Hamsters are cute, entertaining, and relatively easy to care for. But one of their most beloved accessories is the wheel. As much as we love watching them run around on it, do hamsters need a wheel?
Your hamster needs a wheel to stay healthy and active. Exercise is important for hamsters as it helps them maintain their cardiovascular system, keep their bones strong, and release energy from their high-calorie diet. It enables them to run and play naturally, as they would in their wild habitats.
Without a wheel, hamsters can become lethargic, depressed, and overweight, leading to serious health problems. In this article, I’ll explain why hamsters run on wheels, why they like it, and what to consider when buying one.
Why Do Hamsters Run On Wheels?
Hamsters run on wheels because it’s their natural instinct to do so. They’re nocturnal animals, and naturally display behavior called “sprinting,” which is a form of exercise. By running on a wheel, hamsters can express this natural behavior without having to run around in the wild.
They can run up to 8 miles (13 km) in search of food in the wild, but in captivity, they don’t have the same opportunity, so running on a wheel is perfect for them. Not only is running on a wheel beneficial for their physical health, but it’s also great for mental stimulation.
Hamsters need plenty of exercise and stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and stressed. When this happens, they can engage in destructive behaviors like chewing and digging at cage bars.
Think of a hamster wheel as entertainment as the equivalent of having a favorite toy, like a ball. Running does the following for hamsters:
- Strengthens muscles and maintains the overall body condition.
- Regulate the hamster’s metabolism, ensuring they get enough exercise and calories to stay healthy.
- Hamsters have a way of releasing their pent-up energy and can even help relieve stress.
Why Do Hamsters Like the Wheel?
Hamsters like the wheel because it’s an instinctual behavior that helps them stay healthy. Running on a wheel is the perfect way for hamsters to feel like they are running free in the wild, which is important to their psychological well-being.
They are quite active, and running on a wheel is a great exercise.
They love running because it’s fun and gives them a sense of accomplishment, and they can set their own pace, competing against themselves to see how far they can go. It’s their own form of gaming, keeping them entertained for long periods.
Hamsters have a natural curiosity and love to explore, which is why they enjoy running on wheels. Running keeps them entertained and stimulated, as well as getting some much-needed exercise.
How Long Can a Hamster Survive Without a Wheel?
A hamster can survive without a wheel for 3-7 days, but after that, they need a wheel to stay healthy and active. Without regular exercise, hamsters can become lethargic and weaken their muscles.
Exercise is important for hamsters to maintain their physical and mental health.
A wheel also keeps a hamster’s teeth trimmed since they need to chew on it to sharpen and maintain their teeth. Although they can survive for a few days without a wheel, having a wheel in their cage is essential for the long-term health of your pet hamster.
Can You Take Out Your Hamster’s Wheel at Night?
You should not take out the wheel for your hamster at night.
Hamsters are naturally nocturnal creatures, and they need to be able to run on their wheel during certain hours of the night, as this keeps them stimulated and active. If you take out their wheel at night, they will become inactive, start sleeping during the day instead of at night, and can even suffer from depression.
Your hamster needs to be able to run on the wheel for a few hours a day, as this gives them the necessary exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy.
What To Consider When Buying a Wheel
When buying a wheel for your hamster, there are a few things to consider.
Get the Correct Size Wheel For Your Hamster
The size of the wheel depends on the size of your hamster. It’s best to find a wheel that fits snugly in the cage, so your hamster can comfortably run around without taking up too much space. If the wheel is too big, it can be difficult for your hamster to move, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Syrian hamsters, for example, are the largest breed, so they need a wheel at least 12” (30.5 cm) in diameter.
The dwarf hamster, on the other hand, is much smaller and needs a wheel that’s 6” (15 cm) in diameter. For normal-sized hamsters, a wheel of 8” (20.3 cm) in diameter will do. The wrong size will make it difficult for your hamster to move in their wheel and make it hard for them to exercise.
The Material Should Be Non-Slip
Plastic and metal wheels are common, but they can be noisy and cause vibration, which can startle your pet. They can also cause your hamster’s feet to slip, leading to injury.
The best material for hamsters is a wire or a mesh running surface to make it more comfortable for your hamster. The mesh surface provides resistance and grip to your hamster’s feet when running. The material should also be safe and non-toxic, as your hamster will be interacting with it daily.
The Wheel Shouldn’t Be Attached To the Cage
The wheel should be free-standing, with no attachment to a cage.
Attaching the wheel to the sides of a cage can lead to injuries such as a twisted spine and tail deformities. This injury is usually caused by the bar in the middle of the wheel pressing against their back as they run.
To prevent this, look for wheels that don’t have a center bar, or even better, look for models that are designed to be used without a cage. Some wheels come with their own stands, which can be placed in the corner of your hamster’s enclosure.
Not only will this keep them safe, but it will also help to contain their mess.
Wheels Should Have Low Rims
Look for wheels with low rims to prevent your hamster from becoming injured. Wheels with high rims can sometimes cause your pet’s back legs to slip, putting strain on its spine, and since hamsters have short legs, getting enough traction on a wheel with high rims can be difficult.
The low rims also make it easier for your hamster to jump in and out of the wheel rather than climbing up and over a high rim. This prevents your hamster’s tail, which is delicate and easily injured, from getting stuck in the wheel.
Wheels Need To Be Safe For Chewing
Hamsters like to chew on things, so ensure the wheel you buy is safe for your pet, as some wheels are made from materials that can be hazardous to your hamster if ingested. Chewing is also a natural part of their grooming routine and helps keep their teeth in good condition, so look for wheels made of chew-proof materials like metal or wire mesh.
Final Thoughts
A wheel is a great way to keep your hamster active and entertained, but you need to ensure you get the right one for the size of your pet. Look for wheels with low rims, a mesh running surface, and safe materials that your hamster can chew on without harm. When done right, a wheel can give your hamster hours of exercise and fun.