How to Race Hamsters

When foot and mouth disease struck Britain in 2000, the nation temporarily stopped racing horses and started betting on racing hamsters. The little rodents were placed in an exercise ball, which were then affixed to miniature dragsters. While the fad was short lived, as was its U.S. incarnation, the activity is still practiced by rodent enthusiasts. From church fundraisers to pet supply retailers such as PetCo, hamster racing is still alive and well and at a hamster racing track near you.

Things You'll Need

• Hamster
• Exercise ball
• Track
• Stopwatch

Instructions

How to Race Hamsters

1. Get a hamster. Decide if you want a dwarf or a Syrian for your hamster racing. Dwarfs actually require more cage room than the Syrian, and can become territorial. If housing multiple dwarf hamsters, be sure that each one has an accessory such as an exercise ball. Dwarf hamsters come in brownish and white varieties. Syrian hamsters are slightly larger than the dwarfs and are solitary creatures. Do not mix them with other rodents. Syrians also are known as golden or teddy bear hamsters for their golden, fluffy appearance.

2. Get racing supplies. Go to your local pet store and purchase an exercise ball and derby track. You also will need a stopwatch. Expect to pay more than $30 for these hamster racing supplies. The race track is optional, but the exercise ball is not negotiable. You can actually get the hamster familiar with the exercise ball and not introduce it to the track until race day. However, an exercise ball is nonnegotiable since it is not provided at the racing events.

3. Find a race. Pet supply retailers such as PetCo hosts an annual hamster racing at its locations. For more information call the company at [phone], Ext. 2558. Meanwhile, look into local events such as church fundraisers, which have been known to feature hamster racing. Better yet, start an event of your own by reaching out to other hamster enthusiasts in your neighborhood or town. Start by networking at the nearby pet stores, or list an ad in your local newspaper.

4. Practice. Get your hamster familiar with the exercise ball. Get out that stopwatch and track and watch it go, keeping track of time. Reward it for good behavior, and be patient with it as he learns the exercise ball. It is the opinion of some pet advocates that exercise balls can actually be stressful on hamsters. That said, take special care not to put your hamster in fearful situations while in the exercise ball, and in hamster racing situations.

5. Enter the race. Your hamster can't win if he can't play. Keep it fun, and no matter what happens, reward your little critter after it's all said and done. Be sure to arrive on race day on time, fully prepared with your exercise ball and hamster. Make sure you have a cozy, contained temporary home to keep it while in transit. Pet stores and social events can be loud and scary places, especially with hamster racing taking place. Keep this in mind when with your buddy, and make it as comfortable as possible.

Resources

• Hamster Club
• PetCo