Hamster Wheels (2024)

It is very important to provide environmental enrichment for your hamster to keep them mentally stimulated, happy, and healthy. An exercise wheel can make a great addition to any hamster habitat.

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. Some hamsters will run up to five miles a night on their exercise wheels.

Providing the proper environmental enrichment for your hamster can help prevent:

  • Anxiety

  • Obesity

  • Restlessness

Hamster Wheel Size

It is important to choose an exercise wheel relative to your hamster’s body size. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to provide a wheel at least 6 inches in diameter for dwarf hamsters, and at least 8 inches in diameter for Syrian or normal-sized hamsters.

A mis proportioned wheel will cause a hamster to bend their back at an unnatural angle. Hamsters provided with running wheels that are too small are susceptible to injuries.

Types of Hamster Wheels

There are a few varieties to consider when choosing the right exercise wheel for your hamster. Some wheels are safer for hamsters than others, and some are easier to clean and may be quieter. Options include:

Homemade hamster wheels can be crafted out of cardboard, plastic, and wood. There are plenty of DIY hamster wheel tutorials available if you want to create your own.

Choosing the Best Hamster Wheel

In addition to providing the correct size wheel for your hamster, it's essential to choose the appropriate constructive material. Wheel surfaces should not be too smooth as to provide enough grip, but also not too rough to damage a hamster’s footpads.

Any surface can cause footpad lesions if your hamster runs excessively, so it's essential to provide a varied environment for exercise in addition to their wheel enrichment.

Wheels featuring open metal slots are not recommended because hamster feet can easily become stuck and cause injury.

Metal wheels with mesh overlay are an acceptable option, but closely monitor your hamster for any foot lesions—excessive running on this type of wheel can cause footpad injuries.

Plastic wheels with small ridges or a textured surface have been shown to cause the least injuries.

References

  1. Beaulieu A, Reebs SG. Effects of bedding material and running wheel surface on paw wounds in male and female Syrian hamsters. Laboratory Animals. 2009.

  2. Scherbarth F, Rozman J, Klingenspor M, Brabant G, Steinlechner S. Wheel running affects seasonal acclimatization of physiological and morphological traits in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 2007.

  3. Yeates J, Universities Federation For Animal Welfare. Companion Animal Care and Welfare: The UFAW Companion Animal Handbook. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2019.

  4. van Lunteren P, Groenewold MA, Pozsgai G, Sarvary J. Does voluntary wheel running exist in Neotropical wild mammals? acta ethologica. 2021.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Anyarnia

References

  1. Beaulieu A, Reebs SG. Effects of bedding material and running wheel surface on paw wounds in male and female Syrian hamsters. Laboratory Animals. 2009.

  2. Scherbarth F, Rozman J, Klingenspor M, Brabant G, Steinlechner S. Wheel running affects seasonal acclimatization of physiological and morphological traits in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 2007.

  3. Yeates J, Universities Federation For Animal Welfare. Companion Animal Care and Welfare: The UFAW Companion Animal Handbook. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2019.

  4. van Lunteren P, Groenewold MA, Pozsgai G, Sarvary J. Does voluntary wheel running exist in Neotropical wild mammals? acta ethologica. 2021.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Anyarnia

Hamster Wheels (1)Hamster Wheels (2)

WRITTEN BY

Melissa Witherell, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Melissa Witherell is originally from Connecticut. She attended undergrad at Fordham University to study Biological Sciences. After that...

Hamster Wheels (2024)

FAQs

Are hamster wheels good for hamsters? ›

Exercise wheels help provide domesticated hamsters with aerobic activity to mimic this behavior. Some hamsters will run up to five miles a night on their exercise wheels. Providing the proper environmental enrichment for your hamster can help prevent: Anxiety.

What does it mean to be a hamster wheel? ›

Meaning of hamster wheel in English

an activity that involves someone being busy all the time but never achieving anything important or reaching the end of a task: There's always something that needs to be done to the house. It's like a hamster wheel.

Is a wood or plastic wheel better for hamsters? ›

The ideal running surface should be as smooth as possible. Cork is often preferred, because the idea is that it acts as a shock absorber (and is therefore kinder on their joints). But, with hamsters who use their wheel as a bathroom, smooth plastic is also perfectly fine.

Why does my hamster keep flipping on his wheel? ›

A young hamster may also be too vigorous and flip on their wheel when they come to a fast stop- this is normal, although it is preferred if it can be avoided as big falls can cause injury to your hamster. If your hamster is flipping a lot I suggest the following solutions: Upgrade to a bigger wheel.

Can you take a hamster 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.

How far do hamsters walk in a day? ›

Plenty of space to play and exercise at night.

Wild hamsters are usually only active at dusk and night-time and can run up to five miles a day. A running wheel - this will help them exercise, but it shouldn't be the only form of enrichment you give them.

Is it OK to wake your hamster up? ›

You should only wake your sleeping hamster when it's time for them to naturally wake: when dusk or dawn approaches. Don't wake your hamster up when they're in a deep sleep in the middle of the day just to play with them. While doing so occasionally won't hurt, waking them up regularly isn't good for your small pet.

What is hamster wheel syndrome? ›

When you are working and living without a purpose or goal you end up with a severe case of Hamster Wheel Syndrome- working so damn hard but remaining in the same place, not moving forward and risking not getting anywhere you want to go.

What does it mean when a hamster looks at you? ›

Hamsters do have beady little eyes like mind readers and are very aware of who comes near their habitat. It prolly already knows that you are akin to a Food God, so it's most likely waiting to see what you will drop in their tank next.

How far can a hamster run in one night? ›

Like other rodents, hamsters are highly motivated to run on wheels; it is not uncommon to record distances of 9 km (5.6 mi) being run in one night.

What is the lifespan of a hamster? ›

Lifespan for a hamster is typically 2-3 years. Hamsters are nocturnal by nature and sleep during the day. Hamsters have unfortunately gained a reputation for biting, but this mostly happens when they are awakened during the day. It's a natural defense to being startled awake.

What not to do when owning a hamster? ›

Hamsters that are not handled gently often may nip out of fear. Be sure not to hold your hamster too tightly and avoid bouncing them around. Also avoid suddenly picking up your hamster while they are sleeping, doing so could lead to a bite.

Can I cover my hamster cage with a blanket? ›

Yes you can! Covering the bottom of your hamster's cage with a small blanket or piece of fabric, in addition to their usual bedding, is a great way to create extra insulation to trap heat during the winter season.

Are discs or wheels better for hamsters? ›

Hamster Wheels

This will allow safe running without causing tension on their spine. An alternative to the hamster wheel is a running disc. The disc allows hamsters to run longer distances comfortably.

Are flying saucers or wheels better for hamsters? ›

Flying saucer wheels can be good for dwarf hamsters as long as it's big enough. But don't use it for your Syrian. Any hamster can, though I would still recommend a normal wheel. A dwarf hamster can easily fly off a flying saucer wheel and hurt themselves.

Do hamsters like spinning on wheels? ›

The spinning motion of the wheel creates a feeling of comfort and familiarity for hamsters, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. In conclusion, hamsters love to run on their wheels for a variety of reasons - their natural instinct to run, the mental stimulation it provides, and the sense of security it creates.

References

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