How to make toys for a hamster with your own hands at home

Choosing the right cage

Buying an animal begins with purchasing an “apartment”. Let's figure out what a hamster cage should be like in order to balance the appropriate living space and meet the standards of a healthy living environment.

• Size. You need a cell of a certain area. Too small - all the necessary accessories will not fit inside; too large - the animal will feel discomfort.
• Base. The solid plastic bottom with rounded corners makes cleaning much easier, and dirt can remain in the pull-out tray.
• Rods. The ideal option would be metal, unpainted rods made of high-quality metal, with a frequent arrangement of cells. A hamster living in a cage with too wide openings between the bars will definitely escape.
• Door. Despite its small size, the animal is quite strong; the exit must have a reliable lock that the animal is not able to open or bend. If the cage has two floors, doors should be located on each. This will make it easier to clean and catch the animal if necessary.

If you first got a male, and then plan to get another female, you will need large housing. This is usually achieved by adding a second floor, rather than by having an impressive footprint. By purchasing such a cage, you can save money by not purchasing factory accessories.

Let's look at how to make the second floor of a hamster cage yourself. A lot of improvised items are used for production. The only condition is the absence of sharp parts that could injure the animal. It is necessary to make a platform and a ladder to it.

It is desirable that both surfaces are solid, without holes where a hamster's paw could fall through. Be sure to firmly fasten, or better yet glue, all the parts, because the animal is quite energetic and can knock them over or knock them over during play. The good thing about making it yourself is that you can fix a broken part without investing money.

You can also make nesting houses for hamsters with your own hands, where they store supplies, rest or sleep. To do this, you will need objects without sharp elements, with which you can create a cozy corner. Be sure to make several ventilation holes of small diameter so that the animal cannot crawl through them.

Crafts from matches and ice cream sticks

Crafts from matches and ice cream sticks are one of the simplest options for making toys. Before making, you must wash the sticks thoroughly. If you use matches, use sharp scissors to remove the sulfur heads.

From sticks or matches you can make:

• Bridge.
• Manhole or ladder.
• Shelters of any shape.

Sticks and matches must be fixed with glue. If the frame is wooden, PVA wood glue will do. If the frame is made of wire or plastic, the sticks can be secured with a glue gun.

Examples of games with hamsters

Games with a hamster are quite varied and will bring a lot of pleasure not only to the owner, but also to the pet.

In a cage

There are many options for playing with animals. All that depends on the person is to provide the necessary toys:

1. Wheel. In their natural habitat, rodents run several kilometers per day. But in a cage they do not have this opportunity, so the presence of a wheel will diversify the hamster’s life and give it the necessary exercise. It is better to purchase such a product at a pet store.
2. Tunnels. Animals simply love to climb on them and explore the new space around them. Rodents enjoy this activity doubly because their natural homes are burrows. The tunnels differ only in their volumes and the area they occupy. To compensate for the deficiency, you can build them in the form of labyrinths, and put any food at the end of the path. The hamster will definitely enjoy going through obstacles.
3. Swing. Used as an option to develop a sense of balance in your pet. Externally, the structure looks like a wooden board, and underneath it is a round block. There is a hamster on one side and a treat on the other.
4. Stairs. One of the most popular entertainments. Various slides and slopes are suitable to “release” the energy accumulated during the day. But you should be more careful, since hamsters are rodents, so they will “try” their toys. When purchasing, you need to make sure that the latter do not contain any chemical toxins or substances.

Outside the cage

You can move on to games outside the rodent shelter only with those pets that have adapted to the owner, are used to being in his arms and climb on them themselves.

The owner will not only provide the animal with an entire region for research, but can also increase the size and variety of playing grounds.

For example:

1. A walking ball is the most popular way to allow your rodent to explore a room. With such protection, the animal can not only roam around the house safely, but small children can also handle it. In addition, the animal is also not in danger of falling from a height or hitting corners.
2. Cardboard maze. This is a larger version of the caged design. Here you can show your imagination. Curls, dead ends, secret passages - how many things an owner can build for his baby. And the pet itself will be quite interested in exploring the new object. There are more places to place food here, you just need to put in a little creativity. However, you need to be careful - the animal can easily get out of the maze, so it is better not to turn away from the hamster while playing.
3. Transformable tunnel. The parts of the structure can be used to create a creative, complex and exciting path from one end to the other. But the most important thing is that after the animal goes through the maze for the first time, it can be reassembled with new forks and dead ends.
4. Ball or tennis ball. You can build a small pen for the rodent, which looks like a football field. Afterwards, you should release the “player” there and give him a round object - an improvised ball. The pet will immediately start playing with it, chasing it from side to side. It turns out to be a kind of football, albeit with one player.

