(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best small animal toys

Your post makes me feel all nostalgic, warm, & fuzzy! I also adopted my 2 babies when they were 6-7 months old, in July. It took the more adventurous one about 3 weeks to even approach me, and the other one warmed up in maybe 2 months.
Something that definitely helped was to sit with them during playtime, and just let them do their thing. I noticed that every day, they'd get more and more curious about me (and my clothes.. more things to chew and investigate!), and just gradually started jumping all over me. It took a couple months before both were comfortable enough to leap onto my shoulders and perch for awhile. My chins are also getting used to my much-taller boyfriend, so I make him sit in the playpen while they have playtime, and they're slowly warming up to him as well.

We also employ the classical conditioning method: every time I make a kissy noise, they come running, begging, and nearly knock me over for treats. I used to give them 1-2 cheerios daily, but after reading that even that was too much sugar and unholy processed-ness, I've just started giving them little branches (these). They still come running, and it's good for their teeth. Have you noticed that they like a particular kind of wood? Mine devour willow and sometimes apple branches. They also seem to LOVE alfalfa hay, and only when I started offering that from my hand (3 months in - apparently you can give alfalfa hay freely up til 1yr old?) did they start to actually tolerate petting. We're still working on holding and such.
Anyways, good luck, and be patient! The rewards are immense! :)

Here is the link but it’s definitely not suitable for anything larger than a fat robo. My Campbell’s dwarf won’t fit in it at all: Wood Seesaw Tunnel Toy For Dwarf Hamster Gerbil Rat Mouse Small Animal House Cage House Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRZYMUQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_90aGDbWWECQR3

Here are some toys my male Syrian loves. He is pretty thin but a female could definitely fit.

Sleep 'n' Play Cheese - Hamster & Small Animal Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J2CRAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_92aGDbSKRXMN6

My male fits through this and I’m pretty sure a female can too. https://www.wish.com/share/0981ggfbic

This I lean against his platform or anything really as long as it stays, and he will climb it. Just add a bendy bridge to the side as well in case they she doesn’t like it, then she will still be able to get up. https://www.wish.com/share/1391ggfcgf

This coconut hut is one of his favorites and it’s okay for them to chew as well. https://www.wish.com/share/5346ggfcvc

OK, Im just going to list a bunch of stuff I've purchased through this process. Nothing is in any particular order.

Almond leaves (for tannin) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LKTX4VC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Moss - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035Q65TQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cholla Wood - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4FUMHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dried red Shrimp (Protein and Chitin) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027JCRVW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Instant Ocean (1/3cup per Gallon) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000255NKA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ultrasonic Mister/Fogger (for DIY Fogger) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PAK21WU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Digital Temp Humidity Controller - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I6BZ2IO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

LED White/Blue Light - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191EWII2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

UTH (You may need to get a different size and this isn't the most recommended, but it works for me currently) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TR4HLEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (This one has adhesive on the back of it, so you just stick it on like a sticker.)

Cork Bark Board - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019J1VPY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Water Conditioner - https://www.amazon.com/Seachem-116043304-Prime-500ml/dp/B00025694O

If you have any questions, please feel free. To mitigate confusion I felt just listing this as a reference first is the best approach. If you are looking for a new tank so that you can get friends, i would suggest 30 or more gallons and work towards that instead of investing into the current tank which would get changed.

Personally with the 5 i have i clearly see they need much more room than the 15 gallon they have now. I am in the process of acquiring an 85-120 gallon tank for permanency. These guys can live 20+ years with the proper care and environment. but not everyone has that freedom. 30 is a totally doable size for 3 crabs. they can grow to jumbos and be fine in there, but im sure if they reach that stage you'll be looking for another tank. Jumbos need at least 12" of substrate for molting.

