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.
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner exercise wheel
Check Price on Amazon
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- ✔ SAFE - The axle-free design eliminates a dangerous center bar, reducing the risk of fur/tail entanglement, pet wrap-a-round, curvature of the spine, and other injuries.
- ✔ SILENT - Innovative dual ball-bearings create a whisper-silent spin. Two stainless steel ball-bearings are within the back plate of the wheel, ensuring the wheel glides smooth and silent. The bearings SPIN around the bolt as your pet runs, unlike annoying squeaky wheels on the market that have a center axle that creates friction and noise.
- ✔ SANITARY - Wheel completely disassembles for deep cleaning, no nooks for feces to hide in.
- ✔ IDEAL FOR - Hedgehogs, Rats, Sugar Gliders and other similar small animals (not suggested for chewers)
- ✔ FAST, FREE SHIPPING in USA! Avg 3 days! ZooPro sells exotic animal food and accessories that are manufactured by Exotic Nutrition Pet Supply Company. Exotic Nutrition has been the industry leader of exotic animal products since 1998, specializing in sugar gliders, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, marmosets, degus, skunks, opossums, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, ferrets, chickens, bluebirds, wild birds, monkeys, marsupials, reptiles, amphibians & more
Pros
- Range of sizes available
- Available as stand-alone or attached to side cages
- Spacious enough to avoid back arching
- They come in bright, cheerful colors
Cons
- Reported as quiet – but not silent!
- cage Fixings are temperamental
Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel
Check Price on Amazon
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Super Silent 10-Inch Hamster Wheel - Niteangel Silent Spinner Hamster wheel designed with Dual Ball bearings, it brings your little hamster endless running happiness, also brings you a quiet night even if your hamster on the race track to run & hamster wheel is spinning
- Must-have hamster cage accessories - Your furry critter will love this hamster wheel Toy as Hamsters love the hamster rolling wheel like a runner to help them to broken boredom & enrich their nighttime, also keep them to exercise for maintaining their strength and well-being
- Comfort Hamster Wheel - Reasonable Size of Running Drum & Wide Running track brings a relax back feeling, as they do not need to bend their back when running, let them enjoy their endless running time, help them to build own muscle, keep them happy & mental well-being
- Adjustable Height & Solid Base - Designed for your pet to get in or out securely & easy to access, Variable height is between 1-inch (ca. 2.5cm) and 4-inch(ca. 10cm) bottom height, you can adjust the height of the hamster wheel's running drum to fit the species of pets you cared for or the height of the bedding materials you used. The solid base design brings your convenience when using a DIY cage, terrarium, glass tank, or set it down on a platform
- Durable Toy & Cute Decor - Made with PS plastic (Running Drum) & Acrylic(Base of hamster wheel), high transparent & chewing-resistance, sturdy Design achieves a reliable standing & support when running or walking. More colors available to choose, bring fresh things on your habitats decor
Pros
- Range of sizes available. Small , Medium and Large
- Adjustable hieight and solid base
- very durable
- Near silent
- They come in bright, cheerful colors
Cons
- Be sure to order the right size for your hamster – not really a reason not to buy.
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.
Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel
Check Price on Amazon
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Super Silent 10-Inch Hamster Wheel - Niteangel Silent Spinner Hamster wheel designed with Dual Ball bearings, it brings your little hamster endless running happiness, also brings you a quiet night even if your hamster on the race track to run & hamster wheel is spinning
- Must-have hamster cage accessories - Your furry critter will love this hamster wheel Toy as Hamsters love the hamster rolling wheel like a runner to help them to broken boredom & enrich their nighttime, also keep them to exercise for maintaining their strength and well-being
- Comfort Hamster Wheel - Reasonable Size of Running Drum & Wide Running track brings a relax back feeling, as they do not need to bend their back when running, let them enjoy their endless running time, help them to build own muscle, keep them happy & mental well-being
- Adjustable Height & Solid Base - Designed for your pet to get in or out securely & easy to access, Variable height is between 1-inch (ca. 2.5cm) and 4-inch(ca. 10cm) bottom height, you can adjust the height of the hamster wheel's running drum to fit the species of pets you cared for or the height of the bedding materials you used. The solid base design brings your convenience when using a DIY cage, terrarium, glass tank, or set it down on a platform
- Durable Toy & Cute Decor - Made with PS plastic (Running Drum) & Acrylic(Base of hamster wheel), high transparent & chewing-resistance, sturdy Design achieves a reliable standing & support when running or walking. More colors available to choose, bring fresh things on your habitats decor
Pros
- Range of sizes available. Small , Medium and Large
- Adjustable hieight and solid base
- very durable
- Near silent
- They come in bright, cheerful colors
Cons
- Be sure to order the right size for your hamster – not really a reason not to buy.