Games without devices

The easiest way to entertain an animal without much effort is to jump from hand to hand. This option will get the hamster in good shape, add some entertainment to his life, and perhaps be able to replace the wheel.

You can try giving your pet an ordinary napkin and see what happens to it after a few minutes. The hamster will begin to gnaw and tear it.

You can also sit your pet on the sofa. An unfamiliar place will immediately interest the animal, the animal will begin to run and explore the territory. If your pet falls asleep on the sofa, you should cover it with some fabric - this will create the atmosphere of a hole.

Which sand to choose

Sand for bathing can be purchased at a special pet store. Usually a 1 kg package is enough for six months if your animal is a small breed. A pack will last a Syrian a few months less, but it all depends on the frequency of bathing procedures. There is no sand for a specific breed; the conditions of choice are equal for everyone. When choosing, you need to pay attention to hygiene conditions and the size of the grains of sand.

You can also use regular sand collected from a pond. But be sure to rinse it under hot water and dry it thoroughly over a fire in a frying pan or oven.

After bathing procedures, the sand needs to be sifted, or even better, dried in a frying pan. For storage, you need to choose a dry place and put it in a closed container, protecting it from moisture.

Making simple tunnels

A hamster cage must contain at least one small tunnel. And for games outside the home, complex structures of medium and large size are suitable. You can make a permanent entertainment room for your furry friend or build the attraction anew each time, changing its size and direction of moves.

Children are showing great interest in creating entertainment for hamsters. We invite you to study the instructions for creating simple tunnels that even a schoolchild will understand.

Paper tube for cage

The simplest option is to use a cardboard paper towel tube as a building material. You can put it in the cage unchanged or make windows in the tube so that the animal can come out through them.

The sleeve tube can also be installed in external cardboard labyrinths.

Game room

Do your kids love to play with and watch hamsters? Then give them an idea: make a tunnel for a hamster from an unnecessary cardboard box. The kids will happily get down to business, use their creative imagination and create an attraction with love.

There are a lot of construction options. We will tell you how to make a hamster maze in two different ways.

• The first method does not involve the use of glue. Take a box and pieces of cardboard: 3 strips should correspond in size to the length of the room, 5 to the width. On long pieces, make 5 cuts at equal distances from each other, and cut short pieces three times. Between the cuts, cut out doors, windows and holes for pipes. Now we can assemble our room. Install long partitions with the cuts up, and insert short parts into them with the cut down. You will get a lattice. If you have pipes planned, insert them into the round cutouts. Place the grid in the box and you can start playing right away!
• The second method is based on gluing the walls. It is good because you can create a variety of branches, as well as a rest room for a small creature. To glue the walls, use regular or construction tape.

Labyrinth from a construction set

Preschoolers and schoolchildren love to build various castles and fortresses from construction sets. Invite them to make an attraction for a hamster - they will happily complete this task. Moreover, children themselves know how to make a labyrinth for a hamster from Lego constructors interesting and convenient.

If you are building a walker for a dzhungarik, small parts are better suited. For the larger Syrian breed, use medium sized pieces. Using a small construction set inside the maze, you can build a small obstacle course for the animal, at the end of which you can place a tasty nut.

Book fortress

Old hardcover books are suitable for creating a large, spacious tunnel. To do this, they need to be placed with their roots facing up. It is better to completely enclose the space with books so that the hamsters do not run away in different directions. For one animal, the width of the passage can be 5-8 cm (so that the animal can easily turn around in it), but if you have several fluffies, the tunnels should be more spacious.

In such a book fortress, kids really love to have hamster races. Rodents are placed in a common closed room, after which they open the “door” and watch which of the animals gets to the exit first

At the same time, it is important to ensure that race participants do not violate the rules. If a cunning hamster climbs over the wall, he must be brought back

A maze made from books can also be used to train animals. To do this, you need to place small pieces of tasty food along the chosen path, and repeat the operation several times with the same route. Then you should place the treat only at the exit. You will be surprised how quickly your smart hamster will find it!