Toys:


Jalousie 12 Pack Dog Squeaky Toys... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSG684C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

UEETEK Squeaky Dog Toys for Small... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZJBH52?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Sport Balls Asst, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ENGOP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_c8tyDbBXQWQ6M


Marshall Ferret Fun-N-Games Blanket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OE5H54?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Kaytee FerreTrail Flex-E... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ASBEK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Bed Bug Play Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MIU5HI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Krackle Sack,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002ARPSI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Ferret Octo-Play https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EFV9YM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Marshall Pet Turtle Tunnel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VVY49M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_BLdeGqpB9Nl5j

KONG - Plush, Low Stuffing Squeak... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IVGBFY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

EocuSun Kids Ball Pit Large Pop... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUHQZG0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Click N' Play Pack of 200... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYLU3GG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share x3

D.Y. TOY Weazel Ball - The Weasel Rolls with Ball https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PKFJKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7.tyDb0YSNMVT

Bonka Bird Toys 1745 Chandelier... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015RSD7JA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007X7FJAO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

ZippyPaws - Zippy Burrow Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy - Unicorns in Rainbow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8GCB7V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pjuyDbWY6CFSW

JW Pet Good Cuz Rubber Dog Toy (2... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0113J85JO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

3Pack Molar Clean Teeth Rubber Toy, Bagvhandbagro Clean Teeth Rubber Pacifier Chew Toy, Bell Chewing Playing Training Toys, for Pet Puppy Dog Cat (Color Random) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJNGWMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_okuyDbTBM8HB2

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Squeaking-Dog-Toy-Hamburger-or-Hot-Dog-Assorted/54273866

https://www.chewy.com/zippypaws-zippy-burrow-crayon-box/dp/206190?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=ZippyPaws&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT8_JjfKpnKxdVtL4DtsY7-ld2qS-_7r6PVUG1k0afX9p0jvSthjMAbkaAknVEALw_wcB

just disclaimer some of these toys should only be played with under your supervision so use your best judgement. Check any rubber or stuffed/fabric toys daily for wear and if you see it starting to come apart throw it away as any loose pieces can be swallowed and cause a blockage. My ferrets aren’t chewers they just like to have toys to stash so I’m not as worried but everyone’s ferrets are different so be careful. Also you could make a dig box with rice (never instant) or dried pasta which is a lot of fun for them. They love tunnels, they love to dig, and they love to steal and stash small objects so the toys meet that criteria they’ll be happy lol

The ferretone definitely helps! My little girl is unruly as well, but oh god she cannot deny the ferretone, she'll eat it up and be a little princess to try and get more. Have you tried giving her crunchy plasticky things? Mine loves that, and the other loves stuffed animals. She might also like something like this http://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Pet-Products-FT-282-Ferret/dp/B000ENIRWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348379497&sr=8-1&keywords=ferret+toy . I agree though the best thing you could probably do is get rid of the squeeky toys because she clearly doesn't like them, bribe her, and give her time to adjust. You could also try washing your hands before playing with her with unscented soap so you don't smell like another ferret or anything she could be sensitive to or just plain outright not like.

He's probably just settling in and getting used to the area and new set up, so I wouldn't worry. Once he gets totally used to everything he'll need probably 4 hours a day at the minimum, more if possible, for exercise and free roam time. Is that achievable for you? If no, you may want to size up his area - it is a reasonable amount of space but they need more than that for their zoomies, binkies and overall playful energy :)

Yep, I think rabbits arent generally associated with playfulness and a lot of the pet store toys aren't fantastic either, so DIY is often best in these scenarios. Although, I do like things like these willow tubes, these seagrass hide and chews, stuffed balls like these and apple branches as well as the plastic cup things I mentioned before.


Yeah the rubber isnt great if he chews on those. I always prefer a carpeted surface because they dont have natural pads on their feet, it's just fur, so to run around they do need a surface with grip. That being said, some rabbits also chew on carpet (including one of my own) and so that needs to be monitored too. They are pretty tricky creatures. You can also use a sheet of lino and cover it tightly with blankets.

Great set up for Valentino! Lovely large space. :)

​

If I may suggest a couple of easy enhancements:

1. Switch out his plastic hidy house to a wooden, hay, or even cardboard box one - he will try to chew the plastic which you don't want.
   
2. Change up his litter box set up somewhat -
   
   1. Using hay as litter is not the best - hay is not very absorbent so pee will collect on the bottom and lead to stains and residue, and also he will not eat soiled hay, so it's kind of a waste.
      
   2. You are 100% correct that adding hay to the litter box is a must, but usually you want to have absorbent litter and then hay on one side of the litter box in a heaping pile - he will use that side as the kitchen while he poops and pees on the other one.
      
   3. The general idea is like this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI1aonqc5Tc
      
      1. I highly recommend using either carefresh paper litter the is much more absorbent or wood pellets which are equally absorbent and actually have good odor control... might suggest using a mix (in layers) kind of like in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPMlRVUNZ00.
         
