Hamster balls

[Fizzgig]

Hello, I was considering if a hamster ball is actually safe or not! Please answer!
thanks.

[Shannonmcn]

There is a lot of information out there and goodness knows how many threads already on the forums on the subject. A recent one is here.

In short, yes, if they are used responsibly and with knowledge of the risks involved. But personally I would look into free roaming or playpen options first.

[Plumcore]

Not all hams like it. Some hams don't mind it, and the balls can make a good substitute when a playpen isn't available. As a rule of thumb, don't force them to go in if they dont want to. When letting them loose in a room like livingroom, they might bump into things at first, but as long as you don't move furniture around, they tend to learn where things are and will bump less (at least from what ive seen).

When they want out they will either stop in one spot for a while, or scratch the plastic.

[SavageFrog]

I personally dislike hamster balls due to a couple of reasons:

1. Robo hamsters can't run in them as their feet get stuck in the holes
2. If a hamster runs too fast and hits a wall then it's not going to be very pleasant for them
3. It gets quite warm inside the ball
4. Some balls ope while the hamster is running inside them which causes the hamster to escape

But this is just my own opinion.