Hamster Workout Wheel Information

Workout wheels are an essential piece of hamster care equipment to keep the hamster healthy and occupied. In the wild, hamsters normally run up to five miles per night across arid terrain looking for food, according to the book "Keeping Pets: Hamsters" by Louise Spilsbury et al. Pet hamsters still retain this instinct to be very active during their waking hours. But not all exercise wheels are appropriate for all hamsters.

  1. Size

    • Most hamster workout wheels sold are made for Syrian or golden hamsters, which are the most common pet hamster species available. But these wheels are far too large for dwarf hamster species such as the Russian or Campbell's, the winter white, the Chinese and especially the smallest pet hamster species, the Roborovski, or "Robo." These species need wheels specifically made for dwarf hamsters. Also, wheels sold for Syrians can sometimes be too small because the individual Syrian is so large. If the hamster's spine bends into an arch, the wheel is too small. If the hamster gets into a wheel and cannot move it, then the wheel is too large.

    Flooring

    • All hamster wheels, no matter how large, need to have a solid floor. The typical metal-barred floor is too dangerous for hamsters. Hamsters have tiny feet which can slip through the bars and break. Hamster babies have been known to get their heads stuck between metal rungs in a wheel and choke to death or receive injuries.

    Placement

    • Hamster exercise wheels that stand up by themselves can be dangerous for hamsters, especially if the wheel is in a cage with a mother and babies. The babies can get crushed when the wheel tips over. Although adult hamsters may not be injured if the wheel tips over, they will be far less enthusiastic to use the wheel ever again. Wheels should be attached to the sides of the cage. Be sure this type of wheel does not have cross supports because the hamster may get its legs or head caught in them.

    Soundless

    • Hamsters are nocturnal, so this is the time when they are most likely to run on their exercise wheels. Metal wheels tend to squeak so badly that they may wake people up. Plastic wheels tend to be quieter, according to "Training Your Pet Hamster" by Gerry Bucsis et al. Always spin the wheel to listen for squeakiness before purchase.