Running Hamster

Product Information

Often made from wood, this is a specific area for a hamster to exercise their love of burrowing. You fill it with sawdust and there's usually a hole at the top for your critter to jump in and enjoy. 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. Another important consideration is the material from which a toy is made. Plastic may be easy to clean but can be a worry if your pet gnaws it. Wood, on the other hand, is eco-friendly and non-toxic, making it a better choice all-round. It tends to be fairly durable, but if your hamster is on a mission, it could gnaw through a toy in no time. Then there’s fabric. Cute hideaways can often be made of cozy fleece, but while your hamster may love snuggling up in them, you may not love the extra washing they create! 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. Key considerations here are safety. Hamsters do have poor eyesight so ladders with large gaps may present a hazard. A good option are large tunnels that imitate their natural environment in the wild and you may opt for bendy bridges instead.

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

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 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?

A wheel is a really valuable bit of cage furniture as they do enjoy running in them,” says Argrave. “But it's really important that the wheel is big enough – most wheels sold for hamsters are too small and can be harmful. Your hamster's spine should be straight when they're on their wheel. If it's curved then the wheel is too small and too much time in it could cause the hamster pain.”You can’t own a hamster and not know about the hamster exercise wheel. If the hamster cage is in your bedroom, then you know how much your hamster loves running on his wheel all night long! You could invest in an exercise wheel that is designed to be quiet, or if possible, keep the cage anywhere but where you sleep. Hamster wheel: Possibly the most common type of hamster toy out there, the hamster wheel is a classic addition to your hamster cage.

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 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. 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

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.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. 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 The ball is made from natural willow and is pesticide free, with low levels of salicin, making it a safe and irresistible choice for small pets to nibble, gnaw and chew. Gnawing and chewing make up quite a good portion of your pet’s day, and without a safe, hard material to gnaw on, they can develop dental problems. It’s a much better (and cheaper) option to provide your hamster with a material that will keep its teeth healthy, plus there are other benefits too. 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. Next, we have hamster tunnels and tubes. These can be simple or elaborate structures that allow your hamster to climb and explore his habitat. You can buy a variety of tubes that snap together and create an expansion to your hamster’s habitat, or you can keep it simple with homemade tunnels made from water bottles or paper towel rolls.