In reality, these rodents are built to be either on the move or resting up to build more energy so they can get on the move again. This means that most aren't fond of being held because staying still goes against their natural instincts.
Hamsters will bite if they're handled roughly or they get scared, but that's true of almost any animal. If you grab a hamster that's still sleepy or frighten it by suddenly confining it in your hands, it's not surprising that you might get nipped.
Check out these products that give you ways to have fun with your hamster by letting it indulge in its natural instincts. Enjoying an animal goes beyond simply petting it. You'll enjoy your little rodent friend a lot more if you let him do what he's meant to do and observe his cute antics.
•An Exercise Ball and Wheel
An exercise wheel is a staple in pretty much any hamster cage, but you'll add to the fun if you get a big plastic hamster ball for around-the-house excursions. If you ever saw the movie "Bolt," you know exactly what I mean. Most hamsters aren't quite as industrious as Rhino, but they still get a kick out of traveling around in their plastic spheres.
While most hamster balls are plain plastic that comes in clear or a variety of colors, you can buy many other cute options. For example, you can get balls that make it look like your hammy is driving a car or riding in a princess carriage.More »
•Chew Toys
Hamsters love to chew. It's part of their nature, and they're not happy unless you provide them with toys on which they can unleash this instinct. If you don't give your hamster chew toys, his teeth can get overgrown, causing medical problems and eventual starvation.
Luckily, you can buy all kinds of neat chew toys for your hammy, made from safe materials like wood, willow, or straw. You can even buy pine cones for you pet to nosh on, giving him some enjoyment and dental work all at the same time.
In addition to being healthy, chew toys serve another purpose. They redirect your hamster to appropriate objects so he won't be as likely to chomp on his cage.More »
•Things to Climb
Hamsters like to climb, and it's good exercise for them. It's also amusing to watch your furry little "mountain climber" scale his toys.
Hamsters will climb just about anything, from hidey homes to tunnels to whatever else you put into their cages. That means the main guideline for climbing toys is safety. Use toys that don't have things on which your hamster could cut herself, get a foot caught, or otherwise sustain an injury.
You'll find some toys that are made specifically for climbing. They're like little rodent jungle gyms, with ladders, ropes, and other fun enhancements. It's fun to watch your pet perform acrobatics as she negotiates her playground.More »
•Things to Tear Up
Hamsters enjoy tearing up soft material to make a nest. It's great fun to watch them do this. They're very industrious when they work on a new place to nestle. They'll use their bedding, especially if it's something soft like Kaytee Clean and Cozy, but they enjoy separate material, too.
Be cautious about buying fluff from a pet store for your hamster to tear up. It can be dangerous if your pet digests it or gets her feet caught in the fibers. Toilet paper, paper towels, or tissue (the kind without lotion) is a better, safer option.
I recommend stuffing the paper into a cardboard toilet paper roll. I do this with hay for my guinea pigs to make them work a bit for their snack. Making your hamster work for her bedding enriches her day and helps stave off boredom.
If you really want to make your hamster's day, hide a few treats in among the paper. Then your little pet can enjoy a treasure hunt while gathering her bedding material.More »
•Places to Hide
It's fun to watch your hamster play, but these little nocturnal animals also need dark, quiet hiding spots for when they need a break. You can buy a variety of hidey houses, tunnels, and other products designed to allow small rodents like hamsters to feel safe and cozy.
I have plastic, straw, and wood hideys for my guinea pigs, and you can get similar products for hamsters and other pet rodents. I like wood and straw in particular because they're safe for your pet to nibble on. Thus, they serve double duty as a hiding place and a chew toy.More »