A Guide to Choosing the Best Hamster Tubes & Tunnels
Our TOP Pick
Here is a list of Top 6 Tubes and Tunnels we Reviewed
Product | Description | Price |
---|---|---|
1. Kaytee CritterTrail Fun-nels Value Pack #4![]() ![]() | $$ | |
2. Kaytee CritterTrail Expansion Kit 3![]() ![]() | $$ | |
3. Habitrail OVO Dwarf Hamster Cage![]() ![]() | $$$ | |
4. Kaytee Puzzle Playground for Small Animals![]() ![]() | $ | |
5. GNB PET 94 Pcs DIY Hamster Tunnel and Playground Module![]() ![]() | $$$ | |
6. RYPET Small Animal Play Tunnel, Collapsible Pet Toy Tunnel![]() ![]() | $$ |
Contents
A Guide to Choosing the Best Hamster Tubes and Tunnels
Hamsters may be cute and tiny but boy are they full of endless energy. If you have one, then you know what we’re talking about: running here and there, chewing this and that, and basically just moving around and around and around. And what’s the best way to keep them happy? Well, by giving them lots of toys, of course!
Hamster tubes and tunnels provide endless hours of fun and exercise for your little furry friends. Allowing them to run and hide, such tunnels recreate the very habitat these hamsters live in, making an environment that’s exceptionally comfortable for your small pet.
Are Tubes Good for Hamsters?
In the wild, hamsters are the perfect appetizers for predators as they’re small and highly visible from afar with all their fur. As such, these small animals learn to run and dig underground to hide from such predators, creating elaborate tunnels and nests, where they hide, as well as store their food.
While pet hamsters are most probably born and bred in captivity, their natural instincts remain intact. And what are these instincts? Even inside a cage where they’re protected, they still burrow and hide, making hamster tubes the perfect replica of underground tunnels.
When your hamster’s habitat closely resembles that in the wild, it makes for the perfect home for your furry pets, making them feel happy and secured.
Why Do Hamsters Love Tunnels?
Aside from mimicking a natural tunnel where hamsters love to seek shelter and protection, these tubes and tunnels actually provide plenty of benefits for your pet. Such as:
- Giving them more room to roam, not just inside the cage itself.
- Giving them more exercise to release all their energy (which they need since they easily gain weight).
- Providing mental stimulation since tubes and tunnels can be expanded and connected to other cages, providing opportunities for hamsters to think and solve problems.
Hamsters are also nocturnal creatures, which means they love to run around and explore at night. Sometimes, a hamster wheel can get pretty noisy, making tunnels with lots of tubes and connectors the perfect alternative.
Review of the 6 Best Products on the Market
Hands down, tunnels are essentially one of the basics of a great hamster cage. But where do you even begin?
You can find so many options in online stores or pet stores that it can get pretty difficult to choose which suits your pet. For online stores, choose those that have free shipping so you can get more for your money.
So to help narrow down your choices and get only the best tunnels in the market, here are 6 of our top picks:
1. The Kaytee CritterTrail Fun nels Assorted Tubes Value Pack
The tunnels are 3” high and 7” wide, making them perfect for grown hamsters. This pack features 8 pieces of tubes and 8 connector rings, and all are universally connectable, which means you can add them to other tubes from other brands if you wish to expand and make an elaborate tunnel system for your pet.
What we liked
- Basic and easy to assemble
- Universally Connectable
- Great for hamsters, gerbils, and small mice
What we didn't like
- Not big enough for a Syrian hamster
2. The Kaytee CritterTrail Expansion Kit
This kit has about everything your hamster needs: a snap-on wheel, a bubble plug, a J-tube funnel, an outhouse, and a loop-the-loop, creating the perfect tunnel system that has it all.
Also universally compatible with other kits and systems, you can make the most elaborate tunnels for your beloved pet hamster. You won’t need to buy a hamster wheel as it has one already, and since it’s snap-on, you can have the option of using it or not.
What we liked
- Complete with many toys/accessories
- Easy to assemble
What we didn't like
- Because it has a lot of components, parts can get lost easily. The connector rings are also not replaceable so if you lose one or two, there’s no way of replacing them.
3. Habitrail OVO Studio
This beautifully designed hamster tunnel set provides hours of fun and exercise for your pet.
The tunnels are made of clear plastic so you can easily see your hamster running around or doing whatever it’s doing. And the best part is you can open the tunnels, too, without your pet falling off or escaping.
Once you open the tubes, you can pet your hamster or feed it snacks as it’s running about inside its cage.
What we liked
- The clear plastic material is convenient and allows bonding time between you and your hamster.
- Beautifully designed and you can take them apart to create your very own tunnel system.
What we didn't like
- There are plenty of components to this kit so it can get a little overwhelming.
4. The Kaytee Puzzle Playground for Small Animals
The pieces are also universally connectible so you can expand the playground.
What we liked
- Easy to assemble and allows creativity on the pet owner’s part.
What we didn't like
- Some of the components are said to be flimsy, with some users using glue to keep them together.
5. GNB PET Hamster Tunnel and Playground Module
Easy to assemble, you won’t need glue, or any screws, or tools to create this incredible set.
What we liked
- Easy to assemble
What we didn't like
- The tubes are only 2” in diameter, making it ideal for dwarf hamsters only.
6. RYPET Small Animal Play Tunnel
The most unique of all in our list, this simple and straightforward hamster tunnel is made of quality blend cotton. It features 3 tunnels, with the opening featuring plastic ring hides to keep their shape.
This tunnel is also foldable so it’s easy to store. You can also put it in the washer if you need to clean it, making it easy to use and easy to clean.
What we liked
- Basic and simple, no need for assembly.
- Foldable so it’s easy to store
What we didn't like
- One user reported that her pet hamster likes to chew on the cotton tunnel, creating holes and rendering it useless.
How to Choose a Hamster Tunnel
So now that you know hamster tunnels are not just fun, but also essential for your pet’s health and happiness, it’s time you know how to actually choose one.
There are many options such as the size and shape for tunnels, such as a cross tube, long crossing tube, wave tube design features, and many other choices, but the basics should be your top priority.
Here is our quick guide to choosing a hamster tunnel:
1. Make Sure It’s Compatible with Your Hamster Cage
Not all hamster cages can accommodate a hamster tunnel set or system. When you choose online or go buy at a store, make sure the set or pack can be attached to your pet’s cage and its cage accessories.
2. Make Sure the Tunnels are the Right Size
Tunnels with 2” diameters are suitable for dwarf hamsters but not Syrian hamsters. For bigger hamsters, the bigger the diameter the better so they won’t get stuck inside.
3. Make Sure There is Enough Airflow
Tubes and tunnels are mostly made of plastic and they can get pretty hot with very little airflow. Make sure the plastic tubes have ventilation so your pet can properly breathe as it’s having the time of its life.
4. Make Sure the Plastic Tubes Have Rungs
Without rungs, the tubes can get slippery and won’t be fun for your pet.
The Bottom Line
Providing the best habitat for your super pet is one of the best ways to show how much you love and care for your beloved furry friend. They love to burrow, hide, and explore, so aside from a hamster wheel, the tunnel is by far the next best thing.
With our quick guide to buying the best hamster tunnels in the market, we’re confident your furry friend will have the time of its life.