What is cage aggression?
Cage aggression is a term used to describe the instinctual behavior exuded (by predominately female Winter White hamsters) to protect their home/territory before they even determine whether or not the ‘thing’ they are defending themselves against is dangerous or not.
The Behaviors Include: (an abrupt, instinctual reaction)running
- running
- biting
- attacking
PSA: This isn’t because your hamster doesn’t like you, and it also doesn't mean they are mean, what it actually indicates is that they love the home you made them and want to defend & protect it from everything.
How do you know if your hamster behavior is Cage Aggression or something else entirely?
If their behavior is different when you hold them outside of their cage, then it is likely Cage Aggression.
If your hamster still continues to bite & nip outside of the enclosure when you hold them, it is likely something else is going on.
If your hamster sniffs and then bites, it is likely not cage aggression. Cage aggression is very reactive and usually the hamster does not take the time to assess, they just LEAP into action.
How can you help?
- Disrupt their enclosure as little as possible when they are inside
- When spot cleaning, put them in a free roaming space or travel carrier
- Use a mug (or) a hide to pick them up from their enclosure & then gently tip them into your hand
Why?
This gives them room to protect their space, but you’re still able to interact with them outside of their enclosure and see their personality shine through!