Tunnel made of plumbing parts

If your apartment has recently been renovated and you still have unnecessary parts for connecting pipes, use them to create a branched labyrinth! This attraction is suitable for both small Djungarian and larger Syrian and Caucasian hamsters. By the way, the tunnel made from plumbing looks very original. Another advantage is the collapsible design of the attraction, which means you can periodically change the direction of the moves.

Making it is very simple: connect the parts in any direction. It will be more interesting for the hamster to play if there are several exits in the pipe. But in this case, do not leave the home unattended, otherwise you will have to look for it throughout the apartment!

Rat pinata

Piñata is a game in which various sweets are placed inside a hollow tube and, once sealed, hung higher. And then the participants in the game take a stick and hit the pipe until treats begin to fall out of it. The same kind of entertainment can be done for domestic rodents - you will get an excellent toy for rats with your own hands.

1. Place several paper towels together. The older and smarter your rats are, the more layers of paper you need, or you can use a cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll, folding the edges of the tube inward.
2. Place a handful of peas, corn, sunflower seeds, cereal, a few drops of yogurt or another treat that your tailed pets love in the paper.
3. Roll the paper into a tight bundle and tie it carefully with ribbon or string.
4. Hang the bundle high in the cage so that it dangles freely, and your pets can reach it only by standing on their hind legs.
5. Now you can let your pet rats into the cage.

When the rats smell the treat, they, following their instincts, will begin to reach for the package and try to get it. They will have to work hard to cope with the task. But the more difficult the treat is to get, the tastier it is. In addition, it will be a good exercise aimed at maintaining the physical fitness and health of your pets.

How to arrange a place for a hamster

“My home is my fortress,” this is how the hamster treats his home. The rodent spends a significant part of its life in the house, resting, hiding from “danger,” and hiding food for a “rainy day.” It is up to the owner to help arrange this secluded place for the pet by choosing the most convenient design, covering it with sawdust, shavings, soft rags or napkins.

Note! You can choose a suitable house for your hamster at any pet store. The main thing is to ensure that the materials from which it is made are environmentally friendly and odorless

Otherwise, the animal will simply ignore its apartment, and the owner will feel sorry for the money and effort spent.

Plastic pet house

Some inexperienced hamster owners are wondering what material they should choose for a house. Today, houses made of plastic, wood, and ceramics are offered for sale. You can buy a home made of fabric. There are no specific recommendations on this matter; each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic house

A plastic house for a hamster is the most common and affordable option. As a rule, those models that are presented in pet stores are made from high-quality materials and do not pose a danger to the animal. The variety of designs can satisfy even the most demanding esthete. Plastic houses are easy to maintain. They are easy to wash and, in addition, dry quickly. The price for this plastic product starts from 140 rubles*

However, some experienced hamster breeders note some significant disadvantages of such a hamster home. First of all, such plastic houses have poor ventilation.

For your information! A rodent may accidentally swallow plastic if it wants to taste the house.

Wooden house

Wood is one of those materials that a hamster has to deal with in its natural habitat. Your pet will certainly like a wooden house, as it perfectly retains heat, reduces noise and allows air to pass through. As for the aesthetic side of hamster housing, in pet stores you can purchase both inexpensive models that resemble a miniature doghouse and real masterpieces of wooden architecture.

Wooden house for a pet rodent

However, wooden houses have significant disadvantages. First of all, this concerns care. Wood is not very convenient to wash. In addition, it takes quite a long time to dry.

Note! Many hamster owners refuse wooden houses, arguing that wood absorbs a specific odor that is not so easy to eliminate.

Ceramic house

Ceramic houses for hamsters appeared on the pet supply market quite recently, but have already managed to win fans. This is primarily due to the wide variety of design options. Hamster dwellings in the form of pumpkins, pieces of cheese, forest huts and stone grottoes can appeal not only to the hamsters themselves, but also to their owners. Especially if the pet's owners are children. In addition, ceramic houses are environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.

The disadvantages include the high cost of this product and the fragility of the design. Therefore, when sanitizing the cage, care should be taken to ensure that the cage does not fall.

Important! Unfortunately, after damage to a ceramic house, reuse is not permissible, since the glue used to glue the fragments together can be toxic to the pet.

House made of vines

Some species of hamsters, such as dwarf hamsters, like to live in a house made of wicker. It will not absorb odors, is excellently ventilated and, moreover, closely matches the natural conditions for a hamster.