      2. I find that both paper based and wood pellet type litter tend to be much more absorbent and to me that is a huge plus. Give how cheap wood pellets are, even adding a layer of carefresh on top for softness will not cost more or much more than hay and you will not waste hay either. :)
         
   4. Be sure not to overfeed pellets - to a bunny over 6 months you want to feed a max of 1/4 cup per day (only 4 tablespoons), to a bunny under 6 months you can feed more but still 1/2 to 2/3rds cups per day max. Feeding more pellets will lead to reduced hay consumption. :)

I bought a lot of it off zooplus but you can find pretty much all of it on Amazon! Here's the links:

Carrot treat holder/boredom breaker


Hanging boredom breaker


Boredom breaker net


Wooden stairs/platform - this one isnt exactly the same as the one I have but very close


Wooden bridge #1


Wooden bridge #2


Grass mat


Bird perches or lava ledges, whichever your prefer.


Wooden cabin #1


Wooden cabin #2


Wooden cabin #3


Hanging bridge/ladder


Boredom breaker garland


Silver and pink sputniks but they seem to be unavailable at the moment - keep checking back


Pink and purple sputniks on zooplus


The triple purple/pink hammock I made myself with some fleece and cotton. If you search "diy honeycomb hammock", you'll find lots of easy tutorials on how to make them! It's definitely a bit too small, it was my first attempt. Go bigger than you think you should is my advice lol


This is the fleece I use as bedding


And this


Anytime I get new fabrics, I wash them, dry them, then freeze them for 24-48 hours. I also freeze any new wooden toys, products etc. Prevents a mites problem!


Sputniks are a bit hard to find on amazon, they only come in the smaller sizes it seems like. Zooplus only ships across the EU but Im sending the link anyway in case youre in Europe!


Also it took me around 4 months to build up a collection of this stuff, dont feel pressured to make your cage look pretty or to have lots of stuff all at once! All that matters is your ratties have what they need, and then you can build up from there :)

Not sure how well this will work for you, but my picky chewer loves dried bamboo sticks. I found a cheap variety pack with bamboo, Timothy, and apple wood that might be worth a shot. Fingers-crossed that he’ll like one of those.

Best of luck, sounds like a rough situation :<

Wooden platform (they easily bolt onto the cage wires)

Another.

Another.

 

Wooden log

 

Arch made of sticks: I have three of these in Max's cage and pens, they're great for hiding under and climbing over. If you wedge some small seeds in between the sticks it will encourage scratching.]

 

Wooden wheel: these are good because it's the constant rubbing of the claws through running that gets them and keeps them a nice length

 

Wooden rainbow: you can get one with colours as well

 

Wooden seesaw

 

You can use a wooden ramp or ladder. If you use it between the ground and a shelf or two shelves

Another.

 

Other accessories: again squashing little seeds in between the woven parts should encourage scratching to get it out

Twisted grass

Grass ball

Wooden hut

Another

Your gerbils sound a lot like mine - lovely and sweet, but very demanding! Mine were particularly active when they were 3-4 months old, now that they are 6 months old they are starting to calm down a bit.

Unfortunately I find that when gerbils see a barrier in their way, such as a playpen fence, they will want to get through/over/under/round it, no matter how big the area they already have is. They always want to know what's on the other side of the fence. Your run looks really big, so space shouldn't be an issue at all. It may be that they need more mental stimulation. I have one of these puzzle toys for mine. I also teach them little tricks, like knocking over small cardboard box towers and jumping over obstacles. It seems to help wear off some of their excess mental energy. I have found that some gerbils are more intelligent than others, and many will be completely baffled by puzzle toys and tricks. However some are very intelligent, and these are often the ones that need more stimulation, so will respond well.

When the gerbils seem restless but you don't want to take them out, you can fill the cage to the top with paper and cardboard and leave them to demolish it all. This will keep them occupied for a while. Also, any kind of new toy or object in the cage will occupy them for a short time while they thoroughly investigate (and probably destroy) it.

I would suggest these.
[Niteangel Small Animal Activity Toy, Fun Pet Balls (Pack of 3)] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N55KCBR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uhiNDbY70RPBK)

You can get them at Walmart for about the same price. My rabbits love the seagrass ball and will spend several minutes chewing it. With two rabbits chewing it daily it lasts about 2 weeks. If your rabbit enjoys all 3 you should get a good amount of time out of them.

