How to choose a hamster wheel: useful tips

Why does your hamster need a running wheel?

1. The animal trains its muscles, including the heart, keeps itself in healthy shape and at the same time is in its home cage.
2. A cage equipped with a wheel brings his home closer to natural conditions, in which he runs for more than ten kilometers.
3. You extend the life of your pet.
4. Realizing that he was given a new toy with care for him, the hamster will reciprocate your feelings and will be affectionate and playful.

You can buy running wheels at special pet stores. We will tell you what types of running machines there are for hamsters in our article.

Upgraded wheels

After using the wheel for a short time, many owners complain about extraneous squeaks or noises that the running wheels begin to create. If a metal wheel squeaks, you can lubricate it with vegetable oil, and the extraneous sounds will recede. In addition, the running wheel can be improved to make it as silent and useful as possible.

Some owners come up with a hamster wheel with a generator, so that the rodent spends its running time with benefit not only for itself, but also for its owner’s environment. Often these things are made by hand, since they do not require a lot of effort and technical steps, allowing you to get electricity for small purposes like charging a mobile phone, which an active rodent can handle.

Another way to reduce noise from a running wheel is to replace the plastic mount with a bearing. Then the wheel will work silently, and will also delight the owners with an additional bonus, since such an invention can be used as a generator.

Types of running wheels for hamsters

Hamsters of different breeds can be very tiny, from 4.5 cm to large individuals reaching 34 cm in length. Accordingly, some are lighter, others are heavier. Depending on the type of your hamster, you should select a running wheel for your pet.

Which wheel you choose for your hamster’s home will depend not only on its health, but also on its safety. Agree, if you buy a small wheel for a large hamster, and a huge one for a miniature one, then your animals will not be able to run on this simulator.

So the first thing you need to do is decide on the diameter of the running wheel.

For example, for Djungarian hamsters or for a Syrian baby, the diameter of the wheel should be a minimum of 14 cm and a maximum of 16 cm.

An adult Syrian hamster needs wheels more than 18 cm in diameter.

The track in the wheel must be of sufficient width. If its width is not enough, the hamster may fly out of the wheel. For example, for miniature dwarf breeds, a width of 5 cm will be enough, but for Syrian hamsters, the width of the wheel should be at least 7 cm.

The trainer should be the size of your rodent. If you have not chosen the correct diameter of the treadmill, then your baby will squeeze, stumble and get injured in the small wheel. It's hard for kids to run in a wheel that's too big. They have difficulty rotating it and, as a result, will stop using it altogether.

Not only the comfort of your hamster, but also the health of your pet depends on a correctly selected wheel. The consequences of incorrectly purchased running wheels can be sad. Spinal injuries, dislocations of limbs and even fractures are possible.

Running wheels are:

• plastic;
• metal;
• wooden;
• combined.

One of the disadvantages of metal running wheels is that they tend to squeak over time. Considering that your animal loves a nocturnal lifestyle, it will train in its wheel at night. Your sleep and a squeaky wheel don't go well together, would you agree?

The plastic running wheel is quiet and comfortable enough for a hamster to run. The main thing is that the treadmill has small ribs that the little athlete can cling to and not slip off.

Running wheels made from a combination of plastic and metal materials have proven themselves. The wheel itself is made of plastic, and the stand is metal. This is a silent and lightweight design with a reliable metal support.

Important! The treadmill must have traction for the limbs. It doesn't have to be smooth. The hamster will slide and will not be able to push off and, as a result, is likely to fly off the wheel while running.

Basically, lattice, mesh and wooden running toys for hamsters are common. If the wheel has a metal mesh, then the cells should be small so that the furry paws do not fall into them.

Important! The gap between the rotating working part of the surface of the simulator and the fastening of the wheel stand axle must be more than one centimeter. Otherwise, the hamster runs the risk of cutting off its leg, as the limb may get stuck in a narrow space, in which case the “scissors effect” is obtained.

The safest exercise machines are running wheels made of wood. They are also the most expensive.

The only negative is that from time to time the hamster can sharpen its teeth on its treadmill, but this will not cause any harm to its health.

Methods for attaching running wheels

1. Hinged - screwed with special fasteners or ordinary wire to the cage lattice. This option is suitable for small cells. During hamster training, there may be sounds of the wheel tapping on the mesh of your pet's home.
2. Floor-standing - these wheels stand on a floor stand and fit well into a spacious cage. The main disadvantage is that they are not entirely stable.
3. On a stand with floor mounting - this method of mounting is more reliable. The stand attaches securely to the cage floor. This is the safest simulator.

What types of simulators are there?

A hamster running wheel is a wide circle in which the animal runs. A kind of mechanical closed treadmill. All toys differ in their cost, the material from which they are made, size and method of attachment.