Unfortunately, such houses can rarely be found on the shelves of pet stores, and they are expensive. In addition, over time, such a house can be significantly damaged by the occupant of the home. Some hamsters can sharpen their teeth on bars.

Wicker house for a hamster

Quilted houses made of fabric and padding polyester

Recently, houses for hamsters made of fabric and padding polyester have been gaining popularity. This is a good option because if it gets dirty, it can be easily washed and dried quickly. In such a home your pet will feel warm and comfortable.

Note! This option can either be bought at a pet store, or you can sew it yourself from scrap leftover fabric or disused shirts.

Benefits of sand baths

All domesticated animals must be kept in conditions close to natural ones. How do wild hamsters clean their fur of excess fat and dirt? That's right - wallowing in the sand! This method of bathing is safe and enjoyable. Therefore, sand is very important for a hamster.

Here are the positive differences between sand baths and water procedures:

As you can see, sand baths are very beneficial for your furry friend. But in order for the fur cleansing procedure to be safe, the sand must be selected correctly.

Ideas on how to make a comfortable house for a hamster - diagrams, drawings and instructions

From plastic bottles

Option 1. To make a shelter for an animal from plastic bottles, you need 2 clean bottles of 1-1.5 liters, electrical tape, scissors and a stationery knife.

The neck and bottom of both containers are cut off, and the cut points are treated with electrical tape to prevent the occupant from being injured in the future. A hole is cut in one of the bottles exactly in the middle, equal to the diameter of the second.

The second container is inserted into the finished cutout of the first container; it should fit tightly. The resulting structure is secured with electrical tape.

Option 2. Such a house can replace a cage and will be like an aquarium with several compartments.

Several clean bottles with a volume of 5 or more liters are required.

Each of the containers will represent a so-called room, so the number of containers used is limited only by the imagination of the master. You will also need a utility knife and scissors.

1. The tops of the bottles are cut off. The height of future rooms should be such that the pet cannot climb over it and get lost in the bowels of the apartment.
2. The necks are cut off from the remaining upper part of the bottles so that they look like funnels. You won't need caps for them.
3. In the lower part of the container, almost at the very bottom, holes are cut, equal in diameter to the necks.
4. All rooms are connected to each other through funnel necks.

In the video you can see what such an apartment looks like.

Does your pet live in a house made of natural materials?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

From cardboard

For construction you will need the most ordinary boxes of ready-made breakfasts or juice, scissors and a stationery knife.

All you have to do is cut the box to size and cut out the entrance.

If you use toilet paper rolls or paper napkins for construction, you will get an excellent labyrinth that rodents love so much. But you should take into account the size of the hamsters; for large individuals this type of entertainment is unacceptable.

From a box of paper napkins

For a simple construction, you will need one cardboard tissue box, stationery glue and a toilet paper or paper napkin roll.

It is necessary to remove all plastic elements and film from the future home. It is better to give preference to square-shaped containers; they can be cut exactly in the middle and you will get two ready-made houses that already have an entrance for the animal.

A toilet paper roll makes a great addition to your shelter. It is enough to glue it into the passage and it will be an imitation of a mink, which will obviously please the rodent.

From a plastic container

This type of container can be found in almost any home or purchased for a small amount in a store.

For construction you will need a food grade plastic container and a soldering iron.

1. Using a heated soldering iron, the entrance to the house is cut out, and holes are made on the lid of the container for ventilation. This will help the pet feel comfortable in the home.
2. Sawdust or any other bedding is laid out at the bottom of the house.

The advantage of such a structure is that it is convenient to wash, and it will also last longer than cardboard.

Wooden house

For construction you need:

• wooden board 1-4 cm thick;
• ruler;
• a simple pencil;
• circular saw or jigsaw;
• sandpaper;
• hammer;
• small nails.

Two parts 12.5 cm long and two parts 14.5 cm long are cut out and polished from the board. The height is taken arbitrarily, but it must be calculated so that the hamster can move freely

.

A hole with a diameter of 6 cm is drilled (cut) in one of the 12.5 cm long blanks. Several small windows are made in different walls of the house for better ventilation. All cut holes are ground.

All parts are assembled using nails. You can use a square wooden sheet for the roof.

Mitten house

During the cold period, any living creature likes to bask where it is warm. Rodents are no exception.

During severe cold weather, it is enough to put a mitten that no one needs anymore in the cage.

