Hamsters require exercise to stay healthy, and there are a few ways for them to get exercise inside the house. A popular way is to buy your hamster its own wheel.
There are many different types of wheels out there, but all serve the same function: getting your little friend moving.
What Is a Hamster Wheel?
A hamster wheel is a wheel that can be attached to the side of a cage or tank, allowing your pet to exercise while staying in one place.
Hamsters are wild animals that can race across many miles of ground in a single night. This is their natural behaviour, and it’s a great exercise for them to stay fit and healthy.
Unfortunately, when they’re inside cages, hamsters aren’t able to run very far which has serious consequences on their health. Fortunately, there’s an answer: give your furry friend a wheel.
A hamster that’s been provided with a wheel for exercise will stay physically healthy and mentally stimulated.
It also prevents boredom, which can lead to dangerous behaviour such as chewing on other items, biting humans, and reducing their risk for obesity.
Why Do Hamsters Like The Wheel?
Because hamsters are nocturnal animals, and a running wheel replicates the activity they regularly do at night.
Hamsters are nocturnal animals who typically go to sleep in the morning and wake up around dusk. A moving wheel provides something similar to what a hamster would experience outdoors in nature during its nightly wanderings.
How to Make a Hamster Wheel Quiet?
This is a common question for many hamster owners. Your hamster, particularly if it’s a bigger breed, might be too big to be running on the wheel and that could lead to some loud squeaking.
Here are some options you can try out to make your wheel quieter:
The first option you can try is moving your wheel elsewhere in the room – perhaps near a wall. This will help dampen sound and prevent drafts from causing the wheel noise to worsen over time.
Another option would be lubricating the bearings with something like an oil or vaseline.
What Size Hamster Wheel for a Syrian?
Most Syrians will be comfortable with a wheel that is 8 inches in diameter minimum. This size is the most common because it accommodates both the height of the average Syrian and offers ample running room.
A problem with wheels that are too small can be foot injuries, leg injuries, or back injuries due to being unable to get into a full stride while running.
What Size Hamster Wheel for Dwarf and Roborovski Hamsters?
For Dwarf and Roborovski hamsters, the size of their wheel should be at least 6 inches.
Bigger wheels are better for all types of hamsters; however, a big enough cage may limit how large you can go with your pet’s toys due to space limitations.
Conclusion
When it comes to your pet hamster, the wheel is important for exercise and mental stimulation.
If you do not provide a hamster with an adequate amount of physical activity or mental stimulation, they may suffer from health problems like obesity or depression.
Therefore, keep your furry friend happy while they are at home by getting their very own wheel.