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 tunnels), but maybe you’re looking for some new ideas.
This is where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of nine ideas for vet-approved toys to help keep your hammy entertained.
Top 9 Vet-Approved Hamster Toy Ideas
1. Hamster Wheel
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 its 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.
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.
There also different versions of the wheel, such as this flying saucer. The wheel keeps hamsters entertained and is a great way to ensure they get a bunch of exercise.
2. Tubes
Next, we have hamster tunnels and tubes. These can be simple or elaborate structures that allow your hamster to climb and explore its 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.
Tubes and tunnels give hamsters the opportunity to climb; you just need to be sure that it can’t fall and that it has a way of getting back down. Just like cats in trees, hamsters excel at climbing up and not so much at going down.
3. Chewable Items
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.
Items such as these contain loofah pieces and applewood that taste yummy and are good for your hammy’s teeth. You can also recycle cardboard items, such as toilet paper and paper towel rolls, for homemade (and cheap) tubes and items your hammy can chew on.
4. Sand Bath
Wild hamsters originally lived in dry and warm places such as sand dunes, savannas, and near deserts, so it’s natural that they’ll enjoy a sand bath. You can get sand that has been specially prepared for small pets or any sand that has been cleaned and dried for use in children’s sandboxes.
You can use a small bowl, either plastic or ceramic, and fill it up with a few centimeters of sand. Not only will most hamsters enjoy rolling around in it, but it can make your hamster clean and fresh with a shiny and healthy coat. Just be sure to change out the sand every couple of days as your hamster may use it as a toilet.
5. Climbing Toys
This could actually fall into the tubes/tunnels category since most tubes are designed for climbing, but there are a number of products out there that are unique and fun for hamsters to climb.
For example, this climbing wall gives your hamster the opportunity to do its own version of rock climbing. Variations could also include ladders and purchasing a cage for your hammy that has horizontal bars so it can climb the cage itself.
6. Hideaways
Hamsters love to hide in dark and cozy places, and because they are nocturnal, they will burrow in during the day. While hiding out doesn’t necessarily sound entertaining, it still belongs on this list since it’s something that will make your hammy feel safe and happy.
You can purchase something like this tree trunk hideout or just use items like cereal boxes, which will give your hamster a dark place to hide and something to chew on.
7. Hammock
Who doesn’t love lounging around on a warm day in a hammock! Well, why not your hammy? This hammock is soft and cozy, and your hamster could sleep on top or inside. This fits the hiding-in-a-dark-place bill as well. Some hamsters will probably also enjoy playing in this comfortable place just as much as resting in it.
8. Bridges
Bridges can be a fun way for your hamster to practice its balancing skills. For example, this suspension bridge contains wires and can allow you to manipulate it and move it into positions that can enable your hammy to explore other parts of its habitat.
9. Treat Toys
Lastly, we have everyone’s favorite subject: food. There are a number of ways you can entertain your hamster with treats. For example, you can look for balls that are safe for your hammy to chew on but can also have a few treats stuffed in them to make them even more interesting and tasty.
You can also use applewood. If you are one of the lucky ones to have an apple tree in your yard, you could just cut a small twig for your hamster, provided it hasn’t been treated with pesticide or other chemicals. Or you can also buy some like these.
The free option can be just hiding some of your hamster’s treats around its cage, which it will have some fun looking for. You could place timothy hay inside a paper towel or toilet paper roll and place a treat in the center, such as sunflower seeds or a grape. Your hammy will enjoy digging through the hay to find a tasty snack in the middle.
Wrapping Up
Some of these ideas will cost money, but many of them can be replaced with homemade alternatives. However, the most critical aspect is to ensure that whether you buy or make anything for your hammy that it is also safe for them. You should think about finding quiet toys if your hamster lives near or in your bedroom – you both need your rest.
As you get to know your hamster, you’ll figure out the things that make them happy, and you can find ways to keep them entertained. After all, keeping your hammy mentally stimulated is essential for a healthy and happy pet.
See Also:
- DIY Hamster Bin Cages You Can Build Today (With Pictures)
- Fun DIY Hamster Playgrounds You Can Make at Home (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock
