Pet Care and Product Reviews

Natural Homemade DIY Cage Toys and Hideouts

April 15, 2020 by Critter Mamas Writer in Hamsters, Small Animals with Comments Off on Natural Homemade DIY Cage Toys and Hideouts

Natural and homemade DIY cage toys are all the rage for pet rodent owners these days. From their hideouts to mazes and multilevel play houses, wood makes an excellent option for your hamsters, gerbils and other small rodents.

You are only limited by your imagination.

Let’s dive in and check out the options for natural toys and DIY projects.

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Some Base DIY Supplies to Get Started

In order to build the DIY creations you have in mind you will need some supplies. Please check to make sure everything going in the cage is non-toxic because it will definitely get chewed!

Here are some supplies you should invest in to get started:

  • Craft wood (planks and circles etc)
  • Popsicle sticks (or “craft sticks” as they are called)
  • Non-toxic glue sticks and a hot glue gun

No products found.

 

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Natural Wood/ Logs

Java Wood and Grapevine brands have a bunch of pet cage logs. They are natural-looking in shape and they provide a climbing opportunity for hamsters and other rodents who enjoy climbing.

Image credit= Pinterest

Another great option would be cork logs. They give your hamster natural tunnels and will have a natural feel. These are all technically made for reptiles but it is perfectly safe to use in a hamster cage.

To collect your own logs:

If you want to go for a walk in the woods and collect your own logs, you will need to take some additional steps to get rid of bugs and bacteria. First of all, make sure the wood itself isn’t toxic itself, as many aromatic trees like pine, cedar, eucalyptus are. Look for oak, maple and dogwood. Bake branches or logs in an oven set at 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 to 60 minutes. Watch it carefully because obviously it’s a big fire hazard!

Here are some options if you want to buy instead:

 

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Bendy Bridges and Staircases

Bendy bridges seem to be any hamster owners favourite. You can use them as hidey- holes, bridges and/or barriers.

They give off that natural feel because of their wooden appearance. Plus they also give your hamster a chewing option.

Just want to buy one?

Niteangel Wooden Ladder Bridge, Hamster Mouse Rat Rodents Toy, Small Animal Chew Toy
  • Cute bridge is made from natural wood sticks held together with two flexible metal wires.
  • Easily bends to fit a variety of shapes and sizes to reach elevated areas; encourages exploration and exercise.
  • Can also be curled into a domed shelter your furry friend will use as a warm, cozy nest.

 

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Natural Food Bowls

If you want a more natural look, you will have to buy a “faux” wooden bowl. For basic food and water hygiene either ceramic or stainless steel are necessary.

Here are some natural looking bowls:

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Hideouts

It’s important to provide a hideout for your hamster to hide in. Wooden hideouts give off a natural feel but there are other options as well. Below are paper mache huts and a coconut hideout!

coconut hamster hut(Image credit: Pinterest)

 

Traditional huts and hideouts are a rectangle and can easily made from the craft materials mentioned at the top of the page.

If you’d rather buy a hideout, here are a couple suggestions:

 

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Sand

(Image credit= Pinterest)

Sand has that natural look to it and is perfect for a natural cage theme. It is also great for if your want your hamsters sand bath to blend in. There isn’t really a type of sand meant for hamsters so chinchilla bath sand (not dust-can cause respiratory symptoms) or natural coloured reptile sand will work.

Sale
Zoo Med ReptiSand®, 10 Pounds, Desert White
Zoo Med ReptiSand®, 10 Pounds, Desert White
All natural no dyes or colors added; Perfect for desert reptiles; Stimulates natural digging behavior
−$13.99 $16.00
Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Bathing Sand 2.2lb
Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Bathing Sand 2.2lb
52.8 oz. Chinchilla Sand.; Constructed with the highest quality materials for your pet.; Keeps your pet entertained for hours.
$8.99

 

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Wooden Hamster Toys and Chews

hamster wooden toys

(Image source: Pinterest)

Rodents are highly intelligent pets, and they require stimulation or they get grumpy and depressed. There are so many great ideas for creating or buying natural wood games and play toys.

hamster toys

(Image source: Pinterest)

 

 

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Cat Grass and Timothy Hay

(Image credit=Pinterest)

Cat grass is a good option for if you want to add some sort of plant. Most cat grasses are oat or wheat, which is safe for hamsters to nibble on. You will have to buy the seeds and grow it yourself. Timothy hay is also a great option for hamsters, in fact even without a nature theme you should provide it. Timothy hay helps with keeping a healthy digestive tract, balance weight, and encourages dental health.

Sale
Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay - All Natural Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters & Gerbils - 90 oz.
Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay - All Natural Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters & Gerbils - 90 oz.
100% ALL-NATURAL HAY: All-natural ? no additives or binders; VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Used and recommended by leading veterinarians worldwide
−$2.20 $19.79

 

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Millet Spray and Pillow Moss

(Photo credit=Pinterest)

Millet spray is technically meant for birds but it is also safe for your hamster to eat. Pillow moss is a moss designed for reptiles but you can add a bit in your cage if your would like. (Your hamster may take a nibble when you first put it in. If they keep trying to eat it then you might want to take it out)

Sale
Kaytee Spray Millet Treat for Pet Birds, 7 Ounce
Kaytee Spray Millet Treat for Pet Birds, 7 Ounce
Highly palatable treat; All natural with no artificial colors or flavors; Provides natural foraging opportunity for daily enrichment
−$2.50 $6.49
Galápagos (05234) Pillow Moss, Clumps of Real Moss, Natural, 4QT
Galápagos (05234) Pillow Moss, Clumps of Real Moss, Natural, 4QT
Long-Lasting: Long-Fiber Pillow Moss; Hydrates Amphibians: Aids Shedding of Reptiles; Comfy! Great for Animals Looking for a Soft Bed and Enhanced Humidity

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Other Ideas…

  • Buy/thoroughly clean rocks
  • Get a wooden wheel
  • Put in an aquarium background poster or glass stickies
  • Use a terracotta plant pot as a hideout

We hope you have a great time getting toys for your hamster, gerbil or mouse. Share a photo of your pet playing with their toy and tag us @crittermamas.

 

 



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