The following materials are used to make the toy:

1. Tree. Wooden exercise machines are rarely found on sale due to their high cost. But your hamster can chew on a wooden circle without harm to its health.
2. Metal. Painted stainless steel treadmills can be found in any store. Such a simulator is inexpensive, it is durable, but over time it begins to creak.
3. Plastic. Plastic toys for hamsters are available in a wide range of pet stores. It is important that the price range is extremely wide: from very cheap to very expensive. Therefore, everyone will be able to choose this piece of furniture for the cage, based on their financial capabilities.

Some manufacturers combine various materials to make hamster furniture. For example, the stand and hoops are made of metal, and the treadmill itself is made of wood.

The diameter of the circle also varies, from 14 to 28 cm. Small structures are well suited for the Djungarian hamster and Roborovsky hamsters. And for Syrians, the diameter of the circle is made 1.5 - 2 times larger.

Now let’s look at the classification of toys according to the type of fastening in the cage:

• exercise machine with stand. The supporting part stands on the floor, and supporting spokes extend from it to the central axis. They can go straight up or form an arc. This design is typical for metal and wooden simulators;
• hanging treadmill. The wheel is attached to the bars of the cage without touching the floor. This design is very stable and convenient, helping to save space in the hamster’s apartment. Hanging mount is typical for plastic toys.

If your pet's cage is very spacious, you can buy a running circle instead of a wheel. This is a rotating plate on a stand, fixed at an angle. But running wheels are a more common option; they are already a classic.

This is what the wheel on the stand for a Syrian hamster looks like:

Buying running wheels - what to consider?

It is good to purchase a trainer together with your pet. This will save, firstly, from mistakes in choosing the wheel size, and secondly, you will see how comfortable your animal is in it. You will appreciate the size of the feet and cells on the treadmills. You need to balance the rodent and the size of the path. You will immediately understand whether your furry pet likes the new toy. And, of course, evaluate his safety on the treadmill - does he fall, does his paws get stuck, does he stumble, and so on.

When choosing an active toy, choose a comfortable and spacious running wheel for your small pet, with a protected surface that prevents injury.

A more durable option, of course, is metal structures with a good running surface.

The pricing policy for treadmills ranges from 100 to 3000 rubles. Please note that cheaper treadmills wear out quickly. There are many good quality running wheels available at reasonable prices.

There are a wide variety of companies that manufacture treadmills for pet rodents. Toys for pets are popular, including running wheels for hamsters, the following, “Ferplast”, “Trixie”, “Beeztees”, “Darell”.

In addition to the fact that there are many types of treadmills for rodents in stores, you can make such a wheel yourself.

Some owners make running wheels for hamsters and connect a generator to it. While running, the hamster spins the exercise machine and generates electricity. Of course, it cannot illuminate your entire home, but an active rodent will be able to charge a mobile phone.

Buy a wheel for your hamster and you will be sure that he will live an energetic and fulfilling life!

How to choose the right hamster wheel?

Exercise machines for the Syrian hamster and the Djungarian hamster are fundamentally different only in their size. The pet should not be cramped - this is the main rule. For a Djungarian hamster, it is better to choose a small wheel, the minimum diameter of which is 14 cm. But the optimal size of the circle is 16 cm. A representative of the Syrian breed requires a larger toy. It should not be less than 18 cm, otherwise the fluffy will be uncomfortable. It is better to choose a circle with a diameter of 20-24 cm for a Syrian.

The width of the treadmill is also important. If you have a Djungarian, then the width of the wheel should be 5 cm, and if you have a Syrian, then 7. If the track is narrower than the given parameters, the Khoma may fall off the simulator at full speed and hurt himself.

What other nuances should you pay attention to when choosing an attraction?

1. Structural strength. The exercise machine should not have a thick body and wobble, otherwise it will quickly break.
2. Reliability of fastening. The stand must be stable. When choosing a side-mounted wheel, check that the screw is tightened securely.
3. Ease of rotation. Before purchasing, check how easily the wheel rotates. To do this, push it with your hand from top to bottom several times. If the exercise machine is tight, home will not like to exercise on it.
4. Treadmill. It’s better not to buy wheels with widely spaced bars, because the furry’s legs will fall through, and this can lead to injuries. Pay attention to those models that have a solid or mesh treadmill. In the case of a solid surface, it is better if there are slats on it, against which the hamster would push off when running.

A hamster running wheel can cost different things. It depends on the material, quality and brand. Do you know how much this toy costs? The price range is from 100 to 3000 rubles. But don’t go cheap and don’t buy the cheapest plastic toys: they won’t last long. It is better to opt for models with an average price.

The photo shows a wheel with a mesh track.

How to make a running wheel for a hamster with your own hands?

