The Different Types of Hamster Wheels

Hamsters are natural runners, and giving them a safe hamster wheel also known as a running wheel, allows them to exercise. In the wild, hamsters travel several miles each night in search of food. In captivity, some hamsters run up to eight kilometers a night on their wheels, making them essential for all hamsters.

Hamster Wheel Surfaces

The best type of hamster wheel has a solid surface that either attaches to the side of the cage or comes with a stand. These wheels are typically made of plastic and may be flat or shaped like half a tube. Solid surface wheels are preferable to wire wheels because little feet and legs can get injured between wires, and they are easier to clean than metal options.

Noise Levels

Hamsters are nocturnal, so they will use their wheels a lot at night while you sleep. Some brands are quieter than others. If you have a squeaky wheel, place a few drops of vegetable oil where it spins.

Sizes of Wheels

The size of the hamster wheel depends on your hamster's size when fully grown. The hamster should run in the wheel without arching its back too much. If the wheel is too big, it will be hard for the hamster to run and move the wheel. When given a choice, a hamster will prefer a larger wheel, with a 14-inch diameter being a favorite according to preference tests.

Safe Options

• Wodent Wheel: A popular, ASPCA-approved wheel. The wheel is free standing and the unique front is semi-solid with holes for access (but also susceptible to being chewed).
• Silent Spinner: This wheel is available in three sizes. It uses ball bearings for quiet operation and can be used standing free or attached to the cage bars.
• Comfort Wheel: The Comfort Wheel comes in a few sizes and can be used as a free-standing wheel or attached to the cage.
• Flying Saucer: This isn't your typical hamster wheel. It's a plastic, angled saucer that spins and provides a running surface as opposed to an enclosed wheel.

The following wheels expand your hamster's modular home by attaching externally. However, these wheels have similar issues to plastic modular cages they are poorly ventilated, potentially causing your hamster to overheat, and they are difficult to clean. Most people need to completely disassemble the cage regularly or use baby bottle brushes to clean these wheels and the tubes.

• CritterTrail Snap-On Comfort Wheel: This is an enclosed wheel that attaches to the side of CritterTrail system cages as well as CritterTrail Fun-nel tubes. It is a fairly small wheel and is not recommended for Syrian and other larger hamsters.
• S.A.M. Workout Wheel: This wheel is compatible with S.A.M. cage systems. It attaches to the outside of the cage and is only suitable for dwarf hamsters due to its small size.
• CritterTrail X Exercise Wheel: This is a unique-looking wheel from CritterTrail that attaches via a Fun-nel tube. It is a smaller wheel so just like the other modular cage wheel options, it is best suited for a dwarf hamster. 

Alternatives

Hamster balls for exercise outside the cage are popular but should not replace a hamster wheel. They come as simple balls, wheel shapes that propel a car frame, and other novelty shapes. There is also a track system to contain your hamster's movements. Avoid leaving a hamster in a ball for too long (15 to 20 minutes is enough) as they may overheat and create a mess if they urinate or defecate. Also, never use them around stairs.