Toys for domestic rodents: check out 10 options

Toys for domestic rodents play a very important role in the pet’s development: in addition to serving as a distraction, they encourage the animal to do physical activities even inside the cage.

Rodents are lively and smart. When they are not resting, they need to play and be active to avoid getting bored.

For this reason, know that investing in toys — purchased or handmade — is essential for well-being and longevity of your favorite rodent!

Want to know 10 fun and functional toy options for your pet? Read the post and check it out! 🐹

Most common domestic rodents

If you think that domestic rodents are only hamsters and guinea pigs, you’re mistaken. Although they are very common in Brazil, other species of rodents are also chosen as pets here.

Hamster

When you think of a domestic rodent, the image of a hamster is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Foodies, fun and very sociablethese little animals are very common in Brazil.

A pet’s life expectancy is low — around three years — which requires a lot of care with its physical and mental health, in order to extend the animal’s lifespan a little longer.

Guinea pig

Commonly confused with hamsters, guinea pigs are a true national passion. Originally from South America, these little animals have won over human homes due to their beauty, but mainly due to their sociability with their owners.

In practice, the difference between guinea pigs and hamsters is in their size (which can reach 25 cm) and life expectancy, as these animals can live up to eight years of age.

Chinchilla

Another common rodent in the country is the chinchilla, a very sociable little animal that can live up to 20 years of age!

With nocturnal habits, caring for this pet is similar to that of other rodents, but with one detail: they need a company. Otherwise, they may become stressed and get sick.

Is a rabbit a rodent?

Although they are very common pets around the world, rabbits cannot be considered rodents. The similarities in habits, diet and body shape can cause confusion, but these furry little animals are quadrupedal mammals and belong to the order Lagomorpha and family Leporidae.

The main differences between rabbits and hares and rodents are in their dentition, with the presence of four incisor teeth, and the absence of a penile bone.

If you are the guardian of a rabbit and did not know this information, try to readjust the animal’s care and routine, knowing now that they are not rodents.

10 toys for domestic rodents

A great way to pamper your pet is to invest in toys for their everyday life. These animals love to feel loved, comfortable and entertained, so promoting their well-being is a way to provide a better quality of life to these small and cute beings. 🩷

It’s time to learn about 10 toy ideas for rodents. Check them out!

1. Rodent cage

Rodents love to dig, hide, run, explore, gnaw and climb, so cage for hamsters and other rodents must contain features that meet all your needs.

It is important for rodents to feel like they are in their natural habitat. Therefore, create different environments even if the cage is small, such as inserting tubes that allow the rodent to run from one side to the other, ensuring physical activity and distraction for the cat.

2. Spinning wheel

The spinning wheel is another essential item that should be available at all times for the rodent. It should contain accessories such as tubes, ramps and wheels, ensuring, in addition to fun, health and quality of life.

Remember to make sure that the rodent does not get its tail or paws caught in the toy, which could cause serious injuries to the furry friend.

3. Exercise ball for rodents

A exercise ball ensures that the rodent can explore the house safely, as it does not need to be fixed inside the cage, giving the animal more freedom to spend time outside the “den”.

Take some precautions when buying the ball, such as do not leave the rodent in the toy for more than twenty minutes a dayas the activity can become stressful for the animal.

Another concern should be regarding the structure of the toy: choose products with two exits and a hole in the perfect size so that your furry friend doesn’t get hurt.

4. Rodent Maze

Rodents also like to explore new places, and playing outside the cage is ideal for entertaining them.

You can buy plastic mazes, which are available at most pet stores, or make your own!

To do this, make them out of cardboard or wooden fences. Just spread the treats and foods that your dog likes the most, such as seeds, apples, carrots and bananas, along the way and let him have his fun.

Another way is to create a circuit with different obstacles, such as mazes, fences, slides, among other common attractions.

5. Rodent Reel

If you are looking for chew toys for guinea pigs, as well as hamsters and other rodents, the reel can be an excellent option to expend the little one’s energy.

The toy offers a series of benefits, mainly in stimulating tooth wear.

Important: When purchasing, look for products made from non-toxic wood to avoid allergies and infections in the rodent.

6. Rodent Dumbbells

Environmental enrichment for rodents should be taken seriously. Without stimulation, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other pets are at risk of becoming ill.

Acting mainly on the development of teeth, dumbbells for rodents ensure the physical and mental well-being of pets, maintaining your immunity and prolonging your life expectancy.

7. Hair removal glove

This is not necessarily a toy, but it can be an extremely pleasurable item for little ones, acting as a natural massager.

Furthermore, the product removes dead hairstimulates the pet’s blood circulation and reduces stress levels in the rodent.

8. Cardboard tunnel

In addition to the items you can easily find in pet shopsthere is a huge universe of possibilities for handmade toys for rodents, that is, you can create fun for your favorite furry friend yourself!

If you don’t know how to make cardboard toys for hamsters and other rodents, don’t worry. Just cut out some toilet paper tubes and connect them together. Here’s how:

9. Wooden obstacles

You’ve probably seen a lot of hamster toys made from popsicle sticks, right? So, how about letting your imagination run wild and creating wooden toys for your rodent?

At this point, there are no rules, and you can create whatever obstacle you find most interesting. However, remember to do not use toxic glues and woods and observe the resistance of the toy, especially if it is installed on top of the cage.

10. Rodent houses

Taking your hamster out of its cage to play is a great way to change up your pet’s routine, but the outdoors can be dangerous. In addition to serving as a safe place for your pet, hamster houses can also provide fun for your furry friends.

To do this, buy or build little houses with mazes and spaces that challenge the rodents’ passage — believe me, they love doing these tasks!

Important: Whenever the rodent is out of the cage, hide electrical wires, cover hiding places and collect tiny objects that could be ingested. If you have other animals at home, don’t forget to lock them up.

Hamsters are active, exploratory animals who love to have fun, but it’s important that you pay attention to their instincts: if they don’t want to play, don’t force them and respect their nocturnal habits, okay?

Want to check out other rodent toys, as well as food and hygiene items? Click on the banner below and check out all the options at the online pet shop All about animals!