HAMSTER TOYS

The natural habitat of the hamster is varied from grasslands to sandy dry areas. It is therefore extremely difficult in simulating the hamster’s natural habitat once they have become domesticated pets. As hamsters are nocturnal animals, they prefer areas that have plenty of places to burrow and hide away, especially during the day. You should bare this in mind when trying to build a natural hamster habitat. Hamsters also love plenty of fresh, clean water, and an easy solution for this is to get a special water bottle that is hung upside down and releases water when the animals drinks from the water pipe. Hamsters are very clean creatures, so ensure the hamster’s bedding is always dry and clean, and the cage should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. There are various types of hamster bedding available, and some research could be done to find your preferred material to be used for your hamster bedding. Importantly thought, you are looking for bedding that will keep the hamster as dry as possible.

These days, specifically designed hamster habitats can be bought and these try and simulate the natural habitat rather well. They will all include an exercise area, a play area, an eating area as well as an area that the hamster can burrow and sleep during the day. When purchasing such a habitat, it is advisable to get a large one, as hamsters love a lot of space. Hamsters prefer a slightly cooler but with a higher humidity level, as this simulates the hamster’s burrow they would have made in the wild. Therefore a good cage would be one that would provide plenty of ventilation, and should never be placed near heat or direct sunlight.

Hamster’s cages are often constructed from plastic with metal bars, and the bars provide plenty of ventilation. An important point to remember with regards to the bars is the spacing between each one. The spacing should not be too wide apart as a hamster could escape or become wedged in between them.

Hamsters love to play, so to try your best to stimulate your hamster as if it was still in the wild, wooden chew toys should be added, as well as small tunnels made from cardboard tubes or empty toilet rolls which simulate their natural burrows. The wooden chew toys also aid the teeth not becoming too sharp. This will keep your hamster happy and stimulated. As your hamster plays with all the different types of available toys, they are getting a lot of exercise which they require a lot of. Another tip is to change the toys often, as they will get bored easily if the same toys are always there.

So if you want to keep your hamster happy, try and replicate the natural hamster habitat, be it with a home-made version or a specially purchased habitat. If all your components are right, this will ensure your hamster remains healthy for as long as possible, thus reducing any suffering or long-term illness.