Are exercise balls safe? - Page 2

Truffle · 09-22-2013, 11:42 AM

I am mixed in my opinion about exercise balls I personally have a rat sized one for my syrian hamster, I do use it infrequently and she does not get stressed. I have a ball that is big enough for my winter white but I never use it with her. I tried her a couple of times for very short periods of time but she sat there and didn't move- she just wasn't enjoying it. If/when I use a ball for my syrian hamster I don't leave her in it for very long.... the absolute maxium of 15 mins though 5-10 mins feels about right.

TraceyH · 09-22-2013, 02:22 PM

My hamsters love their playballs, it's me that gets irritated as they usually end up getting stuck behind furniture or in another awkward place and I'm up and down like a yo-yo freeing them. They seem to like banging into each other in them. I also let them free roam, but if they spot a ball without a lid on they climb into it and start rolling around in it.

Char · 09-22-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TraceyH

My hamsters love their playballs, it's me that gets irritated as they usually end up getting stuck behind furniture or in another awkward place and I'm up and down like a yo-yo freeing them. They seem to like banging into each other in them. I also let them free roam, but if they spot a ball without a lid on they climb into it and start rolling around in it.

I'm the same up and down like a yo-yo. Of just to free them when they stuck but when you can't hear them banging into things or each other, you got to see what they up to. Daisy is good at opening the balls. Once we was watching tv, and Daisy walked across the living room floor and her ball was in the kitchen. At least she came to where we were and where her cage is kept. Lol

TraceyH · 09-22-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

I'm the same up and down like a yo-yo. Of just to free them when they stuck but when you can't hear them banging into things or each other, you got to see what they up to. Daisy is good at opening the balls. Once we was watching tv, and Daisy walked across the living room floor and her ball was in the kitchen. At least she came to where we were and where her cage is kept. Lol

lol yes, I do get suspicious when it all goes quiet. I cleared a big space two days ago and they ended up stuck behind a small gap behind the door. Ooh, I tape mine up so they don't escape but that's great Daisy made her way back to you.

JinjaMakes · 09-22-2013, 11:36 PM

Harry loves his ball so much that hen he escaped his cage he spent the night rolling about in it!
I have the large ball from pets at home which has a pic of a rat on the box. It seems huge but when he runs his spine is completely flat so it doesn't cause he any back problems. He has no trouble pushing it around!

Susie · 09-23-2013, 04:07 AM

No, my hamster Greyson needlessly died after trapping his feet in the air vents and breaking his back from being in one. Would never risk that happening again

racinghamster · 09-23-2013, 05:00 AM

I`m with Susie. Hamster`s don`t need a ball. If they have a decent wheel in their cage and get plenty of attention while awake (if they seek it) then a ball is not necessary. It`s a gimmick, nothing more. x

Char · 09-23-2013, 05:40 AM

Mine have a slient spinner 12inch and /or a flying saucer the biggest one. But they still love there balls.

Hamsters4eva x · 09-23-2013, 05:56 AM

Mmm... It's your own opinion really, none of my hamsters use hamster balls as my robo's are too young and small and my Campbell dwarf is 4 so I don't won't to stress her out, I personally think hamsters may get scared but it also depends on the hamster. If you want to let your hamster play outside of the cage, you could get a small hamster play pen (sold at most pets stores) and hide treats for your hamster to find, or actually use a whole room (make sure it's hamster proofed, no wires and no small gaps where you can't get your hamster) for your hamster to play!

If you still want to use a hamster ball, make sure your hamster isn't in the ball for more than a few minutes as the hamster may get thirsty, Your hamster may love a hamster ball

or he may hate it

, if it looks like your hamster is panicking take your hamster out immediately, also supervise you hamster at all times when out of the cage.

Hope I helped Hamsters4eva x

.

emilyweb · 09-23-2013, 06:12 AM

As stated balls are incredibly personal to both hamster and owner. Myself, I have never used them, I prefer free ranging. Though I prefer to not be dismisdive toward them because I'm aware that some hams enjoy them immensely.