How to Make an Exercise Wheel for Pets

Many pet owners purchase small rodents, such as guinea pigs or rats. These animals are particularly popular with those who have small children or those who live in housing which is not pet-friendly. While a small pet will ideally get its exercise while out of its cage, a running wheel inside the cage can allow your pet to get the exercise it needs to be healthy and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 1/4-inch thick
  • Pencil
  • Protractor
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw
  • 4 wood dowels, 1/2-inch thick, 6-inches long
  • Wood glue
  • Closet rod, 10-inches long, 3/4-inch diameter, with end caps
  • 2 finishing nails
  • Pliers
  • Wire or cage hanging rods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw two 12-inch diameter circles on the plywood and cut them out using a jigsaw.

    • 2

      Drill a 7/8-inch hole in the center of each plywood disc.

    • 3

      Draw a pair of circles on each plywood disc; one that is 1-inch in from the outer border of the disc; and one that is 1-inch out from the hole drilled in Step 2.

    • 4

      Draw four spokes on each disk running from the inner pencil circle to the outer pencil circle, with the spokes forming a plus sign. Each spoke should be 1-inch wide when it contacts the outer circle drawn; and 5/8-inch wide where it contacts the inner circle. Cut out the wood between the spokes by drilling a hole in the center of the portion being cut. Then, use the jigsaw.

    • 5

      Glue the two disks together by gluing the wood dowels between them along the inner ring of the disk. Position the rods centered across the width of the ring and in line with the four spokes of the disks.

    • 6

      Cut a piece of mesh 6 1/2-inches wide and long enough to wrap around the entire outside of the wheel with about 1-inch of overlap. Secure it to the outside of the wheel with the staple gun.

    • 7

      Drill a pair of holes through the closet rod; 1 1/2-inches in from each end of the rod.

    • 8

      Slide the rod through the wheel and secure it in place by inserting the finishing nails through the hole--bending the nails back to keep them from falling out.

    • 9

      Hang the wheel in the cage at a height where your pet can climb into it using hanging hooks or metal wire near both curtain-rod end caps. To secure with wire, cut a piece of wire 3-inches longer than the distance from the top of the cage to the center of the wheel at your desired hanging height. Then, wrap 1 1/2-inch of wire around the curtain rod tightly (it must be tighter than the size of the end caps to prevent slipping off) and 1 1/2-inch of wire around the top of the cage. Repeat on the other side of the wheel with a second piece of wire.