We all know the hamster ball. Some think it’s bad, some think it’s good. But, for many, they’re caught in the crosshairs. Stuck between what pet stores and hamster experts have to stay. This article is here to address the good, the bad, and the ugly of small pet exercise balls. By the end of this, regardless of where you stand, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
The Good
Let’s start with the good. Small pet exercise balls (aka hamster balls) came out in the 1970s. They offered a way for your hamster, gerbil, mouse, or whatever you had to explore outside their cage without escaping. These furry little creatures are fast as bullet and can disappear from your view in the blink of an eye. Hamster balls allowed exploration outside the cage while solving this issue.
The Bad
However, there were also pain points associated with the hamster ball. The ventilation holes were too big, big enough for the animal’s paws to get stuck while running, nor was there good heat disbursement. The plastic would also warp over time, allowing the lid to easily pop off while in use. For these reasons. The small pet exercise ball has garnered a controversial reputation. Some pet owners will say there’s no such thing as a safe hamster ball. And by past precedents they may have a point.
The Happy Habitats Difference
At Happy Habitats, we looked at the value proposition hamster balls offered and the pain points to create a truly revolutionary product. Our small pet exercise ball, the Roam, is made of high-quality plastic, designed to last. Our ball has 2mm ventilation holes to prevent paw trapping. Moreover, there is a far greater surface area of ventilation, creating better airflow and heat disbursement. The Roam also has a two-step locking mechanism, to ensure the lid never pops off. With the Roam small pet exercise ball, your hamster is safe and secure inside, allowing them to leisurely explore your home.
Hamster Ball Alternatives
One of the main alternatives to hamster balls is to let your pet free roam. However, these two are not mutually exclusive. Free roaming is a great activity for any small pet, but it still confines them to a limited area of exploration. With a hamster ball, your pet has reign over your whole home. Additionally, not everyone has the space for their pet to free roam. Even if they do, they may be unable to hamster proof it. For example, I live in tiny apartment in New York City. While I’d love to let my pet free roam around my house, it is far from hamster proof. I do not have the means or space to allow him to explore without his hamster ball. Thus, the small pet exercise ball serves its purpose, allowing my pet to safely explore outside his cage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hamster ball provides a value to your pet’s life that can’t be beat. And, if you use Happy Habitats’, they’ll be cool, safe, and secure!