The hamster wheel is rightfully a favorite exercise machine for both the animal and the owner. It is silent and helps the animal to splash out energy without disturbing a person’s peace. You can buy an inexpensive option in the store. But there is a method of manual production, which is not as difficult as it seems at first glance.

Instructions for making a wheel

Make markings on a plywood sheet

Use a compass to draw a circle. If you don’t have a tool, you can build one with your own hands, for example, from pencils, an eraser and an eraser. The optimal radius of the circle is considered to be 11 cm. This will be the outer side of the wheel, and the 10 cm circle drawn inside the first circle will be the inner one.

The process of cutting out the base and ring

For such purposes, you can use a jigsaw. First you need to cut out a circle with a larger diameter, and from it a smaller circle. In order for the structure to be strong, a circle with a diameter of 12 cm externally and 9 cm internally will be required to strengthen it. After the cutting procedure, the inner circle will not be useful. A number of additional parts can be made from it.

The inner circle part is used to create the rotation mechanism of the wheel. Another function of the part is to attach it to the cage, or more precisely, to the rods. The ideal shape would be a trapezoid with dimensions of 6 cm for the side, 2 cm for the top and 4 cm for the bottom of the figure. At the bottom of the figure, do not forget to make holes to which it will cling with a rope.

The next stage will be working with bamboo wallpaper. The following markings need to be made on the product: length 11 cm, width 66.5 cm. You will need 2 strips with such markings. They must be glued in such a way as to reduce the risk of the animal coming into contact with the adhesive part: this may be unsafe.

Wallpaper can be glued using a non-toxic version of wood glue and a regular brush. Next, you need to let the running structure dry completely.

Hard drive disassembly

In order to remove the necessary parts from the hard drive, it needs to be broken. The disk is necessary to remove the bearing, which will become the main rotation mechanism.

If you have an unnecessary spinner, you can try using a bearing from it.

Then you will need the base for the wheel again. Using a drill, a hole is made in the center of the part, the diameter of which will coincide with the size of the bearing hole.

Then you need to insert the bearing into the prepared hole and work out the place where it will come into contact with the plywood. Use hot glue to secure the parts together.

Attach the ring, 12 cm in diameter, to the base using nails for better fastening. All that remains is to attach the disc part, which has the shape of a crescent, to the trapezoid-shaped element.

Moreover, the fastening should be such that the edges of the month are ultimately attached to the top of the trapezoid. And the tail part of the structure remained outside. Afterwards it needs to be attached to the bearing on the base of the wheel. After attaching the wheel, it is important to check its rotation yourself: it should be easy.

For maximum smoothness of the surfaces of the simulator, you need to treat it with sandpaper. This will help avoid unnecessary injuries and cuts to the animal.

The last stage is attaching the simulator to the cage. This can be done using strong wire. It needs to be threaded through those 2 holes at the bottom of the trapezoid and firmly fixed to the rods.

DIY plastic wheel

There is another option for a homemade exercise machine not made from metal and wooden structures, but using plastic. You will need a plastic CD case and a curved dowel. The degree of inclination should not be less than 90 degrees. Tools that will be useful are a drill, an awl and a jigsaw.

The method of manufacturing a structure consists of the following steps:

1. Take the box out of the plastic and measure a distance of 5 cm from the top of it.
2. Then you need to draw a straight line around the entire circumference of the box. Using a jigsaw, moving along the intended path, carefully cut it.
3. At the next stage, you will need to take a drill with a diameter of 0.6 cm. Using a drill, you need to make a series of holes.
4. Then use an awl to push holes across the entire surface of the box. They should not exceed 0.3 cm in diameter. The distance between the holes themselves is no more than 5 mm. Punctures should be located exclusively on the outside of the structure.
5. Go over the cut areas with sandpaper to level the surface for the safety of the animal.
6. Then insert the dowel into the center of the box and firmly secure the structure to the cage. To do this, you can use wire or hot glue.

Wheel - generator

Other owners with good imagination use other methods of making a simulator for a pet friend. The wheel in the form of a generator is safe for the animal, and looks very original.

Following the instructions, even a beginner can make it:

The optimal starting tool will be the old drive. Thanks to the convenient design, no additional saw is required, which will simplify the task of assembling the structure. Stages of work:

• Remove the casing from the drive, and then the remaining parts. The task is to go into the house to remove the required bearing.
• If the space between the bars of your existing wheel is too wide, a transparent film will help solve the problem. She needs to wrap the surface of the product tightly.
• The bearing can be attached using a regular disc. Ideally it should be transparent. The disk is attached to the wheel using glue.
• Then attach the previously drawn bearing to the disk.
• Attach the device to the cage in any convenient and, most importantly, safe way for the hamster.