Blue Cross have provided a warning against small hamster wheels. They Say “Important – Some cages are sold with wheels included but these are not always suitable. A hamster should be able to use an exercise wheel without curving their spine or raising their head, as this can cause back problems.”
Blue Cross Also Say:
“Often, hamster wheels sold along with a hamster cage are too small. Despite this fact, hamsters will continue to use the small wheels and over time it can cause damage to the spine. Therefore, these wheels should be replaced with a suitable alternative. Any wheels with spokes or mesh should also be replaced, due to the risk of feet getting caught.
A suitable wheel is one that is large enough for your hamster to run in with a straight back and without having to raise their head, but small enough that they can rotate the wheel easily. It should be upright and have a solid running surface.”
Blue Cross Hamster Care
Blue Cross Recommended Hamster Wheel Size for Different Species
- Syrian: 27-32 cm
- Campbell’s dwarf: 22-25 cm
- Winter white: 22-25 cm
- Roborovski: 20-22 cm
- Chinese dwarf: 25-27 cm
We are pleased to display the recommended hamster wheel size on our hamster wheel page.
HamsterWelfare.com have campaigned against small hamster wheels since we launched in 2021. Our advice has been based on TVT Veterinary research from Germany who also say: “Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz (TVT) recommends wheels should be at least 20cm (8″) forDwarf Hamstersand at least 30cm (12″) forSyrian Hamsters,since smaller diameters lead to permanent spinal curvatures, especially in young animals. ”
Why Do Pets Shops Not Sell Large Wheels
It is likely that pet shops ignore the need to sell large wheels because a large wheel won’t fit in the cheap tiny cages that they often sell. Instead pet shops ignore the animal welfare advice provided by Blue Cross and other organisations. We often find that in a pet store care guide it’s more a case of what they don’t tell you! And they don’t make the public aware of the need to provide a large wheel. Instead the public are being misled into breaking The Animal Welfare Act which requires a keeper to “provide a suitable environment” and for the animal “to be protected from pain, injury and suffering”.
FAQs
“Often, hamster wheels sold along with a hamster cage are too small. Despite this fact, hamsters will continue to use the small wheels and over time it can cause damage to the spine.
Are hamster wheels unsafe? ›
If you own a breed of hamster that enjoys living together, such as Robos, hamster wheels can be extremely dangerous. It's not uncommon for cage mates to run under the wheel while another hamster is running on it. This can lead to broken bones, internal organ damage and even death.
Why are hamster balls bad? ›
Blue cross say “Hamster exercise balls must not be used as your hamster can quickly become exhausted and won't be able to escape. They do not allow good ventilation and the hamster cannot access their food, water or a safe hiding place while they're in them.
Why are small hamster cages bad? ›
Often cages which are too small can't fit an adequate size wheel, causing injury to your hamsters back. Also, you will probably see your hamster Bar biting in an attempt to break free for a better life. Bar biting can cause serious injury to your hamster. Research shows that a smaller cage size causes more bar biting.
What happens if a hamster's wheel is too small? ›
A small wheel can cause permanent injury to your hamsters back, leaving your hamster in unnecessary pain and discomfort. Hamsters are protected under The Animal Welfare Act and there is a good argument that small hamster wheels should be banned.
Do mice run in hamster wheels? ›
Pet mice and hamsters aren't the only creatures who like to go for a spin on the hamster wheel. Animals in the wild — mice, frogs and even snails and slugs — seem to enjoy a bit of exercise on it too.
What are the cons of hamster wheels? ›
Disadvantages of Wheels for Hamsters
Prolonged use of hamster wheels, especially those with smaller diameters, can lead to back curvature issues for some hamsters.
Is it cruel to take a hamster's wheel out at night? ›
I would definitely say it's cruel to take the wheel out. Hamsters in the wild can travel miles each night. You can adjust their sleep schedules (I'm not really sure how you'd go about it) but simply taking the wheel out at night wouldn't do it.
Why does my hamster poop in his ball? ›
Hamster Ball Cleaning Practices
Hamsters drop food and will excrete urine and feces inside the ball as they are using it, and stressed hamsters will eliminate more often than normal.
Why do people put hamsters in balls? ›
Inactivity can cause obesity which can lead to very serious health and welfare problems and can also reduce the length of a pet's life. The hamster ball is an exercise device for hamsters. The hamster is enclosed in the ball and can then exercise/run in the ball which then rolls around on the floor.
roaming means letting your hamster run around a. room or an area of the house, and should be only. done under supervision or if there is nothing the. hamster could hurt themselves with.
What size wheel is best for a hamster? ›
I recommend getting the 10” size for most dwarf hamsters or larger robos (40 grams and up). For smaller robos (20-25 g) I would recommend the 8” size. Pros: The wheel is very quiet, would be okay to use for a hamster who lives where you sleep.
Why do hamsters need big wheels? ›
Why Do Hamsters Run On Wheels? In their natural environment, hamsters live in elaborate underground burrowing systems, constantly scurrying from one end to another. Exercise wheels help provide domesticated hamsters with aerobic activity to mimic this behavior.
Can a Syrian hamster use a 10 inch wheel? ›
Wheel Size for Syrian Hamster
A bigger hamster, such as a Turkish or Syrian hamster, will require a bigger wheel because they are a bigger animal. For a 7/8-inch-long hamster, it is recommended to get a 10-inch hamster wheel or bigger.
