How to Build Hamster Tunnels

Being active and inquisitive animals, hamsters may get bored if they don̵7;t have enough to do. They appreciate a variety of toys to keep them occupied. Because hamsters are tough on their toys, often chewing them to pieces, it is cheaper to make your own rather than buying endless replacements from the pet store. Hamsters like tunnels to run through and explore, and these take seconds to create. More elaborate tunnel systems only need a pair of scissors and a few spare minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty cardboard tubes
  • Cardboard sheets
  • Non-toxic tape
  • Scissors
  • PVC pipe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect cardboard tubes of a diameter wide enough to let your hamster run through easily. The inner tubes from toilet tissue rolls are big enough for baby and dwarf hamsters, but adult Syrian hamsters need bigger tubes. If you can̵7;t find tubes of the right size, roll sheets of cardboard and secure them with a little non-toxic tape or fold the ends in.

    • 2

      Join tubes together by making a little fold at the end of one tube and pushing it into a second. Continue until you have tubes of the desired length.

    • 3

      Cut a hole in the side of a tube, and push another tube slightly into it to create a more complex tunnel system. For a tunnel system in the cage, keep it small. If the tunnel system is for a playpen, you can make it much more elaborate.

    • 4

      Place the tunnel system in the hamster̵7;s cage or playpen. Replace it after a week, or when the hamster has chewed it to pieces.

    • 5

      Add a piece of 3- or 4-inch diameter PVC pipe to the cage as a more durable tunnel.