Best Hamster Wheels – What you need to know and top 7 Hamster Wheels reviewed

Welcome to the wonderful world of hamster wheels.

Images of these enchanting little furballs doing their circular aerobics are iconic – it’s one of the many great things about hamster keeping. You will have likely noticed that there are lots of hamster wheel options on the internet so don’t worry about feeling spoilt for choice. Check out the following information to solve your hamster wheel headache, and help you choose the best for your pet.

It takes you step-by-step through hamster behavior and why hamster wheels matter, plus some ideas on the type of hamster wheel to opt for. You’ll then be ready to decide what are the best hamster wheels for your little critters. Read on to avoid hamster wheel overload!

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Hamsters and exercise

There’s no debate on whether hamsters need wheels. They do, but why? It’s obvious that they are nature’s busybodies, who love nothing better than to explore and root about. Cage space can’t offer them steppe habitat, so they require an outlet that keeps them healthy, fit and happy. It’s a requirement that’s linked to their wild behavior – they can run anywhere up to 5 miles in one night. Added to this, hamsters have to be quick, considering they are tiny and unnervingly edible to predators – which can include humans!

Best Hamster wheels – at a glance

In a rush? no problem! take a look at our top 7 hamster wheels :

• Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner exercise wheel
• Kaytee Comfort Wheel
• Kaytee Silent Spinner Large Exercise Wheel
• Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel
• Petzilla Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel Silent Spinner
• OMEM Small Animal Sports Wheel Ultra Quiet Hamster Sports Wheel
• NEWCOMDIGI Silent Runner Wooden Exercise Wheel

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.

Hamster wheel material ?

Hamster wheels come in a range of options including wood, but plastic and metal are the most common. While true that metal is more durable, they tend to be constructed with rungs so there are gaps. Plastic wheels usually come in one compact piece. The bottom line is that, whatever you go for, hamster wheel surfaces should be safe, with no sharp edges or bumps. A degree of texture is okay but only to make the wheel non-slip – ideally, ensure the wheel is free of holes or any gaps. Your Hamster’s tail or feet can become stuck, or injured. Bare in mind the size of your hamster feet, and check the gaps n the hamster wheel track are suitable.

Freestanding or attached?

This really depends on what type and size of hamster cage you have purchased.

If you are short on space then a wheel attached to the side of the cage would be advisable as you do not want to take up any more floor space available to your hamster.

If your hamster has a lot of free open space, then a wheel on a stand can be a good option as you can be more flexible with positioning.

Hamster wheels which are attached to a cage are usually more stable. If your hamster is an aggressive runner, you should consider if he is likely to tip over a hamster wheel mounted on a stand. This can be very dangerous and cause serious injury to your pet.

Most hamster wheels come with a stand and a cage-fitting option. Be sure to check that the hamster wheel you are purchasing is suitable for you and your hamsters’ needs!

Hamster Wheel size guide

Getting this right-size hamster wheel is essential for hamster health and fitness. Hamster wheel sizes also vary to cater to the different sizes of hamster breeds.

For example, a smaller dwarf hamster is likely to need a much smaller wheel to say, a larger Syrian hamster.

Providing a too smaller wheel for your hamster can cause your furry friend to continuously arch their back when running, and this can create tendon, bone and muscle injuries. If you think your hamster wheel is too small for your pet, get a bigger one ASAP!

Best hamster wheel size for Dwarf Hamsters

For tiny critters such as Roborovskis, select a wheel that’s a minimum of 16.5 cm.

Larger wheels need more strength to push, and the dwarfs lack the robustness of their bigger cousins.

Best hamster wheel size for Syrian Hamsters

Wheels at a minimum of 20 cm are appropriate for Syrians and similar-sized breeds.

If you consider that the Syrian hamster can average around 18 cm in length, they’re going to need a wheel with a generous diameter.

Comparative to their size, they are also stronger and capable of pushing bigger wheels without any problems. Also, it’s worth reiterating that a too-smaller wheel size can lead to serious health issues so ensure you keep monitoring your pet on his wheel when first introduced.

The best Hamster wheels available

There are many different manufacturers and models available on the market. Here are a few of the best hamster wheels available right now!

Quiet, please! – Best silent hamster wheels 

There isn’t a completely silent hamster wheel on the market, but they have come a long way with smoother bearings, better fixings, and solid materials.

Essentially, it’s down to your hamster’s activity and how much ‘noise’ they decide to make! The quicker they are on the wheel, the more noise there is going to be!

If hamster wheel music isn’t your thing during the night, give some thought to where you want to site the enclosure. Hamsters are nocturnal, so if you plan on getting any sleep, it’s best to keep them somewhere away from your bedroom!

If your wheel does start to squeak, then you could probably try a natural lubricant such as Olive oil around the spindle to ease up the spinning motion. always try to use a natural lubricant to avoid contaminating your pet’s habitat with anything toxic to them.

Best hamster wheels for Dwarf hamsters

Dependent on the hamster size, you may need to do a bit of tweaking in terms of diameter with an inch or so either way. Remember, younger critters might need something smaller but will grow into larger hamster wheels. Be sure to monitor your pet regularly to check their current wheel is still suitably sized.

Best hamster wheels for Syrian and larger hamsters

There are plenty of options for the larger hamster breed.

Sizes accommodate smaller to average-sized Syrian hamsters while, for the more robust hamster, wheels are available up to 30+ cm. you might also consider these if your hamster is pregnant, or perhaps needs the exercise 🙂

Best Wooden Hamster Wheels

If you are looking for more of an eco-friendly alternative material for your hamster wheel, there are some great wooden options available!

Quirky wheels

Hamster wheel cars are huge fun for viewing but, importantly, are great for hamsters too! Hamsters get all the exercise and stimulus they need, while you get to take lots of cute pictures. There are various types available on the internet.

No need to worry – your hamster won’t be lost in space using a flying Saucer wheel, aptly named as they are shaped just like a flying saucer.

Some models apply ball bearings to the base, offering a quiet but fun ride for your hamster. These flying saucer wheels still give your hamster adequate exercise and 100% entertainment value.

Not strictly wheels, hamster balls give little critters exercise and interest while you’re busy sprucing up the cage. You can keep an eye on your hamster, and not have to worry about them getting bored. There are various exercise balls on the market, with some even glowing in the dark if you fancy a touch of nocturnal cleaning.

The best hamster wheel winner is…

You’ll now have some ideas on ideal features for the best hamster wheels. In truth, there is no winner overall – all hamsters differ, dependent on size and exercise needs. Observing your hamster on the wheel will be the best gauge, so enjoy the process. We have listed a few of our favorites, here: