Why Do Hamsters Like Hamster Wheels?

Wheels are one of the most popular cage accessories chosen by hamster owners. Hamsters use them for exercise and play, and some even burrow underneath them to sleep. Unlike plastic hamster balls used to allow the animal to run around the house, wheels give them a place to run within the confines of their cage.

  1. Wild

    • Wild hamsters are very active, mostly at night when they leave their nests to forage for food. Some hamsters travel up to 6 miles in one evening, burning off excess energy while searching for a meal. Because of their high metabolic rate, this daily exercise is important to their health and mental well-being.

    Captive

    • In captivity, it is not possible for hamsters to travel such long distances, and they don't have to truly forage for food, as their owner provides it for them. The wheel gives them a place to release their high levels of energy. It is similar to the use of treadmills by humans, who use them to exercise when they don't have the time or space to run great distances.

    Safety

    • There are a variety of types of hamster wheels, from simple metal wheels with bars, to more complex plastic ball-type structures. Solid wheels are often a safer option than the open style, as feet or legs can be caught in the openings and the hamster can be injured. They can also fall from the top if they can climb up the outside of the wheel, or get their heads caught in the cross bars on the side.

    Addiction

    • Sometimes hamsters become addicted to running on their wheel. Instead of just using it at night when most hamsters are active, they stay on it throughout the day as well. In some cases, they go so far as to stop eating or drinking because they are running on their wheel. In the case of a hamster overusing its wheel, it is necessary to take it out of the cage and provide other types of toys and activities for them.