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 🙂
Kaytee Comfort Wheel
Check Price on Amazon
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Can be free standing or attached to wire cage
- For pet rats, chinchillas, and hedgehogs
- Encourages healthy exercise
- 12" Diameter
- Colors vary
Pros
- 21.59 cm diameter – nice and roomy for bigger hamsters
- One of the most popular wheels available
- Can stand-alone or be mounted to a side cage
- Has a special ‘tail-safe’ feature
Cons
- Can be tricky to attach to a cage
- Not the quietest wheel
Kaytee Silent Spinner Large Exercise Wheel
Check Price on Amazon
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Specially designed for quiet spinning
- Encourages healthy exercise
- 10" diameter
- Best for Syrian or large breed hamsters, sugar gliders and gerbils
- Free standing or attach directly to any wire cage
Pros
- 10″ diameter. good size for a larger hamster.
- Available in bright colors
- Pretty quiet
Cons
- Stability is not as good when on the stand
- Not completely silent as advertised, but pretty quient still!
Kaytee Silent Spinner Giant Exercise Wheel
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Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Specially designed for quiet spinning
- Encourage healthy exercise
- Available in assorted colors
- Best for Chinchillas, Pet Rats or Hedgehogs
- 12" diameter
Pros
- 10″ diameter. good size for a larger hamster.
- Available in bright colors
- Pretty quiet
Cons
- Stability is not as good when on the stand
- Not completely silent as advertised, but pretty quient still!
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!
Petzilla Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel Silent Spinner
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Manufacturers Specs and Features
- This exercise wheel encourages healthy exercise for pet hamsters, mice, gerbils and other small animals
- A stand included for independent use. Also includes cage attachment for mounting.
- 100% silent spinner and no noise. The wheel rolls smoothly and silently.
- Solid running surface for delicate paws, no pinch areas. Running tracks for non-slip, excellent grip.
- Made of wood and pet safe materials. Resistant to odors
Pros
- 2 Sizes available
- Eco Friendly construction
- non slip with excellent grip
Cons
- Not as stable when on the stand
- There are easier wheels to clean
NEWCOMDIGI Silent Runner Wooden Exercise Wheel
Check Price on Amazon
Manufacturers Specs and Features
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL---Made of quality wood material, eco-friendly, non-toxic and safe to your pets.
- PERFECT DESIGN---Particularly smooth motion and quiet due to ball-bearing, providing a funny place for pets to play and rest.
- USEFUL TOY---Exercise Wheel helps your hamster to exercise more and keep balance and flexibility.
- APPLICATION---Ideal for Hamster, Gerbil, Chinchilla, Hedgehog, Mouse and other small furry animals.
- PACKAGE INCLUDE: 1 x Exercise Wheel.
Pros
- 2 Sizes available
- Eco Friendly construction
- Really quiet
Cons
- A bit more expensive than plastic options
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.
Ware Manufacturing Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel for Small Pets
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Manufacturers Specs and Features
- Additional supplies
- Plastic
- Small animal exercise wheels & tubes
- Your Pet Will Love to Run on The Flying Saucer Exercise Wheel
- Solid Running Surface is Great for Small Pets
Pros
- 10″ diameter. good size for a larger hamster.
- Available in bright colors
- Pretty quiet
Cons
- Stability is not as good when on the stand
- Not completely silent as advertised, but pretty quient still!
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:
