Best Hamster Balls: Buying Guide
Our TOP Pick
(4.3 / 5)
#1 Kaytee Dwarf Hamster Mini Run-About Exercise Ball
Specially designed to make exercise easy for dwarf hamsters and mice, these perfectly sized Run – about balls allow tiny pets to manoeuvre with greater ease. Encourage healthy exercise in a secure and safe way!
(4.3 / 5)
Here is a list of Top 5 Exercise Balls we Reviewed
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
1. Kaytee Dwarf Hamster Mini Run-About Exercise Ball   (4 / 5) | $ |
|
2. Kaytee Dwarf Hamster Mini Run-About Exercise Ball  (4 / 5) | $ | |
3. Kaytee LED Run-About Exercise Ball   (3.2 / 5) | $$$ | |
4. Kaytee Critter Cruiser Small Animal Toy, Colors Vary   (3.5 / 5) | $$ | |
5. Kaytee Helicopter Cruiser for Mice and Dwarf Hamster, Colors May Vary   (2.4 / 5) | $$ |
*We reviewed all the products below – jump to review section here.
Contents
Why Your Hamster Needs a Ball
Hamsters are perfect as first-time pets as they’re small and don’t need that much care. But tiny as they are, they’re also actually incredibly active. They will run wherever they can, climb whatever they get their feet on, and gnaw on anything that gets into their mouth.
In the wild, hamsters run for several kilometers to get food, and just because you keep them in a cage, doesn’t mean they stop being their hyper-active selves. And when a hamster wheel is not enough, a hamster ball can give your pet the opportunity to run wild and explore as he pleases without the risks of actually running around your home.
Hamster Ball Benefits include:
- provides a fun way for your hamsters to play outside its cage
- allows your pet to explore the outside world without the fear of getting lost
- provides fun interaction between you and your hamster
- a fun and ideal holding place for your hamster as you clean its cage
The Best Hamster Balls You Can Buy
Here are 5 of our top choices for the best hamster balls in the market today!
1. Kaytee Mini Run-About Exercise Ball, Moon Glow
At 5” in diameter, this Mini Run-About exercise ball is perfect for dwarf hamsters. It’s clear and plastic, allowing you to see your pet inside as it runs around.
Contrary to its name, this hamster ball does not actually glow but its color mimics the color of moon rays at night, and thus, its cool greenish color.
What we liked
- Perfect size for dwarf hamsters
- Clear so it’s easy to see your pet inside
What we didn't like
- Customers have reported that the lid of the ball is flimsy and has a tendency to open.
2. Kaytee Mini Run About Exercise Ball in Blue
It also provides a great holding area for your pet as you clean its cage.
What we liked
- Your dwarf hamster will easily maneuver it since it’s made of lightweight plastic.
- Price is easy on the pocket.
What we didn't like
- The ball must be cleaned every after use, and this toy isn’t that easy to clean. You might need a small brush to get to some hard to reach parts of the ball.
3. Kaytee LED Run About Exercise Ball
As you know, hamsters are nocturnal animals and love playing around at night, making this lighted ball the perfect toy for those late night hyperactive adventures.
The LED light also features a 10-minute timer so you know it’s time to stop your hamster from running around inside the ball.
What we liked
- The LED light is battery operated so there’s no need to charge or attach wires to the ball
- the ball is 13” in diameter so it’s pretty big and has just enough space as your hamster grows
What we didn't like
- Some customers say the LED light doesn’t light up that much
- Some customers say the plastic ball is flimsy
4. Kaytee Critter Cruiser Animal Toy
The Comfort Wheel works in 3 ways: when up, the cruiser stays stationary when your hamster is running around inside; when placed in the middle, the cruiser moves and cruises around; and when the Wheels are placed low, the cruiser works with the Kaytee Hamtrac.
What we liked
- Super cute and fun
- Provides different ways for your pet to have fun and play around
What we didn't like
- Dwarf hamsters find the ball and cruiser hard to push around
- The Cruiser may be too heavy for smaller hamsters
5. Kaytee Helicopter Cruiser
What makes this toy super fun and great to play with is that the ball can be taken out of your helicopter. Your pet can run around inside the ball while it can also stay stationary on the helicopter if you can’t watch it when using the ball alone.
What we liked
- Super cute and provides endless fun for your pet hamster
- Can stay stationary making it perfect for times when your pet is itching to run around but you can’t watch it
What we didn't like
- Customers say their dwarf hamsters had difficulty maneuvering the large ball and helicopter
How to Choose a Hamster Ball
Whether you want a simple, clear plastic ball with no fuss, or a fancy LED light ball that lights up your room as your pet runs around like crazy, there are things that you need to consider when choosing the perfect hamster ball for your beloved pet hamster.
1. Choose the Right Size
Not all hamster balls are created equal in size. There are smaller toys such as 5-inch diameter balls that are perfect for dwarf hamsters and other tiny creatures; and there are bigger balls with 13” diameters perfect for big hamsters.
For Syrian hamsters, for example, the smallest ball that you can buy for them are 7” balls. Anything smaller and it’s deemed too small and dangerous for them.
For dwarf hamsters, a good 5” diameter ball is just right.
Be wary of air holes as the bigger balls might have larger air holes where your pet’s feet can get inside and cause injury. Hamster owners need to buy the appropriate hamster ball size to prevent injury. Do not buy a big ball with large air holes for your dwarf hamster.
If the ball is too small, on the other hand, your hamster will be cramped up inside, causing fractural injury. It also won’t be able to stretch and easily move around. Always consider your hamster size and the size of the hamster ball before you make your purchase.
2. Make Sure the Ball is Properly Ventilated
Make sure there are enough air holes for ventilation as the combination of heat and ammonia inside the ball can be toxic to your pet. Hamsters do urinate and defecate as they play and run around, so you have to make sure the odor escapes as they’re running around inside.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long should a hamster run around in a ball?
Do not allow your hamster to run around or stay in the ball for more than 20 minutes as it can cause them stress and anxiety by staying in a cramped space for too long.
A good 10-15 minutes is enough and always watch them as the lid can sometimes break loose or they could easily get lost under tables or furniture.
Do not allow them to play around in the ball more than once daily.
Do hamsters like running inside a hamster ball?
Yes they do. They are naturally active and curious and love to explore. They can’t explore while inside their cage so letting them loose in a ball is a great substitute for being in the wild or being outdoors.
Though you may have to introduce the ball to your pet when it sees it for the first time, once it gets the hang of it, you may find it hard to pull it out of the ball after it’s had so much fun exploring.
Are hamster balls safe?
There are many dangers to the hamster ball since it can fall off surfaces, fall off the stairs, bump into walls and furniture, and some hamsters even break loose. The most important thing to remember when you choose a ball as a toy for your pet is that it’s not a substitute for a cage. You will have to watch your pet as it plays around and while inside the ball.
To keep your pet safe, make sure there are no stairs around the play area and no sharp edges. You also have to make sure the lid is tightly closed.
Cleaning your hamster ball regularly is also necessary each time after every use as mentioned earlier, they do defecate and urinate inside the balls. Keep the balls clean and sanitary at all times to prevent toxicity.
When you buy toys for your pets, whether they’re dogs or cats or hamsters, you buy them with the intention of giving them a fun and healthy life while under your care. Hamster balls are perfect for hamsters as it allows them to explore just like in the wild but they’re kept in a safe and translucent plastic ball.
There are dangers, however, to this hamster toy. But under your watchful eye, your furry friend can stay safe and happy with your supervision.