16 DIY Hamster Toys: How to Keep Your Pet Entertained

Hamsters are small and cute pets that are easy to take care of, but they do need entertainment to keep them happy and healthy. Store-bought toys can be expensive, but there are plenty of DIY options that can be just as fun for your furry friend. In this article, we will explore 16 DIY hamster toys. These are easy and creative ways to keep your pet entertained for hours.

Keeping your hamster entertained is essential for their well-being and overall happiness. Here are a few benefits of providing your hamster with toys and activities to keep them occupied:

Physical Health

Hamsters are naturally active and curious creatures, and providing them with toys and activities to play with can help them stay physically fit. Toys such as wheels and ladders can encourage them to run and climb, which can help prevent obesity and other health problems.

Mental Health

Keeping your hamster mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them physically active. Toys such as mazes and puzzles can provide your hamster with mental stimulation and help prevent boredom and stress.

Behavioral Issues

A bored or stressed hamster is more likely to develop behavioral problems such as biting or chewing on cage bars. Providing your hamster with toys and activities can help prevent these types of issues by keeping them occupied and mentally stimulated.

Bonding

Playing with your hamster can help strengthen the bond between you and your pet. This can be a great way to spend quality time with your hamster and get to know their personality and behavior.

Enrichment

Hamsters are intelligent creatures that need a variety of stimulation to keep them happy. Toys and activities that mimic their natural environment can provide them with an enriched life and promote overall well-being.

Providing your hamster with toys and activities is essential for their physical and mental well-being, as well as preventing behavioral issues and promoting a strong bond with you, the owner. It is important to regularly rotate the toys and activities to keep them interested and engaged. DIY toys are a great and affordable way to keep your hamster entertained and happy.

16 DIY Hamster Toys:

Toilet paper rolls are a great option for homemade hamster toys because they are cheap, easy to find, and can be used in a variety of ways. You can stuff them with treats, such as seeds or nuts, for your hamster to forage for, or you can cut them into smaller pieces and string them together to make a fun tunnel for your hamster to explore.
Cardboard boxes are another great option for homemade hamster toys. You can cut holes in the sides for your hamster to crawl through, or you can cut out a door for your hamster to enter and exit. You can also cut the box into smaller pieces and stack them to create a fun maze for your hamster to navigate.
Paper bags can be used to make a variety of homemade hamster toys. You can stuff them with treats, such as seeds or nuts, for your hamster to forage for, or you can fold them into a small, cozy bed for your hamster to rest in.
Popsicle sticks can be used to make a fun bridge for your hamster to climb on. Simply glue the sticks together to create a bridge-like structure and place it in your hamster’s cage.
Tissue boxes can be used to make a fun tunnel for your hamster to explore. Simply cut a hole in the side of the box and stuff it with paper or hay for your hamster to burrow through.
Egg cartons can be used to make a fun and interactive toy for your hamster. Cut the carton into small sections and fill each one with a different treat for your hamster to forage for.
Coffee filters can be used to make a fun and fluffy bed for your hamster to rest in. Simply stuff a coffee filter with some hay or paper and place it in your hamster’s cage.
Rope and string can be used to make a fun and interactive climbing toy for your hamster. Tie knots in the rope or string to create a ladder-like structure for your hamster to climb on.
Plastic bottles can be used to make a fun and interactive toy for your hamster. Cut the bottle in half, fill it with treats and then reattach the top and bottom with a little bit of glue.
PVC pipes or paper towel rolls, can be used to make a fun and interactive tunnel for your hamster to explore. Simply connect a few tubes together with some tape and place them in your hamster’s cage.
Newspaper can be used to make a fun and interactive bedding for your hamster. Simply shred the newspaper and place it in the bottom of your hamster’s cage.
Shredded paper can be used to make a fun and interactive bedding for your hamster. Simply shred the paper and place it in the bottom of your hamster’s cage.
Jar lids can be used to make a fun and interactive toy for your hamster. Simply fill the lid with some treats and place it in your hamster’s cage for them to forage for.
Bottle caps can be used to make a fun and interactive toy for your hamster. Simply fill the cap with some treats and place it in your hamster’s cage for them to forage for.
Buttons can be used to make a fun and interactive toy for your hamster. Simply string a few buttons together and hang them in your hamster’s cage for them to play with.
Lids from jars and bottles can be used to make a fun and interactive toy for your hamster. Simply place the lids in the cage and let your hamster push them around and play with them.

Fun For The Whole Family

Playing with hamsters can be a great way for the whole family to bond and spend quality time together. Here are a few reasons why playing with hamsters can be beneficial for the whole family:

Educational: Keeping a hamster as a pet can be a great way for children to learn about responsibility, caregiving, and the importance of proper nutrition and exercise. They can also learn about the natural habitat, behavior and characteristics of the hamster.
Intergenerational: Hamsters are low maintenance pets that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be a great way for children and grandparents to bond over shared interests.
Stress-relieving: Playing with a hamster can be a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. Watching a hamster play and interact can be calming and soothing for both children and adults.
Encourage family time: Playing with a hamster can be a great way to encourage family time and interaction. Spending time together and building a bond with a pet can strengthen family relationships.
Fun: Hamsters are naturally playful and curious creatures, and playing with them can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Watching them play and explore can be entertaining and provide a source of joy and laughter for everyone.

My Hamster

When I was young my family had a summer home on a beach. I built a network of mazes in the sand for my hamster. I spent countless hours building those mazes. It was fun and good exercise for both me and my hamster.

Building Your Own Hamster Maze

Building a maze for your hamster can be a fun and engaging way to keep your pet entertained. Not only will it provide your hamster with a stimulating environment to explore, but it will also give you the opportunity to bond with your pet as you work on the project together.

Click this link to an advanced maze build for your hamster.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a basic maze for your hamster:

Gather materials: You will need a variety of materials to build your maze, such as cardboard boxes, paper tubes, and tunnels. You can also use wooden blocks, plastic containers, and other household items that are safe for your hamster to interact with.
Plan your maze: Before you begin building, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want your maze to look like. Sketch out a rough design on paper and consider factors such as the size of your hamster and the space available in your home.
Cut and shape your materials: Once you have your materials and design ready, start cutting and shaping them to fit your maze. Use scissors or a craft knife to cut and shape the cardboard boxes, and use a drill or saw to create holes for the tunnels.
Assemble the maze: Once you have all of your materials cut and shaped, begin assembling the maze. Use tape or glue to secure the pieces together and create a stable structure. Be sure to create multiple levels and pathways for your hamster to explore.
Add obstacles and hiding spots: To make the maze more challenging and engaging for your hamster, add obstacles such as blocks or tunnels that your hamster will have to navigate through. Also, include hiding spots such as paper tubes or small boxes where your hamster can rest and hide.
Introduce your hamster to the maze: Once your maze is complete, introduce your hamster to the maze in a controlled environment. Keep an eye on your hamster as it explores the maze for the first time and make sure it doesn’t get stuck or lost.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the many homemade hamster toys you can make. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you can come up with even more ideas. Remember to always supervise your hamster when they are playing with homemade toys, and replace them if they start to show signs of wear and tear. By providing your hamster with plenty of entertainment, you can keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.