Hamster Toys

Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters - Last Minutes Deals

2009-12-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't be a holiday season without some kind of a crazy toy trend now would it? For those of us that are old enough to remember things like the slinky and the cabbage pack dolls, you know what I mean. Even slightly younger readers can probably recall pogs or certain video games that were classified as "must haves" around this time of year. Well, for Christmas 2009, we have a very unique toy that's taking the world by storm.

I'm referring to, of course, the Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters. These little guys offer a lot of the benefits that a regular hamster does, without the mess! They're basically little robot hamsters that run on batteries and behave in fairly realistic ways. They come from China and were created by the same company that came up with the Power Puff girls. One thing that should be noted is that the name of this toy is actually pronounced "Joo Joo". That said, if your kid keeps on talking about wanting to go to the "Zoo Zoo", chances are he just wants a robot hamster or two for Christmas.

Now, the toy itself is actually pretty cool. Like many toys today, the Zhu Zhu pets are actually quite smart. There are two different modes that offer the kid(or parent) quite a few hours of fun. The first mode is nurturing. This is great if you want your kid to settle down. The highlight of these toys, though, is the adventure mode. It's in this state, that the hamsters run around, interacting with their environment and even their robot hamster peers! The names of the hamsters are also adorable. We have Pipsqueak, Patches and Mr. Squiggles. All of them are slightly unique so it's worth getting your hands on more than one if you can!

Of course, the best part about these little guys is the fact that you can accessories them. There are playhouses and exercise wheels that help your new little pets keep busy. They also increase the shelf life of these toys. If you're a parent, chances are you've seen your children get sick of certain toys pretty quick. With an ever growing supply of zhu zhu pet hamster accessories, this will never happen.

Now, getting your hands on these little guys is getting harder all the time. You may want to consider checking out Amazon Zhu Zhu Pets for some last minute zhu zhu pets. Good luck!

Buying Hamster Toys Online - Amazon Or EBay?

2009-09-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

There are many different places where you can buy hamster toys. If you pick up your local yellow pages or Dex Knows, chances are you'll find a whole bunch of pet stores listed. For some people this works out just fine. They'll gladly drive down to a small shop or mega store and browse through the small selection of rodent toys available. I often find that people are disappointed with this experience though. Pet stores, in general, tend to focus on products meant for cats and dogs. This make perfect sense, really, as the majority of people who have animals do have a cat or dog. There are also way more products available for larger animals. There are leashes and collars for both cats and dogs now. You'll also find a massive variety of toys for these animals.

So what can we do, as small animal lovers, if we want to buy some toys for our pets? Well, I've found that some of the best places to buy toys for hamsters or other rodents is online. Now, you have to be a bit careful with this... Not all sites are reputable. It's best to stick to sites like Amazon.com if you're not really comfortable buying stuff online. Amazon is probably the most reputable E-shopping site on the Internet today. They have a centralized location with a wonderful security system. Another well known online shopping site, EBay, is a bit different. EBay is basically a forum for individuals to sell merchandise to other individuals. This means that there is more potential for scam artists and dodgy sellers that are only after your money. This isn't always the case, mind you. There is a "Seller Rating" system that allows buyers to rate different sellers. Again, If you're unsure, it's better stick with Amazon in my opinion.

So what kind of hamster toys does Amazon sell anyway? Well, you'd probably be pleasantly surprised with their selection. After a brief look at their pet toys section, I found a number of high quality products for sale. The prices are very reasonable too. Check it out!

Hamster Wheels

This is a wonderful hamster wheel. It's not the cheapest one available but it has all the qualities of a solid running toy for your hamster. It's tough, durable and has that solid surface so your little buddy won't hurt himself. This is quite a big wheel but Amazon does have some smaller models for those of you who have real little pets! Click on the picture to read some great reviews by other pet owners!

Hamster Homes And Climbing Toys

A hamster house! The SuperPet Series are very popular among hamster and gerbil owners. They combine many of the features of cages and climbing toys to give your little pet a good workout while still keeping him safe. One thing I really like about these toys is the fact that you can buy add-on's for it - Kind of like a mix between hamster toys and lego... Check out the Amazon website to learn more about what I mean. There are also some really cute reviews written by children!

Hamster Chew Toys

These hamster chew toys can actually be used by all sorts of animals. They're designed for everything from birds to gerbils. A big package like the one above will last for ages - unless you have a really piggy hamster! On Amazon, they do have smaller packs that go for $3 or something. Check it out!

