If you've read my other hub on hamster toys, you'll know that every hamster needs a variety of different things to keep him busy. While all of us are keen to give our pets fun toys that encourage climbing, digging and running, we're less inclined to help them embrace their chewing habits.

Chew toys are a necessary part of every hamster's life. They help keep his teeth nice and clean while giving him something to do. Think about it this way... If your hamster doesn't have chew toys to gnaw on, he'll find something else to bite. When looking at chewing toys for your hamster, there are a number of different things you should think about. The material that the toy is made of, for example, is crucial.

MY favorite hamster chew toys are generally made of wood. I find that wood lasts longer than cardboard and provides my pet with a stiffer chew. There isn't a heck of a lot to worry about when selecting a wood chew toy but consider the following points before making a decision.

• The wood should definitely be pesticide free. You don't want your hamster ingesting any chemicals.
• It's also good to stay away from certain evergreen species of tree. Certain types of cedars and pines, for example, can potentially harm rodents.
  

If you don't know anything about woods and you're worried about your hamster, it's best to stick with store bought products. Every reputable pet store will have a couple different wood pet chew toys for sale. Pick one of these and rest assured that you're doing what's right for your little friend.

You do have other options if you're not keen on wooden toys.  A lot of people simply offer their hamsters pieces of cardboard!  This sounds kind of goofy but it works!  Much like their wooden counterparts, cardboard chew toys have a few requirements that should be met.

• No inks or dies.  Chances are, this won't really matter but why take a risk?  Stick to plain cardboard products and then you won't have to worry.
• Try to avoid products that have a lot of glue in them.  We want your hamster chewing on cardboard, not adhesives.

Going with cardboard chew toys is a simple, inexpensive way to keep your hamster gnawing away happily.  Tubes from paper towels and toilet paper rolls seem to be the best option here.  They don't have any inks and there isn't a whole lot of glue to worry about.

How about you out there?  What do you other hamster lovers use for chew toys?  Let me know!