Is he getting enough exercise?

starbug · 02-28-2010, 01:59 PM

My Syrian, Toffee, is about nine weeks old and I've had him for two weeks. He climbs into his ball easily, but doesn't move around in it - just sits there grooming. Also, he's never used his wheel while we've been in the room.

When I get him out of his cage, he crawls over me or sits still annd lets me stroke him. I'm concerned though that he isn't getting enough exercise because he sometimes chews the bars of the cage. Do they get used to the ball or do some hamsters just not like them?

souffle · 03-01-2010, 04:28 AM

He is still very much a baby and like all babies will need lots of sleep and rest. Some hamsters are not really keen on balls and much prefer to free run.
We are not fond of them personally as they don't give the hamster any chance to sniff, climb, dig and explore as they are effectively in the same place all the time inside a plastic sphere.
A young hammy will take as much excercise as they need to. I would just let him enjoy his handling and let him scamper on the bed or climb the stairs which ours enjoy.
What size is the wheel and does it turn easily? Most cages come with too small wheels and they often bang on the side. If yours does this you may consider a new one like a Savic Jumbo rolly, a Wodent wheel or a large comfort wheel.
Many hammies bar chew and it is a hard habit to break. I don't think it is boredom myself. They just enjoy it. If he has a favy chew spot try blocking it with a toy or weaving cardboard through the bars. Offer him a hard dog biscuit to chew instead.
Looking forward to meeting him.

SarahJ · 03-01-2010, 07:52 AM

Well i dont think i need to reply to this as souffle has given you some good advise so i would listen to that.

Flissy · 03-01-2010, 08:47 AM

I don't use hamster balls any more after a bad experience, instead I give the hamsters run around time in one of these: Colourful Indoor / Outdoor Hamster Mice Pets Playpen: Amazon.co.uk: Garden & Outdoors

I usually scatter treats across the floor and put in a blanket or jumper for them to climb on/hide in and some of the toys which won't fit in their cages

My hamsters chew the bars all the time and its really annoying! Sometimes I weave cardboard in and out of the bars so they chew that instead but it never lasts long

starbug · 03-01-2010, 02:17 PM

Thank you all for your advice. I've posted a thread with some photos of Toffee in the Introduction forum, so they should appear shortly.

The cage is a Ferplast Criceti 15 which came with a wheel, but it was a bit small so I bought the Savic Jumbo Rolly instead. He only goes a few steps in it, though. I've tried oiling it with olive oil to stop it squeaking. He likes climbing up the sides of the cage and trying to get the lid off!

fluffymunchkins · 03-01-2010, 02:34 PM

yh i only tryed porridge in his ball once so far but immediately i can tell that floortime is so much more enjoyable. He runs (well waddles) as fast as his chubby legs can take him and loves to sniff and explore everything!
All i do is block off behind my wardrobe and drawers, remove anything hazordous, close the door and hes good to go!
I only mainly put my dwarf in her ball but she gets floortime more.