As you can see, Amazon has an abundance of different products for your hamster. Besides the ones outlined above, you'll find all sorts of run-abouts, climbing toys and digging toys. There is also cages and food bowls available. Give it a shot and let me know what you think!

A Brief Overview Of Pet Hamster Toys

2009-08-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

It is impossible for a hamster to lead a truly full life without hamster toys. Exercises, as well as entertainment are crucial to the health of any pet. A hamster is no different. Both dwarf and Syrian hamsters need a variety of different toys to provide them with mental and physical stimulus. In the following articles, I’ll break down a number of different toys and their specific benefits.

Hamster Wheels

This is definitely the most common toy for any rodent. Hamsters are almost synonymous with this toy now. The hamster wheel provides basic exercise for you beloved pet. It allows him or her to exercise, even while in it’s cage. This is an ideal toy for a hamster that doesn’t get out very often. When considering a hamster wheel, it’s important to look at size. If it’s too big or small, it’s likely that your pet won’t use the wheel at all. Even worse, the hamster could hurt himself if the wheel isn’t properly sized.

Run-Abouts

Another hamster toy similar to the wheel is the run-about. This is essentially a clear plastic ball. You place your hamster inside it and let him run around. I prefer these to wheels in a way because it allows your hamster to explore the house safely while getting great physical exercise. Size isn’t really an issue with run-abouts. They range from small to big and if your hamster fits in the ball, let him go for it!

Climbing Toys

Climbing is another fantastic way for hamsters to get needed exercise. Most climbing toys take the form of cute little houses or ladders. This allows a ton of creativity to be had. Imagine how fun it is to set up your own little hamster obstacle course! Most ladders and houses are made out of wood. This is ideal because the toys can actually double as chewing items. You should still get a lot of life out of them though. Just be prepared to replace them once in a while.

This is one area where homemade hamster toys are particularly possible. At your local craft store you’ll find all sorts of wood tubes and dowels. Use these to build ladders, houses, etc. Take care when choosing materials though. You want to make sure that you use non-toxic glues and woods.

Digging Type Toys

The following section doesn’t really include your typical hamster toys but hopefully there is something useful here. Most rodents like to dig. For better or for worse, this is a fact of life. Instead of getting upset with your pet, why not consider encouraging him? It’s pretty easy to put together a sandbox for your little guy. You want to use sand or some sort of sterilized soil. This way your hamster won’t hurt himself. Better yet, use a load of chinchilla. This material is actually very good for your hamster’s coat. He’ll be looking shinier than ever after a bath in this stuff!

Chew Toys

Another type of hamster toy necessary for your pet’s health is the chew toy. Hamsters, as well as most other rodents, need to keep their teeth active. When considering a chew toy for your hamster, there are a few options. Wooden toys are probably the best option. They’re natural and clean and thus provide a real nice chew for your pet. Some types of woods are better than others. You should probably stay away from anything in the evergreen family. If you’re not sure what type of wood to use, maybe think about using a store bought chew toy for your hamster. This way you know that your hamster is getting a solid product.

If cost is an issue or you don’t like the idea of using wood hamster toys, cardboard is another option. Many hamsters chew cardboard for years without issue. When selecting a cardboard for your hamster to chew on, it’s important to make sure there isn’t a lot of ink present. Some people believe that coloured cardboards are trouble for rodents. This hasn’t really been proven yet but it always pays to be overcautious when dealing with your pet. Ideal homemade hamster chew toys for your hamster can be found all around the house. Toilet paper rolls, in particular make for wonderful hamster toys. It’s not uncommon for smaller rodents to end up inside what they’re chewing on!

Plastic Toys

While we’re on the topic of materials for hamster toys, I though I’d touch on this. Be careful if you’re thinking about using plastic toys. There isn’t really anything available in plastic that’s made specifically for hamster’s to chew on. If you come across an item like, please inform the shop owner. Plastic shouldn’t be chewed on. Period. That said, it’s possible to have other toys in your hamster’s cage that are made out of plastic. Tubes and climbing houses, for example, are often made out of plastic. If the hamster is using this item the way they are supposed to, plastic isn’t a problem here. Your pet isn’t going to get sick by running through a plastic tube! That said, keep a close eye on all plastic toys that your hamster uses. Your hamster doesn’t know that a tube shouldn’t be chewed on. If you start to notice little teeth marks on the toys, maybe think about removing said item.