The hamster will instantly find a use for it and build his nest in it.

The downside of such a house is that it will most likely quickly acquire an unpleasant odor and wear out. Whether to replace it with a new one or not is up to the breeder to decide.

Coconut house

Due to its size, this type of housing is suitable only for Djungarian hamsters.

You will need:

• coconut;
• hacksaw;
• sandpaper.

First, you need to drain the milk from the coconut by making holes in the eyes. Having stepped a couple of centimeters away from them, you need to tap with the handle of a knife; if a crack appears on the shell, then this part of the fruit is cut off with a knife, if not, then you should use a hacksaw. The pulp is completely cleaned. The cut edge is sanded with sandpaper.

Rat grain bag

Do your rats like to laze around during the day? Here's a simple, comfortable place for your couch potatoes that they'll love in both summer and winter.

1. Cut a rectangular piece of thick fabric (such as cotton). The size will depend on the number of rats you have.
2. Sew the fabric on three sides, leaving one side open, to create something like a pillowcase.
3. Fill the bag with whole, raw grains of wheat or rice. Do not fill the bag to the top; the grains should flow freely in it.
4. Sew up the open side, closing the bag completely. Check that the grain should not spill.

Wheat or rice grains hold temperature very well. During hot summer days, place the bag in the refrigerator or freezer to cool it down before giving it to your rats. In winter, you can heat it in the microwave (or in a frying pan on the stove) on low until the bag is warm. Be careful not to overheat the beans, otherwise your pets may get burned.

If your rodents quickly chew through the fabric of the bag, make it in several layers. But even if they gnaw through the bag, a few grains of wheat or rice will not harm them.

A warm grain bag is also useful when transporting sick rats to the veterinarian during the winter.

What can you do for your pet yourself?

The hamster is an extremely versatile pet, since it does not require too much space to keep it, and entertainment devices can easily be constructed from what is found in every home. So what should we make ourselves?

1. Cell. Build with your own hands both a temporary and permanent home for the rodent. All you need is wooden rods for the frame, plywood for the bottom and a metal mesh, preferably small, so that the baby doesn’t run away on housewarming day.
2. Drinking bowl. At first, a plastic bottle and the body of a ballpoint pen can easily cope with the task of such a device.
3. House. To build such a structure, almost anything your imagination desires is suitable: from a plastic box to a clay vessel.
4. Homemade toys and accessories for “sports” for hamsters. There are no restrictions. Make anything you want that fits in your hamster's apartment.

Of course, the list is far from complete. Make whatever you want. The main thing: do not forget that the devices should not harm the fluffy.

Delicious garlands for rats

On Christmas, New Year, Birthday and other holidays, don’t forget about gifts for your tailed pets. To cheer them up on special occasions, decorate their cage with delicious garlands.

1. Take a needle and thread a strong cotton thread through it.
2. Select an assortment of rat treats to string (preferably non-perishable ones). For example: popcorn, grapes, dried fruits, cereal, peanuts in shells. You can even use cheese, bread or pieces of fruit, as long as you do not leave the garlands of these products for a long time.
3. String treats one at a time to make the garland colorful and interesting.
4. Hang a delicious garland high in the cage.
5. Now you can let your pet rats into the cage.

Your pets will have fun gnawing on their favorite treats, taking them out from the garland and at the same time complementing the festive atmosphere of your home.

How to make a tunnel for a hamster with your own hands

You can buy tunnels at a pet store or make your own. What are these structures made of:

• plastic bottles;
• toilet paper rolls;
• boxes;
• plumbing pipes.

The choice depends on the size of the animal, the materials at hand and the flight of fancy.

Tunnels for hamsters made from plastic bottles

The advantages of such structures include their safety and accessibility. Food grade plastic bottles of 1.5 and 2 liters are perfect for homemade tunnels. The choice of volume depends on the size of the hamster: 1.5 liters is enough for a Djungarian hamster, a 2 liter bottle is required for a Syrian.

To work you need a stationery knife, scissors and electrical tape. The design consists of identical nodes arranged in random order. Each node consists of two bottles, one of which “pierces” the other at a right angle. Take two bottles:

Cut two holes in one of them just below the neck. One should be small, the neck of the second bottle will fit into it, and the other should be larger, the wide part will be attached there.

Make a hole in the second bottle through which the hamster will get into it from the first.

