Pet Habitat South Africa

<< Back To Blog List

04 Jun 2014

Hamster Ball Racing

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Small Animal Toys | Pet Accesories | Hamsters

Hamster racing is a sport in which hamsters are placed in hamster wheels or hamster balls, often fitted to miniature racing vehicles, and raced down a straight 9 meter course. The hamster crossing the finish line in the shortest amount of time wins. According to a 2001 media report, the world-record time for this course setup is 38 seconds. Events may feature as few as two hamsters or many teams of hamsters and human pit crews. Hamster balls may be simple spheres or feature many design modifications purported to increase the performance and style of the race vehicle.

In the United Kingdom, gamblers can place bets on the outcome of hamster races through online bookmakers.

Professional racing

In 2001, an epidemic of foot and mouth disease caused the cancellation of some British horse races and other sporting events. To boost their lagging bookmaking incomes, betting agencies introduced and promoted the concept of professional hamster racing. Online bookmaker Blue Square organized the first hamster racing series, with the rodents racing in hamster dragsters. A series of qualifying rounds were held over a week, with a final race. The event was webcast live on the internet and generated significant media interest, including full-page articles in the Daily Mail and Sun newspapers, as well as live reports on BBC London and Sky News. This high level of media interest was in part due to the cancellation of horse racing at the time.

While largely confined to the United Kingdom, professional hamster racing has since made inroads in the United States and Asia.

Race hamsters are almost always divided into at least two race classes, which follow their species classifications: dwarfs and Syrians. They are also often divided into other race classes, such as novice, patterned and long-hair or short-hair.

Not all hamster racing is done professionally or for betting purposes. Amateur hamster races are popular at church outings and frequently occur at hamster and rodent shows. Amateur races generally do not conform to the professional 9 meter (30 ft) track distance but may use shorter "sprint" tracks designed to make sure all hamsters finish in a reasonable time. Fast hamsters are capable of winning sprint races in just a few seconds.

Petco

In early 2007, Petco announced the return of biannual hamster races in all of its stores. The event is branded the "Petco Hamster Ball Derby" and takes place in late March and early September of each year. The 2006 races featured more than 14,000 amateur race hamsters and their owners in Petco stores across the country.

Petco uses a nonstandard short 8-foot (2.4 m) track and hamsters run in common spherical balls rather than the elaborate "drag racers" that professional race hamsters often use. Races usually only last a few seconds due to the length of the track. Winners receive various prizes such as gift cards, training equipment and hamster treats.

At Pet Habitat we have three different hamster balls available for your hamster to practice in. Have you own fast and furriest race at home with the Rotastak Play Ball, Zorb 'n' Orb or Pet Inn Hamster Ball.

Zorb 'n' Orb balls by Sharples 'n' Grant are easy to assemble and simple to clean. These colourful run around balls provide your hamsters with hours of fun and exercise and is available in two sizes; small for dwarf hamsters and medium for syrian hamsters.

The Rotastak Play Ball lets your hamster explore your home safely and securely. Simply open the hatch, place him inside and replace the hatch, then let him roll to his heart’s content. The play ball is made of sturdy plastic to keep your pet hamster safe while he is on an adventure. It’s also a simple way to introduce your small pet to your other furry family members in a sheltered environment. The diametre is 18 cm.

The Pet Inn hamster ball with stand provides excellent exercise for your hamster keepin them fit and healthy. Simply open the hatch, place him inside and replace the hatch, then let him roll to his heart’s content. The diameter is 17 cm.

Tags : Hamster Ball Racing , Hamsters South Africa , Buy Hamster Cage Online South Africa , Hamster food