Hamsters are endlessly entertaining little creatures, but even the most playful pet can get bored without proper stimulation. Keeping your hamster mentally and physically engaged is crucial for their well-being, and that’s where toys come in! But with so many options available, choosing the right toys can be overwhelming. Fear not, fellow hamster enthusiast! We’ve compiled a list of our top 7 recommended hamster toys guaranteed to spark joy for your tiny friend.
- Rodent/Hamster Wheels
- This classic rodent toy is essential for every hamster. Provide a wheel that’s the right size for your given hamster species; it should allow them to run comfortably without their backs arching in any way. Look for wheels with solid, smooth running surfaces to prevent foot injuries. They are nocturnal, so it’s worth considering silent models so you aren’t woken up by squeaky wheels at 3am.
- See a few options we recommend below:
- Hideouts & Hideaways
- Hamsters love to burrow and hide, so provide them with multiple cozy hideouts made from natural materials like wood or cork. These offer security, reduce stress, and provide a quiet space to nap or stash their treats.
- Here’s a few options:
- Chew Toys
- Hamsters have an insatiable need to chew, so keep their chompers busy with safe and healthy chew toys. Apple sticks & untreated wood blocks are excellent choices. Avoid plastic or chemically treated toys that could be harmful if ingested.
- Find a few options to buy some chew toys below:
- Tunnels & Tubes
- Tunnels and tubes satisfy a hamster’s natural instinct to explore and burrow. Create an intricate tunnel network using cardboard tubes, PVC pipes, or commercially available options. This will keep them entertained for hours and provide excellent exercise. Be sure to regularly clean these, as hamsters tend to be fairly on-the-go with their bathroom habits, and waste that’s left uncleaned for too long can be unsanitary for them.
- Here’s a few good places to get these tunnel tubes:
- Foraging Toys
- Spark your hamster’s foraging instincts with toys that dispense treats or require them to work for their food. Food puzzles and scatter toys encourage mental stimulation and problem-solving skills, keeping them mentally sharp and engaged.
- Find a few places to get these below:
- Exercise Balls
- Supervised exercise balls can be a fun way for your hamster to explore outside their cage. Choose a ball with proper ventilation and let them roam for short bursts under your watchful eye. Remember, exercise balls are not substitutes for playtime outside the cage – you should be holding your little buds as well!
- Here’s a few good places to get them:
- Hanging Toys
- Appeal to your hamster’s acrobatic side with hanging toys like swings, ropes, and ladders. These encourage climbing, swinging, and general exploration, providing both physical and mental stimulation. Ensure they’re securely attached and avoid using anything with sharp edges or small parts that could be chewed off.
- Here’s a few options:
So what do you think? Do you agree with these picks?
We hope this provides you a few options for your hamster friends. Let us know what you think below!