“Pull” the second bottle through the first so that only the neck goes through.

Place the cap on the neck and screw it on. The result was a knot of two connected bottles. Make the second knot from the second and another - third bottle. Make two holes for fastening the third bottle, stepping back slightly from the bottom of the second bottle. And then, just like the first node.

Connect the lower parts 2 and 3 of the bottle with any number of nodes in any direction. In the middle of the first bottle, make an entrance for the hamsters, attach a bottle cut in half to it.

Cover the cut edges with electrical tape to prevent the animals from getting hurt. In the middle of the resulting funnel, cut two holes for the animals to pass in both directions.

You can also make tunnels for animals from colored bottles, especially if the animals are shy. Animals cannot be left alone in these structures. They can loosen or chew through the walls or suffocate in tightly closed bottles.

Hamster tunnel made from toilet paper boxes and rolls

This design is suitable for small hamsters; a large Syrian will not fit through the toilet paper roller, or it will be very inconvenient for him. Therefore, we focus on Djungarians and other kids. Such tunnels can be made in two ways: using only rollers or rollers and boxes. In the first case, you need to cut holes in the rollers and insert one into the other, as shown in the picture. These nodes then need to be connected to each other in any order.

In the second case, glue the rollers into small boxes with non-toxic glue. To do this, you first need to cut a hole in the wall of the box the width of the roll, insert the roller there and secure it with glue.

Since these passages are made of cardboard, make sure that the hamsters do not eat their way out into them.

Pipe structures

Plastic pipes for hamsters are a real godsend. They are non-toxic and have threads ready for connection. The sizes can be chosen arbitrarily, and their curves are the most intricate. Gray, transparent and white corrugated pipes are perfect for animals. From all this you can create an unusual tunnel. Don't forget to make holes for the animals to breathe in your homemade labyrinth.

Creating a sand bath

You can buy a bathing suit at a pet store, or you can make it yourself from scrap materials. It is better to choose a shallow container so that the fluffy does not scatter sand and fall out of it, swaying from side to side.

A transparent container is ideal, allowing you to closely monitor the process. The dwarf hamster funny falls on its back and tumbles, and the Syrian loves to scratch its sides and roll around in the sandbox.

What containers can be used

You need to choose a container that is stable so that a rodent cannot knock it over. Choose:

Sand

Sand for bathing hamsters should be of medium size. Large ones can injure the skin, and small ones can get into the eyes and respiratory tract.

It is prohibited to use ordinary, volcanic and parrot sand. The best choice would be sand for chinchillas with the following composition: without talc, containing sepiolite, quartz and round grains of sand.

Options with approximate prices and manufacturing countries that are suitable for a hamster:

When purchasing, keep in mind that the packaging will be enough for one hamster for a long time. The packaging is designed for a chinchilla whose weight is 10 times that of a hamster. For swimming, it is enough to pour a layer of 2-3 centimeters; the sand can be used more than once.

Where is the best place to place a hammock in a cage?

In order for the hamster to show interest and actively use the hammock for its intended purpose, it must be hung correctly in the rodent’s home. It is useful to consider the following points:

1. Optimal height: the pet should easily climb into the hammock and get out of it without the risk of injury. A cradle located near the floor will often get dirty and interfere with the hamster's ability to move around the cage. Therefore, it is recommended to hang the product at a height of 5–10 cm from the bottom of the cage.
2. Hammocks for hamsters should be placed where the animal likes to rest. The location should not coincide with the feeding or toilet area. It is best to place the bed on the second level of the home.
3. The fastenings for the hammock are chosen to be reliable and durable: the bed should not move or turn inside out. The clamps must be universal and secure the product in any part of the cage.
4. The owner should be able to easily remove the cradle if it needs to be washed or repaired.

You can make many accessories for a hamster with your own hands. A hanging bed in this regard is no exception. It will not only bring great benefits to the pet, but will also create comfort and decorate the house.

Water attraction for pets

In the summer heat, you can arrange fun entertainment for decorative rats by inviting them to splash in a pool with peas. A wide metal basin, deep bowl or plastic tray with a convex bottom will work as a pool. The selected container is filled with warm water and frozen green peas (or corn kernels, if rats like them) are thrown into it.

Catching peas from the water will not only be a fun game for rodents, but will also help them cool down on a hot day. And to make this activity more exciting for them, you can lean ladders against the outer sides of the makeshift pool, along which the animals will climb to the water.

