Hamsters love toys and activities that cater to their natural instincts. Here’s how to break down their favorite types:
1. Exercise Toys
- Running Wheels: A must-have! Choose a wheel with a diameter of at least 6.7 inches (for dwarf hamsters) or 9.8 inches (for Syrian hamsters).
- Tubes/Tunnels: These mimic cave environments, perfect for climbing and exploring—Roborovski hamsters especially adore narrow tunnels.
2. Chew Items
- Chew Woods/Mineral Stones: Essential for wearing down their constantly growing front teeth. Safe options include apple branches or birch sticks.
- Paper Tubes/Straw Balls: Great for shredding and playing, plus they double as hiding spots for treats.
3. Exploration Activities
- Sand Baths: Use special bath sand (never construction sand!)—hamsters will roll around to clean their fur.
- Foraging Games: Hide food in bedding or toys to spark their natural hunting instincts.
4. Interaction Tips
- Skittish breeds like Roborovski hamsters startle easily. Watch them through a clear cage instead of touching directly.
- Hamsters are most active at night, so place toys in the evening to match their sleep-wake cycle.
Key Warning: Avoid plastic toys (they might eat them) and undersized wheels (which can cause spinal problems).