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Old 07-01-2021, 01:28 PM   #1
Imogen
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Exclamation Unsuitable hamster toys! Calling all to help make a list!

So, I'm in the middle of creating a whole research document on hamsters that I can pass on to others as well as small individual pet shops around my area that I'm very friendly with.

My plan is to conduct a list of items that are unsuitable for hamsters and as to why!

Most of us know that hanging "treats" and gnawing enrichment products containing sawdust is a big no no.

If you have any knowledge of unsuitable enrichment toys, please comment below!

While on the topic of this, could someone please let me know if the gnawing cheese shape hideaway from P@H is safe too?

Thanks in regards and note that this will help to possibly remove any sales of inappropriate hamster enrichment from a few handful of pet shops! x
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Old 07-01-2021, 02:06 PM   #2
sushi_78
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Default Re: Unsuitable hamster toys! Calling all to help make a list!

The compacted sawdust type toys are a bit controversial. They're made with glycerin which tastes sweet so there are some concerns that hamsters might think they're food and swallow lots of sawdust. I don't know how likely this is to happen and we don't really hear about hamsters dying from it (the risk has been much exaggerated on social media to be honest) but I think it's best to avoid these toys anyway, since there are many safer options available. The cheese hideaway from Pets at Home is made from sawdust.

Examples of unsuitable toys or other products are:
- Hamster harnesses or leads
- Fluffy bedding
- Hamster balls
- Fabric houses and hammocks, apart from ones made only from fleece. Fleece is relatively safe because it doesn't have threads that can tangle or wrap round limbs.
- Hanging food balls like this. Hamsters can get stuck in them.
- "Cage Fresh" granules. These contain fragrances and may also be too dusty for hamsters.
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Old 07-01-2021, 03:27 PM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Unsuitable hamster toys! Calling all to help make a list!

Hanging ladders - any runged ladders

Anything with chains (the chains can be replaced with sisal string)

Anything with a window or opening smaller than 5cm (6cm or more ideally)

Anything fabric - hammocks etc. Fleece is ok but hamsters can still chew it or get their feet caught in eyelets. I tend to only use fleece toys out of the cage - very occasionally in the cage with an older hamster who doesn’t chew

Most things sold for “hamsters “ - they are nearly all too small for Syrians and only suitable for dwarf hamsters

Kapok (same effect as fluffy bedding)

Tbh honest in the end I looked at what hamsters could safely have and ignored most of the things sold for hansters.

So what they can have is

Cardboard - tubes, tissue boxes, egg boxes, shoe boxes - all make good hideouts.
Chew sticks
Rat sputniks
Grass hammocks (but check for sharp bits)
Bendy stick bridges
Rainbow bridge (they all seem to like that)
Cork logs and tunnels
Millet sprays
Any ceramic items (providing entrance big enough)
Wood houses (although check for nails and glue - some are very badly made)
A shelf

I tend to stick to those basics

You can make a nice hammock out of toilet rolls and sisal string as well
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Old 07-01-2021, 04:03 PM   #4
shane
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Default Re: Unsuitable hamster toys! Calling all to help make a list!

Oh, there are so many it makes me want to scream. Just a few:

Tubes and tube systems without proper ventilation (basically all of them as far as I can tell).

Swings with a hole in the side of the frame like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/LKJYBG-Hams...80171&sr=8-282

Wheels: too small, rungs (instead of a solid running surface), axle fixed to the stand on both sides.
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Old 07-02-2021, 07:41 AM   #5
Imogen
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Default Re: Unsuitable hamster toys! Calling all to help make a list!

Thank you all for your lists; this has helped me so much in conducting a list of inappropriate items for our beloved hammies. If you know of anymore products as things such as nutritional diet mixes, do let me know!!
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