Your pet hamster might not have the elongated tail of a mouse or a rat. But if you look closely, they do have a stub that serves as a tiny tail. Most animals have tails they use to navigate their environment and communicate with their own species and others. In the case of hamsters, their little rear appendage actually serves many purposes, from burrowing to maintaining balance. Getting to know your hamster’s anatomy and what they need to be happy and healthy can help you create a wonderful home.
Hamsters Have Different Tail Lengths
It may look as though a hamster doesn’t have a tail, but the truth is that all hamsters have tails, just not the way a mouse or rat does. Hamster tails can be so short they look like a stub or appear as a furry patch on their backends. The tail size also depends on the breed. For example, the Chinese dwarf hamster has one of the longest tails; it’s meant to help these critters maintain balance while climbing. The hamster with the tiniest tail is the Roborovski hamster. Not only do they have the smallest tails, but they’re also the smallest hamster breed, not exceeding four inches.
While you may not initially see a tail on a hamster, they definitely have one!
A Hamster’s Tail Helps with Burrowing and Balance
The stubby tail of a hamster makes burrowing easier because it does not get in the way of their digging activities. In the wild, hamsters can dig burrows of up to three-and-a-half feet that consist of an intricate network of chambers and tunnels. These small creatures will store food and create nests to keep their young safe. Not only does a short tail bode well for burrowing, but it also helps each hamster move through narrow, underground passages.
While it might be hard to believe, the hamster’s rear stub assists with balance while moving. Their tails aren’t long enough to provide the stability that they do for rats and mice, but they certainly help them climb and jump. So, while it seems like the hamster’s lack of a long tail doesn’t serve any purpose, their stubs are actually important for stable movement.
You Can Tell a Hamster’s Gender by Tail Size
Whether long or short, you can tell a hamster’s gender based on the length of its tail. Most female hamsters have thin tails, whereas males will have bulges or thicker patches around their tails. A male hamster usually has a rounder, longer backend compared to a female.
You cannot use overall size to determine whether a hamster is a boy or a girl. For instance, Syrian hamster females are bigger than males, whereas male and female Chinese hamsters are similarly sized. If you must know the gender of your pet hammie, have a veterinarian examine them to confirm.
Caring for Your Pet Hamster: Tips for Enrichment
Every hamster needs enrichment to live a great quality of life. Because hamsters are natural foragers, creating an environment where they can safely explore and utilize their energy can prevent stress and maintain their health. These tiny creatures are naturally active at night because they use dark cover to find food without being highly visible to predators. So, while you’re sleeping, ensure your pet has access to activities such as food puzzles and interactive feeders to keep them stimulated.
Hamsters love to burrow, so it’s a good idea to add bedding of at least six inches for small hamsters and 10 inches for larger breeds. Your little furball will thoroughly enjoy creating tunnels and hiding out in their burrows. Alternatively, you can introduce a digging box consisting of coco peat, which is a safe medium for hamsters to play in.
Don’t forget to add an exercise wheel, which is a simple way to keep them entertained while keeping their weight in check. Hamster balls are another great accessory for exercise but should only be introduced to hammies under strict supervision.
Poor Care Can Lead to Wet-tail in Hamsters
It’s no secret that hamsters, along with many other pet rodents, live short lives. Wet-tail is one of the leading causes of death in pet hamsters, and it refers to a disease caused by poor husbandry. It’s generally characterized by its name: a wet tail matted with feces and urine. Other symptoms include (but aren’t limited to) a foul odor, impaired mobility, and lethargy. Wet-tail is generally curable with an early diagnosis, antibiotics, and proper husbandry, but if left untreated, it could result in death.
Another common health condition that affects hamsters is related to their teeth. A hamster’s teeth grow throughout their life, so they need to chew on items such as branches and toys to keep them short. Overgrown teeth will lead to painful problems, including abscesses and an inability to eat.
Why Your Hamster’s Tail is Important
Your hamster’s tail might be extremely small and for some, barely visible, but their tiny stubs are important in their balance, movement, and communication. Interestingly, hamsters use their tiny tails and body movements to send specific messages to one another. You may not know this, but some hamsters will perform a little tail wag when they’re happy or excited!
Whether hamsters have tails is one of many questions that first-time hammie owners have about their pets. Did you know these rodents can also store food in their cheeks?
