Hamsters are very active animals that need a stimulating environment. Rolling toys are perfect for hamsters as they can help them exercise and have fun, but they are far from the only options! Mazes, tunnels, many and varied will be highly appreciated games by your little furry companions!
Hamsters love to have fun: give them appropriate toys so they can enjoy themselves and thrive. And it just so happens that there are tons of games for hamsters, which you can buy at pet stores, on the internet, or even make yourself!
By nature, hamsters are very playful and never get bored. So provide them with toys to keep them entertained and exercised. Here are some of the best toys for hamsters.
And don’t forget, hamsters love games that make them move and stimulate them mentally!
Hamster Wheels
Hamster wheels are specially designed to allow your furry friend to run and play. They come in a great variety of sizes and styles, allowing you to find the one that fits your hamster perfectly.
They are easy to set up and use, so your hamster can start running and playing in no time. The main tip for choosing the right wheel: it should be stable and solid, without sharp edges to avoid injuring your pet.
Hamster Balls
Our little creatures love playing with balls and pushing them around their cage. The balls should be large enough that the hamster can’t swallow them and made from safe materials for hamsters.
Be careful not to choose a disproportionately large ball for your hamster, or it may become scared.
Hamster Slides
A popular option among hamster owners is the hamster slide. They are designed to provide hamsters with a safe and fun way to play and exercise.
Generally, hamster slides are made of plastic and feature a ramp leading to a small platform. From there, your hamster can slide down and return to the ground. Some slides even come equipped with built-in obstacles, like tunnels and galleries, to add an extra challenge. Choose one that is smooth and free from sharp edges.
Climbing Walls
The wall provides a vertical surface for your hamster to climb, and it can be decorated with tunnels, ledges, and other fun elements. Your hamster will enjoy running up and down the wall, and you’ll love seeing your furry friend stay active. Additionally, the climbing wall is a great way to keep your hamster’s cage clean. Besides providing vertical space for your pet to play, the climbing wall helps reduce the clutter in the cage.
Hamster Tunnels
Most hamsters love to play and explore their environment. An excellent way to give your furry friend a little more fun is to add a hamster tunnel to their cage. Hamster tunnels are usually made from soft, flexible materials like fabric or PVC. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some tunnels also have built-in hiding spots or spinning wheels, making them even more appealing to playful hamsters.
Most importantly, tunnels allow hamsters to exercise and burn off their excess energy.
Hamster Mazes
Hamster mazes are designed to stimulate your pet’s natural instincts to explore and play. By making their way through a series of tunnels and obstacles, hamsters can burn off energy and keep their minds active. Plus, it’s simply fun to watch them run around!
There is a wide variety of mazes for hamsters on the market, so make sure to choose one that is the right size for your pet. With a little patience, you can even create your own maze at home.
Swings
A simple fabric or rope hammock, the hamster swing provides your pet with a comfortable place to relax and play. Many hamsters also enjoy chewing the fabric or rope, which helps keep their teeth clean and sharp.
Other Games for Hamsters
Choosing a plastic, wood, or metal toy?
All can be suitable, if and only if:
- Plastic toys should be smooth and free from sharp edges as previously mentioned.
- Wooden toys should be made from untreated wood to avoid poisoning if your pet chews on it.
- Metal toys should be made of tin or aluminum.
Playing with food? It’s possible!
Hamsters love to play with food. You can give them seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. The seeds should be unsalted and untreated, the nuts should be unsalted and un-shelled. As for fruits and vegetables, they should be washed and cut into small pieces.
We recommend buying several toys to see which ones your companion will enjoy the most. You will find plenty of toys in pet shops, toy stores, or online.
Don’t forget that a toy suitable for the size of your hamster is crucial: just like with children, toys that are too small can be swallowed, while toys that are too large can be dangerous.
Finally, and even if it seems obvious, make sure that the toys available to the animal are non-toxic and non-abrasive.
Choose Toys That Stimulate Their Intelligence
Did you know that hamsters are very intelligent? They can learn to perform several tasks and tricks, such as fetching a ball or jumping through a hoop. They love to learn new things and are very curious.
To stimulate your hamster’s intelligence, buy suitable toys. Toys that encourage physical activity are perfect for them; they help them expend energy and stay healthy. Toys that promote learning and cognitive stimulation are also very beneficial for hamsters.
Here are some examples of toys that will stimulate your hamster’s intelligence:
- Mazes: hamsters love to explore and get lost in mazes. Wooden mazes are particularly popular with hamsters.
- Rolling toys: they love to play with toys that roll.
- Interactive toys: hamsters love playing with games that allow them to interact, which promotes learning and cognitive stimulation.
Provide your hamster with appropriate toys and activities to stimulate their intelligence and help them stay healthy.
One last small piece of advice: do not confuse playing with your hamster and making it play! Indeed, carrying your hamster in your hands at all hours of the day and night is not good. Let them explore their environment and have fun on their own with the decorative elements they find suitable!