DIY hamster toys are a great alternative for those times when you’re looking for new ways to keep your hammy entertained, but can’t quite justify shelling out your hard-earned cash on the best hamster toys lining the shelves at your local pet shop.
While these bright and shiny new playthings are certainly both fun and convenient, if you’re someone who likes getting creative and wants to save some money in the process, making your own hamster toys can be a great alternative.
Alongside investing in a spacious hamster cage,, providing your pocket pet with plenty of nutritious food and lots of toys are some of the best ways to keep your hamster happy and ensure they get all the physical and mental stimulation they need to thrive.
DIY hamster toys are easy and inexpensive to make, utilizing many common items that you likely already have lying around at home. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to bond with your hamster, whipping up a few special toys and watching them delight in using them is a great way to do this.
Below, we reveal some of our favorite DIY hamster toys, all of which come with super simple instructions and will cost you a lot less to make than picking playthings straight from the pet shop shelves. Let’s take a look…
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1. DIY hamster toys and boredom breakers
This video features several fantastic and easy to make hamster toys that are sure to keep your hammy happily amused for hours. From treat balls and swings to a super cool climbing frame, all you need to make this range of playthings is cardboard tubes, popsicle sticks, a hot glue gun, scissors, and string.
2. Easy cardboard DIYs for hamsters
If you have a ton of cardboard lying around your house that you’re wanting to put to good use, then this is the video for you! With nothing else needed except scissors and non-toxic craft glue, these seven toys really are ideal for anyone on a tight budget. With everything from hide and seek toys to tunnels and bridges, there’s plenty here to keep your pocket pet engrossed for weeks.
3. Boredom breakers
For those of you who might be looking for toys that incorporate food into the mix, these enriching playthings that incorporate delicious treats are sure to be a winner with your little furry friend. Using basic materials like hay and cardboard tubes that then get stuffed with food, these toys are nutritious, delicious and bucket loads of fun!
4. Toilet roll toys for small pets
Wondering what to do with all those empty toilet rolls that you seem to have lying all over the place? Turn them into toys! Playthings don’t come more affordable than these 10 simple yet entertaining ones - we’re particularly fond of the toilet roll hammock that we’re pretty sure will be a big hit with your hammy.
5. Hamster playground
Is there anything more fun for your pocket pet than having their own private playground to hang out at? We don’t think so! With popsicle sticks, glue and a little bit of patience, you can create the most epic playground ever, featuring a swing, slide and seesaw that will amuse and delight for hours at a time.
6. Cardboard hamster wheel
If you have a hammy who can’t get enough of their exercise wheel, this cardboard version is cheap, cheerful and easy to make and will keep your little pocket pet entertained for hours at a time. Using basic supplies and with straightforward instructions, you’ll find you have this wheel whipped up in no time.
7. Paper mache igloo house
Okay, so technically it’s a house and not a toy, but every hammy loves a good hideaway so we reckon this still counts as something they’ll get a lot of enjoyment out of. And besides, it was just too darn cute not to include in the list! You’ll need a pringles tube, a small plastic bowl, toilet paper, tape, PVA glue, plastic food wrap, a pair of scissors, a paintbrush plus a little bit of time and patience - but trust us, the results are well worth it!
8. DIY donut tunnel
This easy to follow tutorial will walk you through how to make an adorable donut tunnel for your pocket pet using basic materials. You’ll also learn how you can adapt the size of the donut tunnel, so depending on what breed of hamster you have, you’ll be able to adjust accordingly.
