Why should I buy hamster toys for my hamster? 

Hamsters love to play!

People often associate toys for pets with cats and dogs, but all domestic animals, no matter how great or small in size, needs toys to stay active and happy.

The same is the case for hamsters – they need toys not only to exercise and to prevent gaining weight, but also to stimulate their minds and ensure good mental health.

What are hamster chew toys?

Hamster chew toys should be your first choice while searching for hamster toys since hamsters have incisor teeth that are constantly growing and chew toys act like braces to ensure the teeth come in perfectly.

While looking for a chew toy, make sure to go for the wooden option, such as cedar or other evergreen-type woods.

However, make sure whichever toy you pick out does not contain pesticides and insecticides, as they can harm your hamster. Also, make sure it states the chew toy has been designed for hamsters.

What are hamster wheels?

A hamster wheel is the most common choice for hamsters exercise since it is readily available for dwarf and normal-sized hamsters.

While choosing a hamster wheel, make sure to pick one that is proportional to the size of the hamster and can easily fit in the cage without being too cramped up.

Also, make sure to place the wheel on a solid surface to avoid the risk of it falling down and injuring your hamster.

An alternative option to the hamster wheel is a running disk which is considered much safer for the hamster.

Unlike the hamster wheel, the running surface of a hamster running disk is flat and thefore reduces the chances of spinal injuries.

What is a hamster sand bath?

As you know, a hamster licks itself clean, but treating your hamster to the occasional sand bath can be fun. It creates an authentic wildlife experience for hamsters while also being an excellent method for cleaning fur and removing grease and any skin parasites from the body.

Pro tip: if you feel your hamster is getting dirty, opt for a sand bath instead of exposing him to water. Hamsters generally hate being wet and giving them a water bath is rarely advisable.

What is a hamster hide and seek tunnel?

It is no secret that hamsters love to hide, so treating them to a hide and seek tunnel will surely get you in your pet's good graces!

To take it a step further, find a tunnel with multiple options for entry and exit. This might take you a while to find, but it will be worth it once you see how much your hamster enjoys the toy.

If your hamster is on the smaller side, you will have no problem finding this at a pet store. However, if you have a Syrian hamster, you might have to search around to find the perfect tunnel size for your pet.

What is a hamster digging toy?

Not all hamsters enjoy digging, but some really do!

But, because it really depends on the character of the hamster, digging toys for hamsters aren't generally available in pet stores.

Depending on your hamster's personality, if you want to get him a digging toy, you can easily make one for him at home.

How do you build a hamster digging toy at home?

Just fill the bottom of his cage with bedding and padding - and ensure it is soft and thick (almost the width of your hand) to avoid injuries. This will be a fun way to keep your hamster busy throughout the day! 

That's the first step.

Then, you can install all sort of games for the hamster to dig around and discover. Here are some hamster game ideas:

Sand Bath Digging Box: Use a small, shallow box and fill it with chinchilla sand (not dust, which can be harmful). Hamsters enjoy digging in the sand and it also helps keep their fur clean.

Burrow Maze: Construct a maze using PVC pipes or cardboard tubes. Make sure the tubes are wide enough for your hamster to fit through comfortably. Arrange the maze with multiple entry and exit points, so that it allows your hamster to explore and dig through.

Natural Digging Box: Fill a box with a mix of safe, hamster-friendly substrates like coconut fibre, peat-free soil, and shredded paper, then add some treats or toys inside for your hamster to discover as they dig.

DIY Digging Tower: Stack several cardboard boxes or tubes on top of each other with holes cut out so the hamster can move between levels. Fill each level with different materials for digging, like aspen shavings, hay, or shredded paper.

Hidden Treasure Toy: Bury treats or hamster toys in shavings or coconut fibre. Your hamster will enjoy the challenge of digging to find these hidden treasures.

Eco-Friendly Digging Pit: Use a biodegradable pot or container and fill it with organic soil, then plant hamster-safe herbs or grasses that your pet can dig around and nibble on.

Fabric Digging Den: Sew a small multi-layered fabric pouch or tunnel with pockets and hidden compartments, then place it in your hamster's cage for them to burrow and dig through the layers.