Since a hamster wheel is the number one essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing one. So, how much can you expect to spend on a good-quality wheel for your hamster?
A hamster wheel costs between $20 and $25 on average. There are cheaper options for $10 to $15, but not all are safe for your pet, so pay attention to reviews and vet recommendations. Long-lasting, good-quality wheels with extra features like noise reduction can cost between $30 to $35.
In this article, I’ll discuss the price range for hamster wheels and explain what you can get depending on your budget. I’ll also explore how to select the perfect hamster wheel for your pet and the various wheel types you can choose from. Keep reading to learn more.
Average Cost of a Hamster Wheel
Hamster wheels vary in price. You can find the cheapest ones starting from $10, while fancy wheels of top quality can be $40 or higher. The average price, however, is around $20. It varies depending on the size, material, noisiness, longevity, and other factors.
Budget-Friendly
Despite such a price range, you can find very decent options for under $20. For instance, the Kaytee Comfort Wheel (available on Amazon.com) is recommended by many as an affordable and well-performing hamster wheel. It comes in three sizes, has a variety of colors, can be attached to the cage, and has a solid running surface that protects your pet from injuries.
Kaytee Comfort Wheel Small 5.5 Inches
$7.15 in stock
Another popular budget-friendly option is the Kaytee Silent Spinner (available on Amazon.com). Coming from the same manufacturer, it’s similar to the previous one – it’s offered in several sizes, is attachable, and has a solid plastic surface. What stands out is that it’s constructed to reduce noise and allow your pet to run at night without disturbing anyone.
Kaytee Silent Spinner Wheel For Pet Hamsters and Gerbils, Regular 6.5 Inch
Average Price
For around $20, you will find an even wider variety of great hamster wheels. One popular option is the Wodent Wheel (available on Amazon.com), which is famous for its original vet-approved design and high level of safety.
11" Diameter WODENT Exercise Wheel(Total HT. 12.3") W. Safety Shield & Assembled (Lavender & White)
The unique feature of this wheel is that it’s semi-closed, with holes that let your hamster easily get in or out. This offers even more protection against injuries and gives your pet more privacy while it exercises. Even better, the wheel is praised for its lack of noise and can be attached to the cage as well.
If you’re not a fan of plastic, wooden hamster wheels are also available in this price range. For example, this Wontee Wooden Mute Spinner Wheel (available on Amazon.com) has a secure construction, is recommended for producing zero noise, and is made from non-toxic, eco-friendly materials.
Small Pets Exercise Wheel Hamster Wooden Mute Running Spinner Wheel Play Toy for Rat Gerbil Mice Chinchillas Hedgehogs Guinea Pigs (S)
Fancy Options
If you’re willing to spend a little extra to get your pet the best exercising wheel there is, consider purchasing one from Niteangel. Many owners love and praise their products for excellent quality, and while they are more expensive than average, they are still a great deal considering all the benefits.
A particularly popular choice is the Niteangel Quiet Spinner (available on Amazon.com). There is a wide selection of sizes and colors, the design is very convenient and safe for your pet, and, above all, it is known for being absolutely silent. Another fantastic benefit is that the wheel effectively imitates running on a flat surface, which makes it even more comfortable for your hamster.
Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheels: - Quiet Spinner Hamster Running Wheels with Adjustable Stand for Hamsters Gerbils Mice Or Other Small Animals (M, White)
What To Consider When Choosing a Hamster Wheel?
With so many variations of wheels available, how do you choose the best one for your pet? While price can somewhat speak for quality, there are more important factors to consider when it comes to choosing a safe and comfortable hamster wheel.
Size
One of the most important factors is, of course, the size. The wheel should be spacious enough for your hamster to run comfortably in but not too big that your pet struggles with getting the wheel to move.
Similarly, a wheel that’s too small will cause the spine of the hamster to arch, which can lead to serious health issues and cause backpains. Your goal is to ensure the pet is safe and comfortable, so don’t purchase a tiny wheel, even if you are concerned about how to fit it in the cage.
It’s recommended to choose a diameter of 6 or more inches (15 cm) for dwarves and no less than 8 inches (20 cm) for Syrians. Generally, it’s better to get a bigger wheel than a smaller one, but make sure it’s not too heavy for your hamster, or it will be problematic for it to exercise properly.
Material
Another crucial factor is the material. You can find plastic, wooden, or metal wheels in various price ranges, and each option has both advantages and drawbacks.
Plastic is probably the most popular material of all. You will see many plastic wheels offered in each price category, which also means they can vary in quality. Plastic is cheap, easy to clean, and provides a stable flat surface for hamsters to run comfortably, so many brands use this material for their products.
The main downside is that plastic is not eco-friendly, and many don’t choose it when other options are available. It’s also not as long-lasting, and plastic wheels are known to be quite squeaky.
Wood is a beautiful material that can be purchased for an average market price. It’s reliable, silent when designed properly, and safe for your pet. However, cleaning it can be challenging as it absorbs urine, and the smell can be very persistent. Rodents also love to chew on wood, making such wheels less durable.
Finally, metal wheels are also affordable and durable options. However, they don’t typically provide a solid surface, which can be dangerous for your hamster and result in bad injuries. They are also not as easy to clean as plastic ones.
Stability
When it comes to safety, the stability of your hamster wheel is critical. You can either purchase a wheel with a solid base or one that can be attached to the cage. In any case, make sure the wheel is secured before offering it to your hamster.
Noisiness
As hamsters particularly enjoy using their wheels at night, ensuring the toy isn’t noisy should also be a priority. Thankfully, manufacturers take good care of this issue, and many designs have been developed to eliminate the loud sounds as effectively as possible.
I mentioned a few options for silent wheels earlier in the article, so feel free to select any of those or look for similar models that are constructed with sound reduction technology. This factor is crucial for many owners, so as you look for a hamster wheel online, you’ll likely find reviews with comments on how noisy a wheel is.
Final Thoughts
The average cost of a hamster wheel is between $20 to $25. While there are many excellent options at a lower price, you can invest a little more and buy a top-quality wheel for around $35. Overall, there is something to choose from for any budget.
When selecting the wheel, ensure it is big enough for your pet, can be safely secured in the cage, and doesn’t make much noise.