Excersise?

Question
Hi! my hamster has not been in his wheel excersising and i am getting a little worried because he is growing fatter day after day.  is there anything i can do to help?  I give him diet food but that doesn't seem to help.  Also my other hamster is not playful.  When i take her out she doesn't do anything.  My hamster seems depressed (but i think hamsters don't get this symtom)  What do I do?
Thanks
Brianna

Answer
Hi Brianna

Exercise is important for hamsters, but some seem to like it more than others.  What other form of exercise can your hamster get?  What type of cage is he in - is it a wire cage or tubular?

I had a hamster once who kept escaping and every time I put her back into her house she didn't want to come out of her nest - she seemed depressed.  So I got her a much larger cage with all sorts of things in it and suddenly she was interested in coming out and playing.  

Is there any way you can put some climbing frames etc. into your hamster's cage?  Alternatively, can you create a special play area in a box - then let them play in this one at a time.  You would need to supervise them to make sure they doesn't get out, but perhaps having an area with other toys might help.  You don't have to buy expensive toys for this - put down some wood chippings/paper on the base, then put in toilet rolls, small boxes that you can cut openings in etc.  Hamsters are generally very nosey creatures and they would probably love to explore something like this.

Do your hamsters have an exercise ball?  If not, it may be worth investing in one or two of these.  Tape over the joins so that if it bangs it into furniture it wont accidentally open.  Start each hamster in it for a few minutes, then increase the time to about 15-20 minutes.  Sometimes they fall asleep in them - if so, get them out and put them back in their nest.  This way they will learn that the ball is for exercising in, not for sleeping.  If you use the same ball, when you put them in they are likely to be a bit jumpy because of the other hamster's scent.  Also, when you come to take them out of the ball, don't put your hand in - this tends to freak hamsters.  Instead, either let them walk out into their cage, or onto your clothing.  If necessary you can tempt them out with some food.

You haven't said how old your hamsters are?  Are they quite young or re they getting old?  As hamsters get older they do slow down a bit.  This is pretty normal.  Providing you are feeding a standard hamster mix, and some fresh vegetables daily then your hamsters should be getting a well balanced diet.  Avoid giving any treats as these can be fattening, especially the ones that include honey.

I hope this helps you.

Regards