Closing Notes

When considering hamster toys for your pet, there is really only two things to consider. First off, you want the stuff to be healthy for your hamster. Choose organic and natural products. When buying products, check out the tag. Any quality hamster toy will advertise the fact that it’s organic and non-toxic. When making your own toys, the rules are exactly the same. Use non-toxic glues and natural woods without any artificial stains or finishes. You also want the toy to provide some sort of health benefit for you hamster.
The second thing you want to consider is your hamster’s fun! If he’s active, it means he’s having fun. Try different combinations of the hamster toys suggested above. Eventually you’ll find a setup that works for your pet. Have fun!

Hamster Chew Toys

2009-04-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

When people think of fun hamster toys, the last thing that comes to their minds is probably chew toys. Don't dismiss these items as silly though. Hamsters, much like a lot of other animals, love to chew on things. And if they love to chew on stuff, they will! So instead of letting them eat things their not supposed to, why not provide them with something that is good for them?

Any reputable website or pet shop should have a number of hamster chew toys for you to choose from. A lot of these are tasty little numbers for your pet as well. So not only will your pet chew his way to a healthier lifestyle but he'll actually get some enjoyment along the way. Most of these toys run from about $3-$7 for a small pack. Not much considering they'll last for a super long time. Hamsters teeth aren't that big and their appetites are even smaller! If you don't want to go this route, here's another suggestion.

In my experience, Hamsters love to chew wood. Get yourself down to the pet store and look for some wooden chew toys for rodents. They should be labeled clearly as non-toxic and not contain any traces of an evergreen tree. For some reason, hard woods aren't supposed to be too healthy for hamsters. Stick to softer woods so you don't risk your pet's teeth.

If you're a tad on the stingy side, don't worry. Remember that climbing toy you made out of cardboard? This can easily double as a chew toy for your pet. Yep, that's right. All you have to do is put a cardboard tube in your hamster's cage and let him rip. Stick to cardboard without ink in it and you won't have to worry about your pet getting sick.

Climbing Toys For Your Hamster

2009-04-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

We all know that hamsters love to run but this shouldn't be the only type of exercise they get. Climbing is a wonderful way for hamsters to get a workout and have some fun too! It works out their little arms and legs while giving them a bit of cardio. There is also something to be said for mixing up your hamster's playpen. It just not really fair to only give your pet running toys. If he is constantly using his wheel, it's probably a sign that he enjoys exercising. Get him something new! A climbing toy may be just the ticket...

When considering a climbing toy for your hamster, there isn't much to think about. These toys can be very simple or extremely complex. For the simple kinds, you could almost make something up yourself. Take a couple cardboard toilet paper rolls and fasten them together with some non-toxic glue... The toy won't be beautiful but chances are your little guy will still climb it!

As with all hamster toys, whether handmade or store bought, you should always consider the materials that they're made out of. Every toy bought in a store should be thoroughly investigated before purchased. Check out the label. Make sure that the toy is non toxic and all that. Although the toy should be climbed, chances are your hamster will want to chew it a little bit as well.

If you want to go full on with this, check out the Rotastak Hamster Home seen below. How cool does this thing look?! It basically combines all sorts of climbing, running and digging exercises for your hamster. There are all sorts of variations on this toy available. The jungle one is particularly neat. These things aren't cheap but come on... Splurge on the little guy!

Hamster Digging Toys

2009-04-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hamsters love to dig. Often times, I've walked casually by the hamster cage in our home and noticed that "Turco" (Our little pet) was missing! It never fails though. I have a closer look and sure enough... He's dug his way into his sandbox. Half his body is buried and he's loving every minute of it. Our kids get a real kick out of this as well. Almost like a mini game of hide and go seek.

You shouldn't worry if your hamster enjoys digging. It's natural and completely normal for rodents to burrow their way into things. Not only this but it also provides another type of exercise for your little guy. As mentioned, if all your pet does is run, he's probably looking for some variety. Digging will work out your hamster's arms. It will also serve to keep your little guy slim and fit! So don't get after your pet for digging, encourage him!

It's pretty easy to put together a sandbox of sorts for your hamster. Use a bit of wood and some non-toxic glue. I find that Popsicle sticks work particularly well as long as you have a bit of time on your hands. If you can't be bothered to make your own sandbox, check out your local pet store. I'm sure they'll have something sufficient for sale. As far as what should go in the box, you have a couple of options. I find that our hamster likes the chinchilla sand the best. This stuff is healthy too. Your hamster's coat will be nice and shiny after rolling around in this stuff for a while. I've heard that there is a sterilized sand available as well. This stuff is often used in children's sandboxes but could easily be used for pets as well. Might be worth checking into!