Video: water activities for rats in the heat

Step-by-step instructions: how to make a labyrinth?

From plastic bottles

Now we’ll learn how to make a maze for a hamster with your own hands from plastic bottles. As it turns out, they can be used to make a whole gallery of multi-level tunnels. The configuration of the labyrinth can be simple, or with dead ends, and even multi-level. For the simplest play structure with 2 knees you will need 3 plastic bottles. Conventionally, they can be designated as:

• Entrance corridor.
• Passage corridor.
• Dead end.

You need to wash the bottles and remove the stickers from them. Cut off the bottom of the inlet bottle. Through this hole the hamster will enter the maze from his cage. The cut line should be free of notches and burrs. Cover the cut with electrical tape or tape so that the sharp edges do not injure the nimble animal.

In the part of the bottle where the narrowing towards the neck begins, 2 holes are cut out opposite each other with scissors: a small hole with a diameter slightly larger than the cap and a large one, almost equal to the diameter of the bottle. To cut a circle, first use a knife to make a cross-shaped slot into which you can easily insert scissors.

In the tapering part of the second - passage - bottle, make a round hole smaller than the diameter of the bottle. Cover the edges of all cuts with tape or tape.

Insert a pass-through bottle through the large hole so that the cap comes out the other side. The parts should form the letter “G” or, in other words, a knee. In the same way, neck to neck, attach the third bottle - a dead end.

If you want your hamster to have a treat at the end of the maze, make a hole at the top of the dead end where you can insert a funnel and pour treats through it for your pet. A homemade funnel can be the cut off neck of a bottle with the cap unscrewed. The connections of the parts are firmly fixed with tape.

Made of wood and plywood

A portable labyrinth is constructed from wood and plywood. For this you will need:

• Planks.
• Plywood.
• Glue.
• Wood saw.

The base can be cut out of plywood. If a plastic box is chosen as the basis for the labyrinth, then it is better to sprinkle the bottom of the labyrinth with sawdust or sand so that the animal does not slip. The height of the walls of the base should be sufficient to prevent the hamster from climbing outside.

1. Make the base of the labyrinth - the floor and outer walls.
2. Place the boards inside so that they form an intricate labyrinth.
3. Cut holes in some walls for a through passage.
4. Glue the planks to the floor and base walls with glue.
5. Make some of the galleries covered - rodents love dark holes.
6. Allow the structure to dry from the glue.

From cardboard

The labyrinth is made from cardboard in the same way as from planks. The parts of the product are cut out with scissors and attached to the base with tape.

Shoe boxes, toothpaste boxes, etc. are used to make interior walls. Place them inside a large base, cut random passages of an interesting configuration in the walls. Glue with glue or tape.

From toilet paper rolls or paper towels

Rolls of toilet paper and paper towels make interesting tunnels. Such tunnels are located between boxes inside the structure, making it more similar to a hamster's home in a natural environment. Paper sleeves are attached with tape or glue.

From a children's construction set

You can make a labyrinth of any complexity using a children's construction set. Build a playground with bridges, galleries and obstacles. Add a staircase and a second floor. Don't forget to design a compartment where your pet will have a treat.

From plumbing pipes

Plumbing pipes can be used both as separate tunnels inside the box and as material for the manufacture of an entire structure. This is a durable material that even has factory connections - fittings. Make a structure of any complexity from pipes. Make small holes for ventilation in the product.

Therefore, ventilation can be made in the form of longitudinal slits or a series of small holes in the pipes. This way you will have windows for observing the little traveler.

A ready-made hamster cage with a labyrinth will save you from the need to regularly walk your pet. Such products are sold in stores, or equip the cage yourself with a tunnel made of durable material. Please note that a hamster is capable of chewing even the most durable plastic of factory products. Therefore, regularly check the integrity of the structure.

Playground

Toys for your pet do not have to be placed strictly within the cage. A separate playground will result in even greater joy for your pet and benefits for his health. Regardless of what will act as this - a large box or something else, the hamster's playroom must be fenced, otherwise the furry fugitive will have to be caught throughout the house.

When equipping an entertainment area for your pet, it is worth including both specialized toys (running wheel, tunnels, sandbox, bridges, etc.) and simple objects that are safe for the hamster and suitable as sports equipment. For example, the animal will happily climb onto blocks from children's sets. If possible, you can place a labyrinth or obstacle course on the site.

