Can hamsters swim and what is the danger of water

It is not known why owners of tiny rodents so often wonder if hamsters can swim. Theoretically, all mammals can float on water, even completely unsuitable for this. And if you check whether giraffes can swim, so far no one has succeeded, then with rodents and lagomorphs the issue has been resolved unambiguously: they can. However, before launching your pet into the water, read this article for more details to find out why. it can’t be done.

In wild nature

In nature, a hamster swims in case of urgent need: to escape a fire, a predator, if the mink is flooded. An ordinary hamster is very different from decorative babies in appearance and character: a strong, aggressive animal 30-40 cm long, it can stand up for itself. Such hamsters can swim and get out of the water, but still avoid it. In water, the rodent is defenseless from predators, experiences hypothermia, and wet fur loses its wonderful properties. It is believed that the cheek pouches, which he fills with air, help him swim a long distance. Although this animal lives mainly in the steppes (Kazakhstan, Siberia, the European part), reservoirs are found on its territory.

There are mountain fish-eating hamsters, which by way of life belong to aquatic rodents, such as beaver or muskrat. They live on the banks of rivers, and the hole goes directly into the water. The paws of rodents of the genus Ichthyomys are equipped with membranes. They deftly dive and catch prey in the water, but are very distantly related to hamsters, which are kept as pets – Dzungarian, Campbell and Syrian.

The ancestors of decorative rodents are inhabitants of the steppe and semi-desert, extremely arid regions. In nature, they do not meet water bodies and are not adapted to immersion in water. A tireless animal would rather run a few kilometers than swim a couple of meters. Hamsters swim poorly, and can drown very quickly, unable to get out of the water. Sometimes they simply become numb from an overload of the nervous system: immersion in water is a strong stress for the animal.

At home

It is not uncommon for children and teens to share stories about how to teach a hamster to swim. With inexplicable cruelty, the hamster is thrown into a bath or basin to watch how he tries to get out. A cat or a dog can somehow stand up for itself, but a hamster turns into a living toy that is not particularly appreciated – let’s buy another one.

The Syrian long-haired hamster undergoes water procedures more often than others – the owners want to wash the rodent’s luxurious hair and unknowingly let it swim.

Campbell’s hamster is a small but aggressive rodent, he will bite the offender and resist water procedures to the last. And the friendly jungarik is forced to wallow in a bowl of water for the amusement of the owners. It’s not about whether Djungarian hamsters can swim. They know how. But they do not like, no matter what their owners claim. This becomes obvious to anyone who has seen Djungarians or other hamsters swimming. The animal desperately thrashes with its clawed paws, not adapted for rowing, its head is pulled up, bulging eyes become even larger with fright. Some find it comical, which is why the internet is full of videos of hamsters swimming.

If you want to bathe your hamster for the purpose of hygiene, then you should not put it under water. Better offer your hamster a sand bath. You will see with what pleasure the hamster will clean his fur!

Conclusion

A person who wishes his pet a long and quiet life will not check whether hamsters swim. Any water treatment is a last resort for these sensitive rodents. You can watch the following video if you still really want to see a floating hamster. But you do not need to take an example from the authors of this video!

Video: hamster swims