Hamster Exercise Balls

2009-04-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

The hamster exercise ball (also known as a run-about) is a wonderful toy for your little pet. There are really three key things that I love about this toy. It's healthy, fun and safe. On the health front, it's difficult to find a better toy for your pet hamster. The run-about gives your little buddy the run of the house. It's great for your hamster because he won't get bored. Watch him go for hours on this thing, sweating off that excess fat the whole time. It's really got all the benefits of a hamster wheel, combined with a whole lot of fun.

As far as "fun" goes, hamster toys don't get much better than the run-about. Your pet isn't the only one having fun either. My whole family gets a real kick out of watching our little guy ripping around the living room. "Turco", our little pet, has even followed my kids around before. Nothing is funnier than watching a child being chased by a hamster in a plastic ball. I think a picture is probably in order soon...

If you have any fragile accessories on top of your coffee table, you may want to keep a close eye on the hamster exercise ball though. One time, our hamster ran into the table and sent a very nice vase crashing to the floor. Our hamster remained unhurt though.

This brings me to the final thing I love about this particular hamster toy. The run-about is very safe. They're usually constructed of a very heavy duty plastic and can thus take a lot of abuse. I've never had one crack on me. That said, you shouldn't let your hamster play with this toy unsupervised. Keep an eye on him at all times as he's running around your house in his new favorite little ball.

Hamster Wheels

2009-04-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hamster Wheels are about as basic as it gets when it comes to hamster toys. Cages without them actually look quite goofy! If your little pet only has one toy in his life, it should probably be a hamster wheel. They're a blast for your pet and provide him with most of the necessary exercise that he needs.

Size is a relatively important aspect of the wheel that you eventually choose for your pet. If your little guy is a bit of a fatty, you should use a fairly big wheel. It will take him a while to get going, but once he does, watch out! After a while on his wheel, your fat hamster probably won't be as fat anymore. If you have a small hamster, on the other hand, you should definitely be using a smaller wheel. Some hamsters can be turned off using a hamster wheel if it's too big for them. Pick a wheel that looks to be an appropriate size and I'm sure your little guy will love his new toy.

As far as quality is concerned, make sure you go with something decent. A cheap hamster wheel is a dangerous thing... Imagine your hamster running full on when all of a sudden his wheel breaks. It sounds kind of funny but it really isn't. If there's a sharp piece of metal exposed, your pet could really hurt himself. Inexpensive isn't always the best way to go for pet toys. Go with a reputable company's product and it will serve you well. The wheel won't break so your pet will be safe. Better wheels also tend to be stronger as well. This way you won't have to replace it for a long long time.

One thing I haven't tried yet is making my own hamster wheel. Maybe one of you out there have? Let me know!

Homemade Hamster Toys Vs. Pet Store Toys

2009-02-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

The differences between homemade hamster toys and those bought in a store are few. At the end of the day, I feel that a mix of the two types is really the way to go. Here are a few arguments for the two types of toys available.

The biggest advantage to buying hamster toys as opposed to making them is obviously convenience. It's so easy to walk into your local pet shop, pick up a product that looks pretty and proceed to the checkout. You get a complete, low maintenance solution to at least one of your hamster's exercise needs. Wheels and run-abouts are a great example of this. There is no need to prepare anything with these. You simply plop the toy of your hamster's choice into his life and let him run! Store bought toys are great if you can't be bothered to make something yourself.

Homemade or handmade hamster toys are great if you're interested in getting a little bit creative. They have a few distinct advantages over their store bought counterparts as well. First of all - they let you make the rules! Let's say, for arguments sake, that you want a hamster climbing toy for your little friend. If you go to a pet store and buy one, you're not going to get much choice. If you choose to make it yourself, on the other hand, you can decide what exactly it is that you want. The height, color, and shape of the toy is completely customizable. The other thing I like about homemade hamster toys is the fact that you get to choose the materials. Some pet toys bought at a store may contain toxic materials such as PVC. If you decide to build something yourself, you know exactly what's going into the toy. The one disadvantage with the homemade option revolves around time and commitment. If you're not a mechanically inclined person, it might take you a fair bit of time to make even a simple toy.

As you can see, there are arguments for and against both of these options. My recommendation is to try out both! Don't forget to have fun!