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Old 01-22-2016, 07:57 PM   #1
Jenibelle
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Default Ball recommendations?

I'm looking to get Bernie a ball so that he can explore safely outside of his cage. Could you guys give me recommendations? I want a clear one so he can see as best as possible, and one where his little toesys can't get caught.
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Old 01-23-2016, 03:20 AM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

I've virtually given up with balls! We had a good one that was clear and all in one piece, but it wasn't really big enough for our large Syrian. It's ok when they're smaller. I then got the Savic 25cm one (in fact I tried a load of 25cm ones and sent them back - the Savic was the best of them all) and don't like using it - I've seen his toenails sticking through the vent slots sometimes and it isn't completely smooth inside, with projecting bits.

This is the first one we had - it's very good, all in one piece rather than those ones that come in two halves that clip together, and it's clear.

Amazon.com : Living World Plastic Hamster Exercise Ball with Stand, 6-3/5-Inch : Pet Habitat Decor : Pet Supplies

It might do for a baby or small Syrian. I still keep a ball as it's a good way of transporting them from a to b (ie you can carry them in it safely without them jumping out of something or falling while you carry them.

Better to go for a playpen area really and put a wheel in it, in my opinion. In Germany they don't use balls at all.
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Old 01-23-2016, 04:39 AM   #3
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

Personally, I would make a solid sided playpen using old cardboard boxes and tape the sides together and it can be folded up and slid into a cupboard when not in use. Cardboard boxes are free as shops throw them away for recycling. This are a safer option and not one that will enclose your hamster in the same way a ball will. He can`t see where he`s going and balls can get warm inside from the body heat generated. Never mind the injuries they can sometimes cause to toes/claws. x
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Old 01-23-2016, 06:05 AM   #4
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

Charlie did used to run in his but I'm not sure he actually enjoyed it very much - he always headed straight for somewhere dark, to hide I guess, and maybe felt a bit exposed. I think he enjoyed it a bit sometimes. The Living World one would be good as a transporting ball though and I think that's a really useful thing to have as it's difficult carrying them to different rooms otherwise (except in a pet carrier maybe).

I believe the Germans have this theory that the only reason hamsters run in balls is because they're trying to run away from the ball or something.
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Old 01-23-2016, 06:46 AM   #5
Jenibelle
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

Oh, that's so sad!! "they run because they're trying to run away from the ball".

Well, a ball is off the table! Thanks guys!
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Old 01-23-2016, 10:58 AM   #6
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

Can be a good carrying/transporting thing though! To carry them from one room to another.
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Old 01-23-2016, 03:15 PM   #7
Jenibelle
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

I bought a small little plastic travel tank for that if needed though I don't think Bernie would leave our room. I think the boyfriend's mother would faint if she saw him out of the tank haha!
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Old 01-24-2016, 04:19 AM   #8
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

Sorry - I know there are different opinions on balls, and I'm not saying the Germans are necessarily correct on saying balls aren't good or that hamsters are running away from the ball. It's a tricky one really. Some people say they know their hamsters like running in the ball because they jump into it. Charlie sometimes jumps in and if the ball is on the sofa he does his little feet to make it roll and doesn't understand why it won't move! I still don't know if that's because he wants to run in it or because it's a habit. All I know is, most hamster balls are too small for Syrians and the larger rat ones are risky with the bigger slits to get toenails caught in. The smaller balls aren't much use for dwarf hamsters either as apparently balls aren't recommended at all for dwarf hamsters.

I'm a bit on the fence myself as to whether they enjoy running in a ball or just do it because they can't get out of it. Maybe a bit of both, depending on how the hamster is at that time. They do give them some exercise, but then a playpen and wheel can do that too. The other issue is (mainly among irresponsible people) balls can get kicked by accident or people not keep an eye on them and the ball roll down the stairs or something. That's not an issue for most of us as we take good care of our hamsters! Charlie stopped running in the smaller one, he'd just sit in it, but happily ran in the bigger one when I got it - I just don't think it's that safe when I saw his toenails sticking through the slits!
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Old 01-24-2016, 04:26 AM   #9
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

Although many people have used/use a ball for their hamster and have had no issues (yet), I personally feel they are more of a liability and something owners will buy because they see them online, in shops and of course, because hamster balls have been given so much advertising that many people feel they are a must have. As Serendipity said, a good sized cage and wheel are the key and if the hamster must come out of it`s cage, it`s better to apply the playpen method and allow the hamster to run around naturally and explore new smells and the up-side of that is you can plonk yourself on the floor with him. x
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Old 01-26-2016, 01:51 PM   #10
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Default Re: Ball recommendations?

My previous hamsters seemed eager to get in their excercise balls and often didn't want to get out when the ball was opened. I think if they didn't like using the ball they would run away and hide.

If they enjoy running on wheels they would surely enjoy running in the ball. If the bumping into things is a worry (possible injury) use hamtrack if it's still available to buy. I had a few sets and joined them together to make a large track.
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