Hamster cage enrichment is a term used to describe the ‘livening-up’ of a hamster’s environment. Just as you would find being stuck in an empty room extremely boring, so does your hamster. They are naturally curious and busy creatures, so adding some toys and obstacles not only provides enjoyment for you and your hamster, it’s scientifically proven to aid in your hamster’s health and well-being. Let’s take a look at some of the options:

• Hamster House
  If you want to provide your hamster with a little more privacy in her nest you can get her a house. There are several houses available from pet stores, but be sure they have a ventilated top or an open front or else condensation can build up inside. A house with a removable top is best as it allows easy access to your snoozing hamster. Keep in mind too that all hamster houses will suit your Dwarf Hamster, but they may be too small for some of the larger Syrian Hamsters.

 

• Sand Box
  Hamsters, particularly Dwarf Hamsters, really enjoy having a sand box to roll around in. It helps remove the grease from their coats and it is something that they do in their natural habitat. Use fine sand such as that used in children’s sandboxes, and make sure that it’s ‘clean’ – if not, you can bake it yourself in the oven for an hour at 350°F. Chinchilla sand is also a good option. You can use an empty tissue box, although they may chew through it. A better idea would be to use a ceramic or stainless steel dish that is not easily tipped.

 

• Wooden Blocks
  Pet stores sell several varieties of wooden blocks and climbing frames that have holes in them that hamsters can scurry through. As with the houses, these are designed more for Dwarf Hamsters and some of the larger Syrian Hamsters won’t be able to fit through the holes.

 

• Plastic and Cardboard Tubes
  A very popular item with your hamster will be a simple tube. Not only do they enjoy climbing through them, they are often used as nesting areas. You can buy a plastic one from the store, or you can simply use an old cardboard tube from a roll of paper towel or toilet paper. The plastic one will tend to last quite a bit longer, as your hamster will happily chew the cardboard one to bits in no time at all! However, the cardboard tubes are ‘free’ (in that you’re probably buying toilet paper or paper towel anyway) and so are very easy to replace.

 

• Wood Gnaws
  Your hamster’s teeth are continually growing, so to keep them trim he’ll need something to chew on. Often this will be the wires of the cage, but you can also provide him with special wooden gnaws found at your pet store or, alternatively, you can supply him with a piece of apple branch. Branches from oak, alder, chestnut, poplar, and willow trees are also fine to use, but be sure you don’t collect branches that have been lying near cars. Oil and other fluids may have leaked onto the branches and could prove very dangerous to your pet. Disinfect the branches under boiling water and let them dry before offering them to your hamster. We will discuss what is and isn’t safe for you hamster to eat in a later section.

 

• Other Toys
  You can use various odds and ends from around the house to create entertaining diversions for your pet hamster. Extra keys can be a wonderful toy for you hamster. Make sure they’re properly washed, and then string them together with some plastic cable tie. You can also try hanging large paper clips from the top of the cage, so that they swing when knocked.

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