeds attracts your hammy and they come out to eat, they might leave a trail of white footprints, which will lead you to their hideout.

It would help to sprinkle the flour across any suspected hideouts and doorways. Check for footprints to see where the hamster might be traveling around night.

Read Can You Die From a Hamster Bite?

What Should You Do if You Cannot Find Your Hamster?

If you cannot find your hamster, don’t give up. Even if you have looked in all the above places and cannot find your pet, be patient and remember that you will find them because they are just hiding somewhere inside the house.

Leave some treats and water out on the floor to ensure that they have enough energy to survive before you eventually find them. When you try out any of the tricks I have mentioned, ensure that your hamster’s safety is prioritized.

This will ensure they are not harmed in any way. If you live with a family, let them know that your hamster is missing. Apart from recruiting them as part of this search, they will also be careful, reducing the chances of anyone accidentally hurting the hamster.

Related Hamsters articles:

• How Do I Know if My Hamster Is Happy?
• Why Is My Hamster Sneezing?
• How To Get Rid of Hamster Mites?
• Can You Use Regular Sand for Hamsters?
• Why Is My Hamster Biting Me

Conclusion

Suppose you have just lost your hamster inside your house; you must keep calm and follow every tip above to find it. Be sure to go through the likely hideouts as you move to the most unlikely hideouts.

This way, you’ll optimize your chances of finding your hamster much quicker. Don’t lose hope even if you don’t find it immediately. They’re most likely still inside the house, just scared and confused.

There are cases of people finding their lost hamsters days or weeks after they lost them. Just keep putting food and water for them, and you will soon reunite.