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
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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:
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?
- 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.
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:
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!
(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:
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.
Wooden Hamster Toys and Chews
(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.
(Image source: Pinterest)
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.
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)
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.
