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Old 08-26-2016, 04:09 AM   #1
tabithakat64
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Default Hamster balls

The plastic balls that you put your hamster in so they can roam around, are they ok or are they bad?
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Old 08-26-2016, 06:03 AM   #2
hamtarokid
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Default Re: Hamster balls

I...
I thought this thread was going to be about something else tbh
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Old 08-26-2016, 07:06 AM   #3
Geewhiz
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Default Re: Hamster balls

^^same here, hahaha.
Honestly hamster balls depend on the hamster. With dwarves if you want to let them run around somewhere other than their cage I'd say definitely use a ball, and pay attention to their behaviour. With Syrians I'd say if they're tame you wouldn't need to use one since they move much slower, just make sure there isn't anything dangerous.
The problem with hamster balls is that they can't get out if they wanted to so you need to watch for signs of distress.
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Old 08-26-2016, 07:54 AM   #4
cypher
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Default Re: Hamster balls

It's a controversial topic so you will have to make up your own mind, for dwarf hams I'd say no, too dangerous as they are much more easily injured by bumping into things & their tiny feet are easily trapped too, some syrians do seem to enjoy running in a ball but if you think about their natural behaviour then making a stimulating safe play area or playpen can be a lot more enjoyable, you can give them more to explore & interact with them while they're out.
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Old 09-04-2016, 02:11 AM   #5
tabithakat64
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Default Re: Hamster balls

I haven't tried it yet, although I think Jam might actually enjoy it for small periods of time once she's more settled
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Old 09-04-2016, 04:46 AM   #6
Mollie
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Default Re: Hamster balls

Getting a ball that's secure, big enough and gives the hamster good visibility is nigh on impossible for a Syrian tbh. Then if they poo, wee in them they're running in it..... and spreading it all over the house too!

For Dwarf hamsters, as mentioned, they are dangerous anyway.

So all in all although it's a matter of personal choice I've found Correx playpens to be much better. Zooplus now do 'slot together' play pens too that seem ideal for Dwarf hamsters to get supervised free range time - not sure if they'd be high enough for Syrians!

Skyline Ranch Arizona Indoor Run | Free P&P £29+ at zooplus!
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Old 09-04-2016, 05:01 AM   #7
ClumsyPianist
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Default Re: Hamster balls

Bought one for my Syrian, have used it once, realized it's too small (like, way too small. I don't know what I was thinking while purchasing it) and haven't touched it since unless it's for small moments of transportation around the house (I don't let him run around in it). Didn't like it much personally because you basically limit your pet's sense of smell and they don't really get to explore everything the way they would while free-ranging. I just set up a playpen and let him run around and explore stuff instead.
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Old 09-04-2016, 07:49 AM   #8
velma
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Default Re: Hamster balls

I have a ball that my Syrian Cleo used to use. She doesn't come out so much now as she's older but I'll probably try it with my new Syrian and see if he likes it. I wouldn't use with them with my dwarf hams as they are too small and too quick so a greater risk of injury from bashing against a wall or trapping a leg. I considered a rat ball for my Syrian but I felt that the vent holes were too big and might trap a leg. So, for me, I feel it's better to be in a slightly smaller ball with safer sized vent holes - as she's never in it for long. I also bought a ball that doesn't click apart and I tape the lid on when in use for extra security. It's entirely down to the individual ham though as to whether they seem to like them and on any particular day if they want to go in. When I've used the ball with Cleo it's tended to be when I've been cleaning her or I've been tinkering around in the room doing something else and can't watch her as closely as she would need in a playpen (although I'm always in the room itself). I have cats and although they don't go in the hamster room, there is still the odd time the door hasn't latched properly or they've come in when my OH has opened the door so I'm slightly happier with the ball as an extra layer of safety. But it's a very personal thing so just be guided by what your ham feels comfortable with.
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Old 09-04-2016, 04:13 PM   #9
badwolf
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Default Re: Hamster balls

Quote:
Originally Posted by hamtarokid View Post
I...
I thought this thread was going to be about something else tbh
Haha same here :P Is it bad that that's the first place my mind went??
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