Unhappy hamster?

[Princess Pixie]

Originally Posted by AprilPearl

I've never used balls with my hams, but I understand that this is your hamster and your choice so I am not going to tell you what to do. Just wanted to suggest this playpen, which is really great. You will get much more interaction with her in it, as you can even sit in there with her and offer her treats. She will soon be using you as a human climbing frame, so you will be bonding even as she exercises! Plus, you can put in lots of toys for her to play with. It's a really great investment.

Skyline Ranch Arizona Indoor Run | Free P&P £29+ at zooplus!

That's brill but it's basically the same size as her cage and I don't have the room for it.

[CMB]

This is your hamster and if you want to use a ball that is up to you and your hamster. I haven't had a problem/injury from my previous hamsters using an excercise ball.

I haven't used one for my current hamster though. She sometimes likes her playpen and sometimes she doesn't.

My thoughts are. A hamster may be curious and get into the ball, but will learn that they get shut in and can't get out. Once they have learnt that they would avoid getting in the ball if they didn't enjoy running around in the ball. They love running on a wheel that doesn't get them anywhere, so why wouldn't they enjoy a ball that they actually can move around in different directions.

I used the 10 - 20 minutes running then let them out rule. They would often not willingly come out of the ball. If after 5 minutes they didn't come out the lid was put back on and they were allowed to run around again.

You could use a combination of ball time, cage time, handling time and playpen time.

The diy stylish playpen can be made different sizes/shapes to fit available space and go round corners (right angles).

[Princess Pixie]

She always willingly climbs in the ball and she comes out after 10 minutes. I see no harm at all in a ball and idisagree it's not stimulating for them, they get to run in big open spaces and explore, how's that not stimulating?
She does not like a play pen, I've tried her in a small one and last night tried her in large one with a box I found under the stairs. I put lots of toys and hiding placing in it but she was stressed and trying to get out the sooner I put my hand in she jumped into my palm. I'm not going to stress her like that in a play pen which she clearly does not enjoy just because some of you think they're good and balls are bad.