Hedgehogs enjoy some time out of their cages like all domesticated animals housed in restrictive enclosures. This also becomes necessary during the cleaning of their cages when all contents must be removed and putting them in hamster balls can be attractive.

This article answers the question “Can A Hedgehog Use A Hamster Ball?” by revealing the pros and cons of putting them in hamster balls. We also give our verdict on whether hamster balls are a healthy option for pet hedgehogs to spend some temporary time out of their cages.

Can A Hedgehog Use A Hamster Ball?

Hedgehogs should not be placed in hamster balls because it contains narrow cuts or openings that may trap the hedgehog’s nails or toes resulting in significant pain. Exposure to poop and pee while rolling around in the hamster ball could be extremely uncomfortable for hedgehogs.

While many hamster owners report positive results from putting their fur babies in balls, the opposite is usually true for hedgehogs. Not only can these balls expose them to pain but they struggle to fit in unless you opt for the largest models.

Hamster balls could be positive in theory by allowing hedgehogs to explore the home with minimal chance of getting attacked by other pets like cats and dogs. These balls may also enable hedgehogs to spend some time outside their cages with minimal risk of escaping or getting exposed to accidental falls and trips.

However, their use can be problematic for several reasons in practice and many current hedgehog owners have learned the hard way that these balls are not the right fit for their quill babies.

Are Hamster Balls Bad For Hedgehogs? 

Hamster balls are bad for hedgehogs and there’s no spin around it. Many hedgehogs move around in them while fearing for their lives and the anxiety may trigger even more pooping as is normal in many animals and even humans.

Unfortunately, anxious hedgehogs moving in hamster balls could be easily mistaken to be enjoying the running when the opposite is true. Since there’s no way for hedgehog owners to differentiate, your hedgehogs could be extremely stressed by the time the balls are exited.

Hedgehogs are not endowed with excellent eyesight and their limited vision gets even more dimmed when placed in plastic balls with loud clicking and rolling sounds. These disturbing noises may contribute even more stress to their already dire situation.

The probability of running into walls and other obstacles is greatly increased which can inhibit the hedgehog’s ability to run. You may be forced to conduct a rescue mission from the hamster ball which inevitably exposes you to a significant stash of pee and poop.

How To Maximize Your Hedgehog’s Safety In Hamster Balls 

If you’re hellbent on putting your hedgehog in a hamster ball, there are multiple factors that can provide a bit of comfort. A few precautions are discussed below.

Choose The Right Size 

It is no secret that hamster balls are engineered for holding hamsters, which are much smaller rodents compared to hedgehogs. Only the largest balls can suffice for hedgehogs and a minimum of 12-inch diameter options should be targeted during shopping.

Unfortunately, while local pet stores stock different models, finding 12-inch options can be hard and many folks head to Amazon for that purpose.

Proper Grooming 

The risk of your hedgehog’s toenails getting stuck in the hamster ball slits can be high causing severe injuries and resultant pain. Bloody toenails may be extremely uncomfortable while inhibiting the hedgehog’s ability to run or engage in other physical activity until proper recovery.

This could worsen their moods and cause boredom while exposing your hedgehogs to an increased risk of obesity.

Monitoring Your Hedgehog’s Demeanor Afterward

Checking your hedgehog’s demeanor after spending some time in a hamster ball can provide the answers you need. Does your hedgehog look stressed or relaxed? If the demeanor is positive, that could be evidence of enjoying running in the hamster ball.

While hamster balls may be stressful for the majority of hedgehogs, a few also enjoy running inside the wheels. Be ready to find alternatives for hedgehogs that get agitated when placed in balls because the psychological problems can be overwhelming.

How To Prepare Your Hedgehog For Running In A Hamster Ball

Proper preparation can be the difference between hedgehogs enjoying running sessions in hamster balls and absolutely detesting it. Here are the best ways to increase the hedgehog’s chances of success in a ball.

Fully Settled 

Allowing your hedgehogs to fully settle after waking up before putting them in a hamster ball can make a huge difference. Like most creatures, hedgehogs may feel a bit disoriented after waking up and could be easily spooked when placed in a hamster ball right away.

The probability of enjoying running in a hamster ball can be higher when they’re allowed to fully settle after waking up at night.

Feed And Hydrate Your Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs should also eat and fully hydrate before being placed in hamster balls. Not only does the food provide an instant energy burst but it can also enhance their moods especially when fed their favorites.

Treats like mealworms could be a great bribe that sets them up for successful physical activity in the hamster ball.

No Staircases or Balconies 

Always make sure hamster balls are placed in secure areas of the home to minimize the risk of injuries. Staircases and balconies can cause falling accidents and even fatalities when hedgehogs accidentally roll over them while running in hamster balls.

Keep Your Eyes On The Ball

Taking your eyes off a hedgehog in a ball could lead to undesirable results, particularly in areas outside the home. If you plan to take your hedgehog to the neighborhood park for a run, monitor the hedgehog throughout your time outdoors.

This can eliminate the risks of your hedgehog running into a moving car or other potentially hazardous situations that may result in injury or death.

Keep Other Pets Away

Dogs and cats can startle hedgehogs even when running in hamster balls which is why keeping them in another part of the home is recommended. The last thing you want is to expose the hedgehog to scary situations during their time in the ball because it could increase their stress levels.

Clean Poopy Hamster Balls Immediately

Hedgehogs poop when running and while it is no fun, there are no ways around it. Regardless of how long they’ve been in the ball, running should cease immediately after they poop. Take the hedgehog out while wearing rubber gloves and clean the feces and urine-filled balls immediately.

What Are The Best Alternatives For Hamster Balls?

While some hedgehog owners report positive results from allowing their pets to play in hamster balls, they’re in the minority. Here are a few solid alternatives for hedgehogs to spend time out of their cages.

Playpens 

Playpens are a great way for hedgehogs to spend time outdoors without the dangers and inconveniences posed by hamster balls.

The Amankunft Cage Tent provides amazing comfort for hedgehogs to spend time in the outdoors. It folds easily in a built-in frame design that folds flat for easy usage when not in use. We love the transparent design which enables easy monitoring of our hedgehogs throughout their time in the playpen.

Escape-Proof Rooms 

Do you have any unused rooms in your home or apartment? They can serve as the perfect space for hedgehogs to spend time outdoors when their cages need cleaning or a change of scenery is required.

Make sure the room has no cracks and crevices hedgehogs can use as escape routes and close all doors and windows.

Conclusion: Can A Hedgehog Use A Hamster Ball? 

Hamster balls can pose a lot of issues for hedgehogs and are not recommended if you want them to spend some time outdoors. They can expose hedgehogs to toe and nail injuries due to the presence of slits in the balls.

Playpens can be a better alternative because hedgehogs are able to move freely within the confined space with minimal risk of injuries.