Playtime with your hamster

Hamsters such small animals but have tremendous energy and thus need a lot of exercise. Playtime for your hamster should include toys and adequate space for your hamster to move.

Keep in mind that hamsters are nocturnal creatures and are more active at night – this is when they'll be most inclined to play with you!

In light of this, try to avoid waking your hamster up when it's in the middle of a good long nap as this can result in mistrust towards you, not to mention a nip or two.

Hamsters in the wild are used to running for miles and hiding in enclosed spaces. To cater to their natural instincts, owners can place a running wheel and small boxes and tunnels in the hamster's home. Hamster wheels should not be of the spoked variety as it may cause trapped and broken legs. To rectify this, owners can thread a cardboard strip through alternate rungs. Also take note if the hamster is arching its back while running on the wheel as it may indicate that the wheel is too small – you may need to get a bigger one!

Hamster balls are a good way of letting your hamster explore your house safely. However, smaller breeds of hamster like the Winter White Hamsters are not strong enough to push a hamster ball so precaution should be exercised for owners with the breed.

Hamsters also need things to gnaw on – a twig or branch that has not been treated with chemicals will be perfect. Store-bought calcium blocks and the like are suitable as well. Hamsters relish a toy that they can chew!