Key considerations here are safety. Hamsters do have poor eyesight so ladders with large gaps may present a hazard. A good option are large tunnels that imitate their natural environment in the wild and you may opt for bendy bridges instead.

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. There are concerns that a hamster ball may actually cause stress to a hamster due to their eyesight being poor. You may instead wish to look to look for a larger cage or an exercise pen to allow them to explore their environment on their own terms. Next, we have hamster tunnels and tubes. These can be simple or elaborate structures that allow your hamster to climb and explore his 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. If you're considering what kind of hamster toys your furry friend will appreciate, then there's plenty on the market to choose from. From essential buys to little luxuries, our guide to hamster toys will run through what you need to know about each type. Often made from wood, this is a specific area for a hamster to exercise their love of burrowing. You fill it with sawdust and there's usually a hole at the top for your critter to jump in and enjoy.A 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.”

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! You should also never force a hamster to roll in their ball or get in if they seem agitated, nervous or sleepy! Sometimes they just don’t want to exercise! Avoid sun It's a great way to provide exercise for your little critter but it also emulates their natural behavior in the wild. Hamsters will walk several miles in search of food. 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?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 ball), but maybe you’re looking for some new ideas. Climbing toys for hamsters: Hamsters enjoy climbing and are rather curious creatures. Look to provide opportunities for your furry friend to explore. This simple but pleasing ball is one of the best-looking small pet toys and a clever addition to any hamster environment. A bonus is that pet owners will appreciate its carefully crafted, natural appearance that will look good in any hamster home. If you’re an eco-conscious pet owner, you’ll appreciate the toy’s natural construction, and as it’s compostable, there will be no waste when your pet has finished with it. Hamster balls are a fun and entertaining way for your pet to exercise but without proper supervision, they can be dangerous. 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.