Some popular hamster houses made of plastic had holes in the horizontal and vertical tubes originating from the main rectangular enclosure. Hamsters frequently caught and broke their incisors in these holes in the plastic. The holes have since been made smaller by the manufacturer, and this injury is seen less frequently now. Trauma Hamsters are easily injured. This is a clear plastic sphere that is propelled along the floor by the action of the hamster running inside it.
Injuries occur when a person accidentally kicks the ball or when it falls down a flight of stairs.
Hamsters often perish when they are forgotten and left in these devices without food and water. In spite of the clever design and obvious benefits of this device, hamster owners must continually supervise its use. Parents must be made aware by their children that it is in use. Above all, hamsters should not be forgotten while inside these devices. A fall of over a foot or more may result in a broken back, for which there is no practical treatment.