A hamster's playroom separate from the home should be equipped with a feeder and drinking bowl. An overplayed animal needs the opportunity to replenish its strength at the right moment. It wouldn't hurt to have a bed so that the fluffy can rest. But if you wish, you can place a hammock in the play area instead.

Making complex adventure games

Young children will not be able to make complex tunnels for hamsters with their own hands; they will definitely need the help of adults. But teenage boys will cope with the task with a bang!

Tunnel made of plastic bottles

Plastic soda and juice bottles are found in every home. But not everyone knows that they can be used to make a tunnel for a hamster. For this purpose, containers with a volume of 0.5 liters are better suited. If the rodent cage is the place where the tunnel will lie, then only 3-4 bottles will be needed. For an external attraction, you can choose any quantity. All bottles should first be freed from labels and washed thoroughly so that they do not smell.

When building a bottle attraction, follow the plan below:

Trim the top and bottom to create a cylinder. A stationery knife is better suited for this purpose. There will be sharp burrs on the bases of the cylinder, which can injure the fluffy, so they must be masked. To do this, cover the sections with electrical tape. Cut round holes in two cylinders of equal diameter

It is important that the size of the circle matches the diameter of the bottle you will attach to it. Cover the edges with electrical tape. Now prepare the parts that will act as branches

One of the ends of the bottle must be squeezed and the corners cut off at a slight angle. When you release the bottle, it will straighten out, and the cut will acquire two smooth notches, thanks to which the part will fit tightly to the cylinder with the hole. We do the same with the second bottle. Don't forget to tape the edges! Now it's time to make 2 T-shaped connections. Place a bottle with a wavy edge against the hole in the cylinder, wrap the connection with electrical tape, and then wrap the supporting part. To make the structure more durable, repeat this operation twice. Now fasten the T-shaped connections together with the same electrical tape. The bottle maze is ready to use!

Wooden labyrinth

If you are patient and careful and have woodworking skills, try making a hamster tunnel with your own hands from wood. Sanded boards or plywood are suitable for this purpose. This attraction is safe for hamsters; they will happily run along the intricate passages.

A wooden tunnel can be made large in order to play with animals there and organize hamster races. If cage space allows, install a three-tier wooden labyrinth for your pets. Of course, you will have to work hard cutting out windows and stairs, but your pet will be happy. When creating such a small attraction, it is better to use special wood glue rather than nails.

Now you know how to make a tunnel for a hamster with your own hands, using available materials that are always at hand. By building a room with partitions for your touching furry, you can not only play with him, but also develop your pet’s intelligence.

Additional homemade accessories

Be sure to read this chapter if you are wondering what else, besides toys, you can make for a hamster with your own hands. For example, you can sew clothes and make a bathing suit.

In addition to toys and interior items, you can also make a bathing suit for your pet. This device will both brighten up your hamster’s leisure time and bring benefits. It is not difficult to build such an item at home; you will need a plastic container. We pour volcanic dust or special sand into it. A rodent in such a bathing suit will have a lot of fun, burrowing into the filling and digging passages. In addition, during such fun, the baby’s fur is cleaned.

And skilled enthusiasts can also sew their own clothes for such a cute pet. A raincoat will be an interesting decoration for a little pet . For it you will need a rectangle of fabric slightly smaller than the animal’s body and a thin piece of fabric from which we will make ties. Sew the ties to the fabric piece on the narrow side and you’re done.

As a result, it is worth noting that keeping a hamster will require minimal material costs from you, because you can easily make what you need with your own hands from primitive household materials. The main thing is not to forget that the toy must be safe for the animal .

We buy sand

Sand bath filler is sold in pet stores. You won’t find sand specifically for hamsters, so pay your attention to sand for chinchillas. It is quite fine, but not dusty. It will be useful to know how much sand for hamsters costs. The price range is quite wide. It depends on the brand and weight of the filler.

Usually 1 kg of sand is enough for six months for dzhungarikas and other small breeds. For Syrian hamsters, a kilogram will last for 3-4 months, depending on the frequency of bathing.

To find out how much hamster sand costs and which brands are the best, check reviews from breeders. Professionals recommend paying attention to the following brands:

There are other types of sand that are produced in larger containers. But for a hamster, if he lives with you alone, it is not advisable to purchase a package weighing more than 3 kg.

Sand for bathing hamsters looks like this: