Why are Hamster Balls Bad
Why are Hamster Balls Bad and can be potentially harmful? Should you put your hamster in a ball or not? Read this first!
Do Hamsters Enjoy being in a Ball?
Obesity and other disorders caused by a lack of exercise are common in hamsters. They are also easily bored and want entertainment. It is essential for your pet to be physically active on a regular basis in order to be healthy.
Hamster balls are one type of toy that might help your pet exercise. However, while exercise balls help hamsters keep active, they also pose a number of hazards and concerns.
Hamster Balls are Stressful
Exercise balls for hamsters are stressful and harmful. Hamster exercise balls provide a stressful and confusing environment. What appears to humans as entertainment is actually quite stressful for hamsters. Hamsters, in actuality, have poor eyesight and rely significantly on their other senses such as smell, hearing, and touch.
Hamster Balls can cause Injuries
Because the animals are unable to manage or stop the ball, they frequently smash with walls, bump into furniture, or even tumble down stairs, resulting in sprains, traumas, fractions, and other (inner/often unseen) injuries, and even death.
Hamster Balls can cause Infection
ventilation slots in exercise balls allow urine and poop to build up while hamsters run, which hamsters do more frequently when stressed.
This not only creates unpleasant, unclean circumstances, but the pee can also cause severe ammonia burns. Overexposure to urine and poop is also likely to result in bacterial infections, which can increase pre-existing health issues and be lethal on their own.
Hamster Ball has Escape Risk
Not all hamster balls are the same. Cheaper balls are fragile enough for hamsters to escape, especially when slammed against hard surfaces repeatedly.
Prolonged hammering ultimately opens the door, allowing the hamsters to escape. Hamsters can enter the tiniest of spaces and make themselves at home by hoarding food, making them difficult to locate and rescue.
How to Use Hamster Balls Safely
If you are thinking of getting a hamster ball, you must be ready to put in the time and effort necessary to keep your furry buddy as secure as possible. Follow these instructions!
Purchase the Correct Size and Color
The size of a hamster ball depends on the breed. Inside the ball, hamsters must be able to stand up straight. Syrian hamsters require an 11- to 12-inch ball and dwarf hamsters require a 7- or 8-inch ball.
Only utilize a hamster ball that is clear and translucent. This prevents more heat absorption. Moreover, while your hamster is in the ball, you can better observe it.
Time Limitation
Keep your hamster’s initial roll to no more than two or three minutes.
Once your hamster is comfortable with the exercise ball, a workout can last up to 10 minutes. However, never go above 10 minutes without providing your hamster with rest and access to its nesting, food, and water.
After each use, Wash the Ball.
Because hamsters may urinate and poop inside, it is important to properly wash the exercise ball after each usage. A hamster ball may quickly become unhealthy for your hamster as well as for people and other pets in your home.
Washing the ball will help keep it well aired, allowing your hamster to breathe more fresh air and reduce harmful fume exposure.
Use only on Even Ground.
Keep the hamster ball away from stairwells, hard flooring, and uneven ground, such as gravel. Allow no downhill rolling for your hamster.
The optimum surface for hamster ball exercise is a soft carpet.
How Long can you Keep a Hamster in its Ball?
Allow your hamster no more than 3 minutes to become familiar with it on the first to second attempts. Once your hamster is familiar with the ball, only let him run for no more than 10 minutes at a time. Letting him run for more than 10 minutes without a source of drinkable water is not a good idea.
Do Hamsters need their Balls Every Day?
Hamsters require daily activity, but they get from other sources of entertainment, so they do not need to go in a ball every day.
However, hamsters do not need to get inside an exercise ball as long as they have an exercise wheel and other accessories and playthings to explore.
Some Alternatives to Hamster Balls
With all of these health and safety concerns, you may opt to forego the hamster ball entirely. That’s OK. There are excellent hamster ball alternatives that will provide your hammy with the workout it requires.
Hamster Playpens
Hamster playpens are an excellent source of entertainment and exercise for pet hamsters. Your pets are free to explore in a safe environment without the danger of collisions or confusion. You may also provide stuff for hamsters to hide in so they don’t feel threatened. The best part about hamster playpens is that they are simple to make or cheap to purchase.
Hamster Running Wheels
The most well-known and often utilized hamster workout item is probably hamster running wheels. Although there are certain risks involved with hamster wheels, with appropriate care and attention, a hamster wheel is an excellent addition to any hamster cage. If you want to be extra cautious, just put the wheel in when you want the hamster to run so you can keep an eye on it.
Why are Hamster Balls Bad – Conclusion
Hamster balls are a popular toy for hamsters, but they can be dangerous. Hamster balls can cause injuries if the hamster falls out or gets stuck in them. Hamster balls can also be a health hazard if the hamster escapes and runs around outside. Hamsters can get lost or run into danger if they escape from their ball.
How to Choose the Best Cage for Hamster – Important Tips to Consider!
Hamsters are tiny and delicate creatures. If they are not properly cared for, they are prone to a variety of ailments. We are here to guide you on how to take care of your little buddy, what to feed them and how to treat them when they are sick or not feeling well. Keep visiting for more and support us by subscribing to our Youtube Channel.