It would make my day to replace this for my rats as they chewed up the one they loved so much. I love seeing them happy and ratting around! :)

Make me Smile!

Potty training for the bunnies: you may see their litter habits improve after a couple weeks of being home, and then see their litter box use decline greatly as they approach 4 months of age (yay, hormones). If you have males greater than 3 lbs, you should be able to neuter them at 4 months. For females and smaller rabbits, give it a couple more months. Litter habits should improve after surgery, but you may need to help them along. Collect all stray poops and and them in the litter box. Wipe up any out of litter box messes as quickly as you can. You can use white vinegar to deodorize the spot. Place the hay rack in the litter box, so they're poised to use the bathroom as they snack.

A water bowl will work fine. When you pick them up, ask if they've been drinking from a bowl or bottle. When they get home, make sure that they are drinking from the bowl. If they are accustomed to drinking from a bottle and are having difficulties making the switch to a bowl, you can put a bottle in until they've make the transition.

My rabbits love these woven balls. I'll pick up random wood chews whenever I go to the pet store. Sometimes I'll put their pellets in one of these treat balls to encourage foraging. Some cat jingle balls and some wooden parrot toys also wok well as rabbit toys. Hay stuffed toilet paper rolls make cheap DIY toys. You can fill a box with shredded paper and cut a hole in the box, so your bunnies can dig around in that.

Limit treats. Hold off on fruits and veggies until 3 months of age. Introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities to avoid an upset stomach.

If you weren't already planning for it, I'd recommend keeping your new young ones separated until they've both been neutered to avoid unwanted pregnancies and fighting.

Trixie Large Wooden Digging Tower for Pet Hamster, 25 × 24 × 20 cm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000RZHQGE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BDc4Db3FRAGST

She loves it! She loves digging haha

As others have stated, I wouldn't keep that cage for too long and be looking to upgrade so to speak. Keep an eye on weekly sales at target, petsmart, petco. I saw a sell at petco that was $1 for gallon for aquariums and bought a 55 gal for 55 bucks.

Bins, albeit uglier (they don't go with my living room decor), are also cheap and you can get them for fairly cheap after holidays such as Christmas...maybe halloween.

My dwarves love the tubes as well so I bought a lookout tower(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BL44KA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and just took the top off. The dwarves will come up there when they want to be let out, or in the one acceptation of last night, to give birth. >_>

Also I keep an eye on craigslist on tubes. Managed to get about $100 worth of tubes for $10.

Playtime

• Try to refrain from waking up your hamster. If you must wake it up, don't do so by reaching in. Blow softly in the cage and eventually your hamster will wake up.
  
  
• Contrary to popular belief, hamsters ARE NOT nocturnal. They are crepuscular which means they're up and about at dusk and dawn. (mine are a little behind schedule since I stay up late and they're usually up around 10-11pm and again from about 7-9am)
  
  
• Balls are good, but I mostly just chill on my couch with them running around my chest. Treats are also good during playtime.
  
  TOYS
  
  
• Since I run a 55 gal setup split in two, I put lookout towers without the top (above link), silent spinner hamster wheels (thing is super fucking silent), toilet paper and paper towel tubes, chew blocks which they ignore, and little wooden houses.
  
  
• Since yours is a syrian, I would high recommend the larger version of toys where applicable.
  
  OTHER
  
  
• Don't use anything for dogs/cats for hamsters. My wife took in a stray cat and now our apt is flea fucking central and got on the hamsters. If by chance your hamster does get fleas, clean out the cage and all toys very thoroughly and apply flea control (i use spray) that is made specifically for small animals. Spray it on, wait a day, brush hamster with baby brush.
  
  
• avoid hamster wheels with holes. They can break hamster legs.
  
  
• Your hamster will probably pick out the sunflower seeds and corn from their food and leaving the crap that they don't like. Don't refill their food until it's near or completely empty. The food is specially made for a reason and them not eating a certain thing means they're not getting a certain nutrient.
  
  I have a meeting at work now. Reply back if there is anything else. Have had multiple hamsters for about 15 years. (Rocking 3 now with I believe 8 babies if I counted them all correctly)
  
  edit: formatting