Help! Cass HATES her hamster ball!

Bebe · 06-01-2010, 01:27 PM

hi everyone - please help me!
A few weeks ago i bought my fifth hamster - my beautiful teddy bear Syrian female, Cass - and i have tamed her even though she was quite bitey to begin with lol. but she is now LOVELY and walks all over my hands and arms and bed and likes being kissed.
But she HATES her hamster ball and as soon as i put her in it she freaks out and even though she does make it move, she also chews at it like she wants to get out and then starts to poo all over it so i know she's upset. so then of course i take her out of it and she calms right down again. i'm scared that if she cant use the hamster ball she wont get enough exercise. what should I do?
x

fluffymunchkins · 06-01-2010, 01:32 PM

not all hamsters enjoy exercise balls and there are plenty of other ways to exercise her. Like running aboyt on a bed or sofa, floortime in a secure room. or even playtime in the bathtub.

You could make your own playpen if you wanted

allie_freedie · 06-01-2010, 01:32 PM

Hey! Sometimes hammies just dont take to it. My Kirk just sits in it and doesnt move it all, looking very confused!! (I dont think hes the brightest crayon in the box bless him!) Do you have access to a bath? You can drain the water (obviously lol) and make sure its dry, put in a few toys and then just let them run around! Mine love it, and there's no risk of them getting out or hurt. Make sure you supervise though just in case! Hope this helps x

internet_nobody · 06-01-2010, 01:37 PM

A ball isn't at all necessary, you can just handle her instead. As long as she has a wheel in her cage that is an appropriate size she'll get the exercise she needs.

Bebe · 06-01-2010, 01:37 PM

Oooooh yes, the bath is a great idea, but our bath is a bit horrible and i would feel better making a playpen i think. how do i do that safely?
x

fluffymunchkins · 06-01-2010, 01:40 PM

well theres a number of ways - cardboard, wood or even something like correx. It depends what you can find availible.
As long as you make the walls high enough to prevent escapes. Oh and check for slinters if using wood.

There are playpens you can buy (eg. S.A.M playpen or hamster fort) But its much better and cheaper to just make one

I'm sure theres a few threads on here about homemade ones, i will have a look for you

fluffymunchkins · 06-01-2010, 01:43 PM

here we go, wofunnys homemade wooden one:
Smudges Playground :)

You could also use a large storage bin

Bebe · 06-01-2010, 01:43 PM

thank u!

x