Hamster balls are a fun and entertaining way for your pet to exercise but without proper supervision, they can be dangerous. The little inquisitive animals may be able to roll around to various corners of a room but they're prevented from sniffing, touching and generally interacting with the new area. That goes against their natural instincts and could cause frustration and stress. The jury is out on hamster balls. While some think they're a terrible idea, other owners say that their hamsters love them. Use your own judgment and most importantly, pay close attention to your hamster to see if he or she enjoys the ball experience. If you’ve made sure that every playtime item is fit to your hamster’s needs and is accessible to them, but they still aren’t getting into the hang of things, it may be time to take a trip to the vet. Illness, stress and old age can diminish a hamster’s ability to be active. Make sure that they have a clean bill of health before you write your hamster off as “lazy.” Can a Hamster Exercise Too Much?

Hamster balls provide energetic hamsters with the opportunity to run around and explore their home. However, the 20-30 minutes recommended for daily hamster ball use is simply not enough to properly expel their extra energy and ensure their health. Hamsters need ample opportunity to get exercise on their own time, while inside their 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

How Can I Tell When My Hamster Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise?

Always supervise a hamster in a ball. Never let her or him out of your sight. The ball offers only minimal protection and you must be there to get your hammy out of trouble at any time. Some hamster advocates think that you should never place a hamster inside a hamster ball. They feel that the ball puts a barrier between the hamster and its surroundings. 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. To clean, simply take apart a ball and leave it to soak in warm water with soap or disinfectant. Then rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaning product and make sure to dry fully before it’s next use. Are hamster balls dangerous? Keep the hamster ball clean by washing it with warm water and plain soap between each use. Make sure that the toy is dry before it is used again.

Make sure to get the right size ball for your hamster. Syrian hamsters, the largest of the household hamster breeds, require a much bigger ball than dwarf hamsters. Dwarf hamsters are too small and not strong enough to maneuver a ball designed for a larger hamster. The hamster ball should be large enough that the hamster is not forced to curve their body to use it.

It’s integral that you make sure any lids are doors are twisted tightly shut to ensure there’s no way of your hamster falling out at high speeds. If the ball is not secure, your pet could potentially injure themselves Supervise If the hamster doesn’t seem interested in going into the ball, do not force it. This can stress out your pet.

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! Channel Islands, including Jersey and Guernsey (Sark, Alderney and Herm are an additional 1 days delivery from Guernsey) 48 Hour Dispatch ServiceA 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.”

Scottish Highlands Postcodes (IV, HS, KA27-28, KW, PA20-49, PA60-78, PH17-26, PH30-n 44, PH49-50, ZE ) 48 Hour Dispatch Some hamster owners think that they can just let their hamster roam throughout their house or apartment without any kind of supervision or special care being taken. The hamster ball is considered a “safe spot” for the hamster to exist in, but there are risks associated with the unwise use of this toy. 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. The clever design of this running disc makes it one of the best activity toys around for small pets. In their natural habitat, hamsters would cover a lot of ground just looking for food, so running is second nature to them. This wheel allows them to run to their heart’s content inside their cage.

If your hamster doesn’t get enough time outside of its cage (under supervision, of course) they could become a bit stir-crazy and grow “addicted” to their hamster wheel. Get them out of their cage often with a hamster ball or hamster playpen to ensure that they are properly stimulated while remaining safe. Climbing toys for hamsters: Hamsters enjoy climbing and are rather curious creatures. Look to provide opportunities for your furry friend to explore. 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 Watching your hamster as he or she scurries around the room in their specially-designated hamster ball is a blast. But how long can they stay in that little ball for? When does playtime become excessive and the hamster needs to return to their cage? 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.