Toys hamsters love to play with
Hamsters are cute and relatively simple to care for, but they are also hard workers who, like all pets, require entertainment. The hamster wheel and ball are two common staples that almost everyone is familiar with, but perhaps you’re looking for some fresh ideas.
Here’s where we step in. We’ve put together a list of 10 suggestions about the toys that hamsters adore playing with.
- Hamster wheel
It is impossible to own a hamster and be unaware of the hamster exercise wheel. If the hamster cage is in your bedroom, you already know how much your hamster enjoys spending the entire night spinning around on it. If possible, keep the cage somewhere other than where you sleep rather than spending money on an exercise wheel that is intended to be quiet.
A wheel is frequently already included in hamster cages, but if your pet doesn’t seem interested in it or if it doesn’t have a solid surface, you should buy a new one. To prevent the hamster from getting a paw caught and suffering serious injuries, make sure the wheels are the right size for your hamster and steer clear of any that have slats or bars.
Additionally, there are various wheel designs, like a flying saucer. The wheel is a great way to ensure that hamsters get a ton of exercise while also keeping them occupied.
- Hamster ball
The hamster ball, also known as a run-about, is an alternative to the hamster exercise wheel that can allow your hamster the freedom to safely roam around your home. Your hamster can run around the floors of your home with these clear plastic balls of various colors, which will give him plenty of exercise.
While you clean out his cage, you can keep your hamster safely out of the way by placing him in a run-about. But you must make sure to watch over your hamster. Although the ball is typically secure, you should be aware of the following safety concerns:
- Only put one hamster in the ball at a time.
- Make sure it’s the right size for your hamster and has small ventilation holes.
- Pick a ball that is light in color and avoid the sun. It should only be allowed in cool and dark areas.
- Only allow your hamster 10 to 15 minutes inside the ball. If your hamster stops running, it’s time for him to come out.
- Never roll the ball yourself it will frighten and stress out your hamster.
- Clean before and after every use.
- Make sure the ball has been tightened. You don’t want it to open unexpectedly.
- No stairs!
- Always supervise.
- Tubes
Hamster tunnels and tubes are the next item. These might be straightforward or complex constructions that let your hamster climb and explore his habitat. Your hamster’s habitat can be expanded using a variety of tubes that you can purchase, or you can keep it straightforward with homemade tunnels made from water bottles or paper towel rolls.
Hamsters can climb in tubes and tunnels, but you must make sure that he can’t fall and that he can return to the bottom. They are great at climbing up and not so great at going down, just like cats in trees.
- Chewable items
Hamsters have a strong chewing instinct and will spend a lot of time and effort doing it. Rodents are what hamsters are; the word “rodent” derives from the Latin “rodere,” which means “to gnaw.” So, yes, you will need to provide your hamster with objects to chew on because their teeth are constantly growing.
Items like these include applewood and loofah pieces, which taste good and are good for your hammy’s teeth. Additionally, you can recycle cardboard products like toilet paper and paper towel rolls to make your own (cheap) tubes and things for your hamster to chew on.
- Sand bath
It makes sense that wild hamsters would enjoy a sand bath because their original habitats included sand dunes, savannahs, and areas close to deserts, which are all dry and warm. For use in children’s sandboxes, you can purchase either sand that has been specially prepared for small pets or any sand that has been cleaned and dried.
A small bowl made of plastic or ceramic can be used, and a few centimeters of sand can be placed inside. It can make your hamster clean and fresh with a shiny and healthy coat, and most hamsters will enjoy rolling around in it as well. Simply remember to replace the sand every few days as your hamster might use it as a toilet.
- Climbing toys
Since most tubes are made for climbing, this might actually belong in the tubes/tunnels category, but there are some items available that are special and entertaining for hamsters to climb.
For instance, your hamster can practice his own style of rock climbing on this climbing wall. Ladders and buying a cage with horizontal bars so your hamster can climb the cage itself are other variations.
- Hideaways
Because they are nocturnal, hamsters love to hide in cozy, dark places and will dig burrows during the day. Even though hiding out might not seem like much fun, it should be on this list because it will make your hammy feel secure and content.
You can buy items like this tree trunk hideout or simply use household items like cereal boxes to provide your hamster with a dark hiding spot and something to chew on.
- Hammock
Who doesn’t enjoy relaxing in a hammock on a warm day? Why not your hammy then? Your hamster could rest on top of or inside this soft, cozy hammock. This also fits the bill for hiding in a dark place. It’s likely that some hamsters will enjoy this cozy space for playing just as much as for resting.
- Bridges
Your hamster can have fun honing his balancing skills by playing with bridges. For instance, the wires in this suspension bridge allow you to move it into positions that will let your hamster explore other areas of his habitat.
- Treat toys
The topic that is dear to everyone’s heart is food. You can use treats to occupy your hamster in a variety of ways. For instance, you can use these balls, which are safe for your hamster to chew on. However, you can also tuck some treats inside of them to make them even more tasty and interesting.
The alternative is applewood. If your yard happens to have an apple tree, you could simply cut a small twig for your hamster as long as it hasn’t been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals. Or you could purchase some similar to these.
Simply hiding some of your hamster’s treats around his cage is a cost-free alternative that he will enjoy exploring. A treat, like sunflower seeds or a grape, could be put in the center of a paper towel or toilet paper roll filled with Timothy hay. Digging through the hay to find a tasty treat in the middle will be fun for your hammy.
Conclusion
While many of these suggestions can be replaced with homemade alternatives, some of them will cost money. The most important thing is to make sure that whatever you buy or make for your hammy is safe for him. If your hamster spends time in or close to your bedroom, you should consider looking for quiet toys because you both need to sleep.
Knowing what makes your hamster happy and how to keep him entertained will become clear as you get to know your pet. After all, a mentally active pet is a happy and healthy pet.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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