Running Hamster

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It's a great way to provide exercise for your little critter but it also emulates their natural behavior in the wild. Hamsters will walk several miles in search of food. A common misconception about hamster balls is that they can be used for long periods of time. Although hamsters have high energy, leaving them in a ball for longer than 30 minutes is cruel as they can become overtired and stressed very easily. Many hamster cages come with a wheel already included, but if your hamster doesn’t seem interested in it, or if it doesn’t have a solid surface, you should invest in a new one. You need to be sure to find the right size for your hamster and avoid any wheels with slats or bars, or the hamster might get a paw caught and become seriously injured. Hamsters have poor vision and rely on their other senses to get a feeling for their environment which means they are unlikely to avoid banging into objects when in their ball. They are also unlikely to be able to avoid dangers such as stairs or heights. Therefore to reduce stress and dangerous situations, it’s important to keep constant supervision or create a safe, penned off area for them to play. Hamsters are pretty adorable and relatively easy pets to take care of, but they are also industrious and, like every pet out there, need some entertainment. There are a few staple entertainment devices that pretty much everyone is aware of (like the hamster wheel and ball), but maybe you’re looking for some new ideas.

Hamster teeth grow continuously but, in a healthy hamster, the teeth will be worn down by eating and by rubbing against each other,” says Sarah Argrave, founder of the Starlight Trust. “So it isn't necessary for them to chew wood but it can be a good source of enrichment. Nibbling and chewing release endorphins and helps keep them happy and calm. Just make sure that the wood is safe and hasn't been treated with anything potentially harmful.” What do hamsters need in their cage?Hamsters should be supervised by an adult at all times when in an exercise ball to make sure they are happy and are staying active and alert. This is important especially if there are small children or other pets in the house, as non-gentle handling of the ball cold harm the hamster inside. Limit roll time

Hamsters need to chew and will spend a lot of time and energy chewing on everything. Hamsters are rodents – the word “rodent” comes from the Latin word “rodere,” which translates to “gnaw.” So, yes, you’ll need to find things for your hamster to gnaw on because their teeth continuously grow. For a great budget option, simple cardboard tubes provide a way for your hamster to both hide and chew. Cardboard rolls from paper towels or toilet paper are common household items that can be popped into your hamster's home. As it is made from wood, expect your hamster to enjoy chewing on the walls as much as diving in the contents, but it's reasonably high quality so should last a good while. Best hamster toys: FAQs How to choose the best hamster toy

Hamster chew toys: Like most small animals, hamsters love to use their teeth so it's important to nurture their natural instincts. Hamster wheel: Possibly the most common type of hamster toy out there, the hamster wheel is a classic addition to your hamster cage. Last but not least, it’s important not to crowd your pet’s cage with too many toys or enormous gym kits if your hamster lives in a compact property. And of course, budget plays a role too. It may be tempting to splash out on something luxurious, but bear in mind you’ll probably have to replace toys sooner rather than later. Types of hamster toys A practical yet suitably adorable addition to any hamster cage, the Trixie Large Wooden Digging Tower satisfies your little critter's need to dig while you can watch them.

At approximately 14cm in diameter and designed with a range of small pets in mind, this toy is quite large for a little hamster, but it will no doubt have fun pushing and moving it around its cage, or your floor when it’s playtime. This will provide the hamster with lots of exercise and contribute to its physical well-being as well as helping to prevent boredom and stress. This simple but pleasing ball is one of the best-looking small pet toys and a clever addition to any hamster environment. A bonus is that pet owners will appreciate its carefully crafted, natural appearance that will look good in any hamster home. If you’re an eco-conscious pet owner, you’ll appreciate the toy’s natural construction, and as it’s compostable, there will be no waste when your pet has finished with it.Climbing toys for hamsters: Hamsters enjoy climbing and are rather curious creatures. Look to provide opportunities for your furry friend to explore. The ninja of hamster wheels, this beauty is so silent that you’ll be none the wiser when your furry friend is furiously working up a sweat. Designed with dual ball bearings to make it ultra-quiet, your hamster can happily run through the night while you get the beauty sleep you need. Hamster balls: A hamster ball is an exercise device that allows your furry friend to roll around the floor. It's often seen as a common toy for a hamster but it's not always regarded as the best choice by pet charities. Hamster balls are a fun and entertaining way for your pet to exercise but without proper supervision, they can be dangerous.

Hamster balls also offer a fun way to interact with your furry friend and can also be used as a convenient space for them to be housed while you clean their cage. How To Use A Hamster Ball When buying a chew toy for your hamster, the most important consideration is that it's made with non-toxic materials. Wood can be a great choice but ensure it's pesticide and chemical free. Colour isn’t just an aesthetic when it comes to hamster balls, and some designs are far better for your pet’s health than others. Dark colours naturally absorb more heat, which means when used to decorate a ball they could potentially expose your hamster to overheating. Dark colours also make it more difficult to observe your pets welfare in the ball and so it really is best to go with light-coloured and transparent options. Ventilation There are concerns that a hamster ball may actually cause stress to a hamster due to their eyesight being poor. You may instead wish to look to look for a larger cage or an exercise pen to allow them to explore their environment on their own terms.

This is where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of 10 ideas for toys to help keep your hammy entertained. You should also never force a hamster to roll in their ball or get in if they seem agitated, nervous or sleepy! Sometimes they just don’t want to exercise! Avoid sun Digging opportunities: Hamsters love to dig so look to provide a deep layer of sawdust at the bottom of their cage. Providing potting compost is a great option too and you can always consider a digging tower. If you're considering what kind of hamster toys your furry friend will appreciate, then there's plenty on the market to choose from. From essential buys to little luxuries, our guide to hamster toys will run through what you need to know about each type.