The hamster is a rodent that has gained popularity as a pet, thanks to its small size, ideal for people who have little space. Basic hamster care includes proper food, water, veterinary care and grooming, as well as playtime.
There are multiple products designed for the amusement of these rodents. To help you choose, our site recommends the best hamster toys. Keep reading!
1. Hamster Wheel
The hamster wheel is the most popular toy for these rodents. Hamsters tend to be more active at night, as in nature they use these hours to forage for food. For this reason, acquiring a wheel of this type will allow your pet to exercise, while you rest.
There are multiple types and materials of wheels, the most important thing is that your hamster fits in it without problem. Nowadays, you can also buy wheels for hamsters that promise to be quieter, since they are made of light materials.
If you have a hamster wheel at home and your pet doesn't use it, you may be interested in this other article Why doesn't my hamster use the wheel?
two. Hamster Chew Toys
Hamster teeth need to be filed, as they grow very fast. The pellets contribute to this, but they are not enough. There are multiple chew toys on the market. Most of them are made of unvarnished wood, with some fabric decorations; these are safe for your hamster to gnaw.
There are also other chews with attractive smells, like cheese, that you can add to their cage. In case you are preparing your hamster's cage, you may also be interested in this other article on our site about Preparing a hamster's cage step by step.
3. Hamster Exercise Ball
Your hamster needs to exercise and play outside its cage, but don't run any risks; this is the benefit promised by the exercise ball, one of the best toys for hamsters.
These balls are made of plastic and have holes for breathing. In addition, they have a threaded closure system, which prevents it from opening. They are made in different sizes, because the hamster must move inside it comfortably.
With this toy, the hamster can run around the house without danger of getting lost or hurt. However, you must not allow it to roll down the stairs.
4. Hamster Tunnels
Tunnels or tubes are other of the best toys for hamsters. They encourage him to perform physical activity, as they allow him to go up and down to go through the tunnels. In addition, they use them to hide when they want.
It is recommended that you buy tunnels made of wood, as the hamster will use them to gnaw. Make sure he can scroll through them without any problem; otherwise it will get stuck and could die if this happens when you're not home.
5. Ore Stone
The mineral stone is another hamster chew toy. Made of calcium, they allow the rodent to wear down its teeth, while ingesting some portions of extra calcium.
This product is sold alone or together with different types of toys, such as seesaws and tunnels. You will also find it in various sizes and flavors, so it will be a matter of finding the one your pet likes best.
6. Hamster swing
Swings and hammocks are other of the best toys for hamsters. These types of products provide fun, while helping the hamster to exercise and develop their coordination and balance skills.
Swings are made of different materials, from plastic and fabric to wood, which are suitable for hamsters to chew on. In fact, it is important to take into account and know how to care for a hamster's teeth.
7. Hamster houses
There are countless models of houses for hamsters. Most of them have several levels, as they include ladders, swings and wheels, becoming a nice exercise and fun center.
Some houses are smaller, as their purpose is to serve as a shelter or lair. However, it is more convenient to buy one that includes implements to play.
The house should be ventilated and of sufficient size for the hamster to enter and exit without any problem. In addition, you must have a room or space where your pet can take refuge when he wants to be alone. Also, make sure you can easily clean the inside of it.
8. Hamster Stairs
Another of the best toys for hamsters are stairs. They are sold in wood, plastic and rope, among other materials. The size must correspond to the weight and dimensions of the hamster, so that it can be used comfortably and without the risk of falling.
Stairs are another way for the hamster to exercise at times when no one is home. Also, if this is the first time you have a hamster at home, you will soon see that these rodents love to climb!
9. Hamster Litter Bowl
Hamsters love to roll around in the sand, it's a way of playing and cleaning their fur. You can use a ceramic or plastic container and fill it with commercial sand for hamsters or chinchillas, taking care that the grain is not too fine.
In this other article we explain more about How to bathe my hamster? although, as we indicated, if you provide a container with special sand for these rodents, your hamster will bathe itself.
10. Hamster Gym
Some brands sell hamster play sets, which include various fun and useful implements for your pet's life. Seesaws, chew toys, tiny weights, among others; the toys will depend on the set you buy.
It is important to make sure materials are safe and non-toxic, such as wood and fabric. The interesting thing about these sets is that they include toys and chewable elements for a single price.
Recommendations for buying hamster toys
We have described the main toys for hamsters. Now, you need to know some general recommendations to choose and use the best products for your pet:
- Avoid plastic toys: It is best to avoid toys made of plastic, as the hamster could chew on them and swallow the particles. On the contrary, he prefers those toys made of wood or cork.
- Ergonomic toys: all toys must be designed in such a way that the rodent cannot get caught or get stuck in them.
- Be careful with water: do not place seesaws, swings or ladders near water containers, as the hamster could fall and drown.
- Beware of openings: the wheels must not have openings, otherwise the hamster's legs or tail will get entangled in them when running.
Now that you know the best toys for hamsters, you may also be interested in this other article on our site about Curiosities about hamsters.
