Your hamster is pretty much nocturnal so getting him to exercise may be difficult. Exercise helps keep your hamster healthy and provides mental stimulation. Plan on daily exercise sessions. Never wake your sleeping hamster or he may bite you. Take advantage of his awake times for active play. Provide climbing apparatus, a hamster wheel and other exercise equipment in your hamster’s cage to make it a fun place to be. However, don’t add so many things that it becomes difficult to move around. Plan on time outside the cage daily under strict supervision. Encourage your hamster to run around and explore, climb over you, through PVC or cardboard tunnels and anything that might be fun. A hamster ball is fun but take care that no one accidently kicks the ball or that it is at risk of falling down stairs. For more information, contact your Marion, IA veterinarian.